Such a concrete illustration is one possibility for arousing interest.

Or, I might proceed with a few definite, pointed questions: 

“How many of you eighteen boys and girls fasted this month?”

The answers show that seven have fasted; eleven have not.

I proceed then to inquire why the eleven have failed to fast.  Various explanations are offered: 

“Oh, I forgot.”

“We don’t fast in our home.”

“Father has to work all day Sunday; and so, because mother has to get breakfast for him, we all eat.”

“I have a headache if I fast, so I think it is better not to.”

“I don’t see any use in fasting.  Going around with a long, hungry face can’t help anyone.”

“It’s easy to fast when they won’t give you anything to eat.”

“I like to fast just to show myself that I don’t live to be eating all the time.”

“I believe it’s a good thing to give the body a little rest once in a while.”

“I feel different when I fast—­more spiritual or something.”

“It must be right to fast.  The Church wouldn’t ask us to if it wasn’t a good thing.”

The definiteness of these replies, coupled with the suspense of wondering what the next answer will be, keeps up a lively interest.

A third possibility would be to call for the experiences of the pupils, or experiences which have occurred in their families, or concerning which they have read.  A very rich compilation of interesting material can be collected under such a scheme.

Or, finally, I may choose to proceed immediately with a vigorous analysis and discussion of the whole problem.  I arouse interest by quoting a friend who has put the query to me, “What is the use of fasting?” and then enlist the cooperation of the class in formulating a reply.  Together we work out the possible justification of fasting.

The following outline may represent the line of our thought: 

1.  Jesus taught us to fast.
  a.  His forty days in the wilderness.
  b.  His injunction to his apostles.

2.  Our leaders have instituted fasting in these latter days.

3.  By fasting we develop a mastery over our appetites.  The body is made to serve the will.

4.  Physiologically, it is a good thing to fast.  Many scientists are now recommending regular rests for the digestive organs.

5.  Fasting makes possible an elevation of spirit.

6.  Our system of fasting makes it possible to see that no one in the Church wants for food.

7.  Fasting enables us to appreciate the feelings of those who are less fortunate in the world than we are, who are denied the blessings we enjoy.

Of course, each idea needs to be introduced and developed in a concrete, vigorous manner.  So treated, fasting can be made a very fascinating subject.

The following suggestions on introducing the lesson on the Resurrection to little children have been drawn up by one of the most successful kindergarten teachers in the Church: