"Fasting”

“FASTING”

Drawing Closer to God through Self-Denial

________________________________________

Introduction: Why Does the Church Ask Us to Fast?

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

In this sacred season of Lent, the Church invites us to walk a path of interior renewal. We are invited to deepen our relationship with God through the three great spiritual pillars: prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Today, we focus on fasting, the second spiritual pillar, a practice given by God not merely as a ritual, but to transform our hearts and lives.

Fasting is more than abstaining from food; it is an act of self-denial that creates space for God’s grace to work within us.

Through fasting, we acknowledge our dependence on God, discipline our desires, and open ourselves to spiritual renewal. It is a way to imitate Christ, who fasted in the desert, and to unite our small sacrifices with His great sacrifice for us.

Fasting is often misunderstood. Many think fasting is:

• merely skipping meals,

• a health practice,

• or an outdated religious rule.

But biblical fasting is none of these alone. Fasting is a spiritual weapon. It is a discipline of freedom. It is a way of telling God: “You matter more to me than my comforts.”

________________________________________

I. What Is Christian Fasting?

Christian fasting is not about punishing the body.

It is about training the heart.

In Scripture, fasting always has a purpose:

• repentance,

• humility,

• dependence on God,

• spiritual clarity.

Jesus assumes that His disciples will fast. He does not say “if you fast”; He says:

“When you fast…” (Matthew 6:16)

Fasting, therefore, is not optional for a serious Christian. It is part of discipleship.

St. Basil the Great says:

“Fasting gives birth to prophets and strengthens the powerful; fasting makes lawgivers wise.”

________________________________________

II. Biblical Foundations of Fasting:

Fasting appears throughout the Bible, underscoring its importance:

1. Old Testament:

Moses on Mount Sinai (Exodus 34:28): Moses fasted for 40 days and nights while receiving the Ten Commandments, illustrating fasting as a means of preparation for divine revelation.

Joel 2:12-13: "Yet even now," declares the Lord, "return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning." Here, fasting is associated with repentance and turning back to God.

2. New Testament:

Jesus' Example (Matthew 4:1-2): Before He began His ministry, Jesus fasted for 40 days in the wilderness, demonstrating fasting as a source of strength and a means of resisting temptation.

Teaching on Fasting (Matthew 6:16-18) Jesus mentions fasting as a private act of devotion rather than a public display, emphasising sincerity in our spiritual practice.

________________________________________

III. Insights from Saints and Theologians:

Fasting has been revered by many saints who echo its significance in our spiritual journey:

St. Augustine: "Fasting is the soul of prayer, and almsgiving is the lifeblood of fasting." Augustine highlights how fasting enhances our prayer life and connects it to acts of charity.

“Fasting cleanses the soul, raises the mind, subjects one’s flesh to the spirit, renders the heart contrite and humble, scatters the clouds of concupiscence, quenches the fire of lust, and kindles the true light of chastity.”

St. Teresa of Avila: "Prayer and fasting are like two wings of a bird: they help us soar closer to God." Teresa emphasises that fasting should accompany prayer to elevate our spiritual experience.

St. John Chrysostom: “Fasting is a medicine. Though it is rough and unpalatable, the medicine is necessary. Our flesh is wounded, full of ulcers, and needs treatment. Fasting is the remedy.”

St. Basil the Great: “Fasting gives birth to prophets and strengthens the powerful; fasting makes lawgivers wise. Fasting is a good safeguard for the soul, a steadfast companion for the body, a weapon for the valiant, and a gymnasium for athletes.”

Pope Francis: “Fasting makes sense if it really chips away at our security and, as a consequence, benefits someone else, if it helps us cultivate the style of the Good Samaritan, who bent down to his brother in need and took care of him.”

________________________________________

IV. Jesus Himself Fasted

Before beginning His public ministry, Jesus fasted for forty days and forty nights in the desert (Matthew 4:1–2).

Why did He fast?

• Not because He needed purification,

• but to teach us that spiritual victory requires self-denial.

Immediately after fasting, Jesus faced temptation—and overcame it.

Fasting prepares us for battle.

Without fasting, we are spiritually untrained.

________________________________________

V. Fasting and Spiritual Power

When the disciples failed to heal a possessed boy, they asked Jesus why. His answer was direct:

“This kind can be driven out only by prayer and fasting.” (Mark 9:29)

Some struggles in life:

• persistent sins,

• addictions,

• deep wounds,

• stubborn temptations,

Do not yield to casual prayer alone. They require sacrifice.

St. John Chrysostom teaches:

“Fasting is the change of every part of our life, because the sacrifice of fasting is not the body, but the soul.”