Pope’s fast for peace

Pope John Paul’s call for a day of prayer and fast for peace on December 14 goes beyond archaic piety. Coupled with the planned inter-faith day of prayer in Assisi in January, the pope is appealing for a demonstration of solidarity between the religions.

The timing of the day of prayer and fast was not arrived at randomly. December 14 is a Friday, a day historically associated with fasting and sacrifice in Catholicism. It is also the day before the end of the Muslim month of Ramadan, a season of prayer and fasting. Thus, the pope asks us to join Muslims in a symbolic show of fraternity in one God.

The practice of fasting goes back to the earliest days of the Church. For many Catholics, it has fallen into disuse. The pope did not indicate any specific type of fast, but one may presume that it would entail one main meal and two snacks only, as well as abstinence from meat and alcohol, for the day.

Although prayer for peace is the theme of December 14, the pope also makes a practical proposition: donate the money saved by fasting to a cause that promotes peace.

Announcing the day of prayer and fasting, the pope said: “Prayer gains strength when it is accompanied by fasting and almsgiving.” This is amplified particularly during the holy seasons of Advent and Lent.

The plan for an inter-faith of prayer on January 24 recalls the unprecedented day of prayer for peace in Assisi in 1986. Many in the Church have speculated why this exercise had not been repeated. Indeed, several delegates speaking at the recent Synod for Bishops advocated a repeat of the event. The pope has evidently taken their cue.

Religion has always been a pretext for terror and war. The day of prayer will present to the world an unaccustomed symbol, a bond between the religions that does not acquiesce in violence among peoples.

One may regard such an assembly of religious leaders as a powerful lobby group, which says: “We, the people of God, will not tolerare way any longer.”

Sceptics may say that prayers for peace, even when such endeavours have been concerted, have not eradicated war. One might stand this argument on its head, and wonder how much more war there might be if believers were to cease imploring God for peace.

Certainly, the years following Assisi ’86 saw many conflicts–the Cold War, civil strife in Central America, apartheid in South Africa–fade away. However, other wars and hostilities have arisen since. These need our prayers.

The Church in South Africa is called to hear the pope’s call for prayer on December 14. Much work must be done before–by the bishops, priests, religious and the laity–in order for all Catholics to join the pope in prayer and fast.