Fasting

Fasting is the practice of refraining from food and drink as an expression of interior penance, in imitation of Christ's fast of forty days in the desert. It is an ascetical practice recommended in Scripture, practiced by the Church since the Apostles, and sometimes required by Church precept, especially during Lent (CCC 538, 1434, 2043).

The Purpose of Fasting

Fasting serves multiple spiritual purposes: it is a bodily expression of contrition for sin; it strengthens the will against the desires of the flesh; it teaches dependence on God rather than created comforts; it frees the person from attachment to material goods and disposes the soul for prayer; and it expresses solidarity with those who go hungry (CCC 1434, 2043).

Church Requirements

The Church requires fasting on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday and abstinence from meat on all Fridays of Lent. Beyond the minimum, the Church encourages voluntary fasting throughout the year as part of the penitential life (CCC 2043).

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is the Church's fast? On days of fast (Ash Wednesday and Good Friday), Catholics age 18–59 are to have one full meal and two smaller meals that together do not equal one full meal, with no eating between meals. On days of abstinence, Catholics 14 and older abstain from meat (CCC 2043).

Why does fasting help prayer? Jesus linked fasting with prayer (Matthew 6:16–18). Fasting bodily creates an interior emptiness that makes room for God — the physical hunger becomes a symbol and vehicle for spiritual hunger. The body's discipline supports the soul's attention (CCC 1434, 538).