Fr. Slavko

Fr. Slavko Barbaric O.F.M. worked tirelessly to promote the messages the Blessed Mother gave in Medjugorje, particularly the messages on prayer and fasting.  The Blessed Mother urges us to fast each Wednesday and Friday on bread and water for the conversion of sinners.  She said that “prayers and fasting can prevent war and natural catastrophies.”

Let us pray and fast as the Blessed Mother has repeatedly asked us.

The following commentary on fasting is from Fr. Slavko’s book, “Fasting.”

“I pray that through fasting you will discover all the treasures that God has put inside you and that through fasting your longing for God will grow within you from day to day.”

In Medjugorje, the Madonna has asked to a return of fasting. In response to the question, “What is the best kind of fast?”   The Virgin responded, “Bread and water, of course.”

We recognize that bread and water is not the only way to fast, but it is the “best” way, according to the Madonna. One has to grow into “bread and water” fasting. If one has never fasted at all, it may be very discouraging to begin to fast on bread and water only, unless one receives a call from the Lord. There are other ways of fasting which will accomplish the same objective in us and, at the same time, help us to move towards the best fast. For example, self denial from certain foods, eating foods without seasoning, eating foods we dislike, skipping desserts, and simply eating considerably less at each meal are just a few ways of fasting related to food. The important thing is that we begin to fast in some way – now.

Our Lady invites us to fast on bread and water

In Medjugorje, however, there is an emphasis on fasting on bread and water, and there is a profound meaning to it.  Bread is the food of the poor. To have or not to have bread is one of the essential questions of our existence.

The Bible often speaks of bread. God provided bread (manna) for His people during their journey across the desert (cf. Ex 16). In His teachings, Jesus speaks of the bread that has come down from Heaven. An angel brought bread and a jar of water to the prophet Elija when he was exhausted from fatigue (cf. 1 Kings 19), and after eating and drinking, Elija regained his strength and continued his journey.

Is it not remarkable, on the other hand, that according to the Gospel, the poor are closest to Jesus? They ate with Him and followed Him and listened to His words. After speaking to a crowd, hungry not only for His words but also for bodily nourishment, Jesus multiplied the loaves (cf. Mk 8:1-9; Mt 15:32-39). By multiplying earthly bread, Jesus prepared the people for the Bread from Heaven.

The willingness to live on water and bread for one day shows a willingness to be poor before God, well-disposed towards His will. It means following in the footsteps of the prophets and in the footsteps of those who have been put to the test in order to give testimony to their faith.

Bread is the basic food for His people and at the same time bread is the symbol of life. Water is also irreplaceable in our life. Water is also a sign of spiritual purification. In these two truths the message is expressed: come back to life and live. Come out of your impurities and be pure. We are invited to live on bread and water two days a week. As the Madonna said, bread and water are the ideal fasting. The person who lives in this way, two days a week, is certainly doing something good to his body, spirit and soul.

Recipe for Medjugorje Bread

3 cups white flour

4 cups wheat flour

1 package dry yeast or three tablespoons of active yeast

1\2 cup of lukewarm water

2 cups of very hot water

1 beaten egg

1 tablespoon of salt

2 tablespoons of sugar

2 tablespoons of olive oil

1 teaspoon of butter

1 cup of raisins (or apple cut up into small pieces)

1 cup of almonds or walnuts

1 cup of plain oats

Blend flour in a large bowl. Make a well in the flour. After yeast dissolves in 1/2 cup of lukewarm water (5-10 minutes), add to flour. Mix flour over yeast mixture making soft balls. Add salt, sugar, butter, oil, raisins (or apples) and nuts, 1/2 beaten egg to 2 cups of hot water. Pour over yeast. Continually add flour and water as needed. Knead the dough until it comes clean from the bowl. Let it raise 10 minutes covered. Knead again until it has spring on it. Place in a well greased desired shapes. Brush the top with remaining egg and sesame seeds, oats, or poppy seeds, if desired. Bake at 375 degrees for 35 minutes, until done and golden brown. (Use the “wet knife” test).  Make 2 larger, or 3 medium loaves.

The quality of bread depends largely on the kind of flour used. A mixture of whole wheat flour and white flour can be used.

On fasting days it is crucial to drink a lot of water.

Fasting is easier when we ask God the day before for this grace, since to fast well is a grace we should not take for granted. As we ask our Father for “our daily bread,” let us humbly ask Him also for the gift of fasting on bread and water. To fast with the heart increases the power of our fast against evil, divisions and wars.

Source of the recipe:  Medjugorje The 90′S