Today is the first day of the Nativity Fast, also known as Phillip’s Fast, and it is a time when we have to consider our priorities because everywhere we go, there is commercial Christmas music blaring and we suddenly feel trapped in this commercial holiday, almost unable to break free. This season is filled with unending Christmas parties and dinners at work , at school and many other places, so how are we to follow the Church’s fasting rules? I am afraid that many people just give up and flow with the secular tide. On the other hand, we must make an attempt to control ourselves, our passions, our behaviour so that we do not become like those of the mindless mob. We are encouraged to do the best we can and, if w fail, there is no excuse to give up the fast, but rather to join, once again, those who are trying to do the very best they can.
