Hunger and Thirst in Peace

We take a slight departure from our Lectio Divina this week because we are on a cleansing fast. Food and the constant reminders of what you are NOT eating this week will serve as the prompt to bring Beatitude #4 and your intentions to mind. 

This is also an opportunity to pay more attention to your body’s signals. As the Fast progresses, you may actually feel hunger. Take note and remember what it feels like to have hunger dictate eating instead of  eating because of the time of day, stress, boredom or anything else. Pay attention to when you feel fatigued and the effect of nourishing foods on the tiredness. Pay attention to any digestive sensations (I.e gas, bloating) and what preceded the episodes. Notice if you sleep better. Notice your skin. Be sure to record anything noteworthy in your Notebook.

Also- notice your poop!  At the website for Christian fasting there is a section on colon cleansing.  The section on enemas is important since a cleansing fast will only cleanse if the toxins are able to exit the body. This is a week of cleansing.

This is a week of sanctifying (making sacred) your intentions.  Review them throughout the week. Have an attitude of expectation but at the same time be gentle with yourself. This Beatitude marks the end of striving and the beginning of grace. Your focus is not to change yourself but to open yourself. You are not striving but receiving. Lay the foundation for the miraculous by hungering and thirsting for the spiritual.  So, as you recall the Fourth Beatitude and as you pray this week, Pray in peace. Cultivate and create peace. Since you have to slow down anyway -receive peace. Hunger and thirst in peace.