Fasting and Abstinence: Understanding the Why and How

The Scriptural Roots of Fasting

Fasting, as a practice of self-denial, has its roots in the Bible. This tradition is firmly grounded in the Old Testament and is carried forward into the New Testament. For instance, in the book of Jonah, the city of Nineveh was spared because the people fasted and repented (Jonah 3:5-10). In the New Testament, Jesus himself fasted for forty days and forty nights in the desert (Matthew 4:1-2).

The Bible recommends fasting as a means of humbling oneself before God (Psalm 35:13) and a way to turn our minds towards God. Fasting, combined with prayer, is recommended as a religious exercise (Ezra 8:21).

The Church Teaches on Fasting and Abstinence

The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) upholds the practice of fasting and abstinence. It states, “The times and days of penance throughout the Church year are intended to prepare the faithful to celebrate the mysteries of the Lord’s passion and resurrection; they are in close relation with the sacraments, and they purify the heart of sin” (CCC 2043).

The Church, following the footsteps of Jesus and the Apostles, mandates fasting and abstinence at specified times of the year. Canon Law (Can. 1251) states, “Abstinence from meat, or from some other food as determined by the Episcopal Conference, is to be observed on all Fridays, unless a solemnity should fall on a Friday. Abstinence and fasting are to be observed on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.”

Fasting and Abstinence: The Why

The practice of fasting and abstinence allows us to participate in Jesus’ suffering, and it is a means of penance, showing our sorrow for our sins. As we read in the CCC, “The interior penance of the Christian can be expressed in many and various ways. Scripture and the Fathers insist above all on three forms, fasting, prayer, and almsgiving, which express conversion in relation to oneself, to God, and to others” (CCC 1434).

Fasting and abstinence are not merely punitive or disciplinary. They are transformative practices, designed to help us master our instincts, detach ourselves from worldly desires, and draw closer to God.

Fasting and Abstinence: The How

There are two primary ways in which the Church asks Catholics to deny themselves: fasting and abstinence.

Fasting refers to reducing the amount of food we eat. According to Canon Law, “The law of fasting allows only one full meal a day, but does not prohibit taking some food in the morning and evening” (Can. 1251).

Abstinence, on the other hand, traditionally refers to refraining from eating meat. The Church asks us to abstain from meat on all Fridays, unless a solemnity falls on a Friday, and on Ash Wednesday (Can. 1251).

Personalizing Fasting and Abstinence

While the Church provides guidelines for fasting and abstinence, Catholics are also encouraged to personalize these practices. St. John Paul II, in his Apostolic Letter “Paenitemini,” wrote, “It is up to the episcopal conferences to decide more detailed practical norms, and to ensure that they are observed.” The faithful can choose to fast or abstain from other activities, such as television or social media, to foster spiritual growth.

Conclusion

The practices of fasting and abstinence are not ends in themselves. Rather, they are means to an end—the deeper conversion of the heart to God. As the CCC reminds us, “The whole Church is a priestly people. Through Baptism all the faithful share in the priesthood of Christ. This participation is called the ‘common priesthood of the faithful.’ Based on this common priesthood and ordered to its service, there exists another participation in the mission of Christ: the ministry conferred by the sacrament of Holy Orders” (CCC 1591).

In participating in fasting and abstinence, we are living out our priestly calling, sharing in Christ’s redemptive work, and growing in holiness. These practices help us to turn our hearts away from our own desires and towards the love of God and our neighbor.

In the words of St. Augustine, “Fasting cleanses the soul, raises the mind, subjects one’s flesh to the spirit, renders the heart contrite and humble…” (Sermon 400:3). May our fasting and abstinence always be a means of grace, drawing us closer to the heart of God.

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Note: While content aims to align with Catholic teachings, any inconsistencies or errors are unintended. For precise understanding, always refer to authoritative sources like the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Always double-check any quotes for word-for-word accuracy with the Bible or the Catechism of the Catholic Church.