Fasting involves voluntarily reducing or abstaining from food to draw closer to God, exercise self-mastery, and unite oneself to Christ’s sufferings. Jesus said: “When you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites” (Matthew 6:16).
Moses fasted forty days on Sinai (Exodus 34:28). Elijah fasted forty days (1 Kings 19:8). The Ninevites fasted in repentance (Jonah 3:5). Christ Himself fasted forty days in the desert (Matthew 4:2).
The sick, pregnant women, nursing mothers, heavy laborers, and those with medical conditions are excused.
Lent is the Church’s primary fasting season. Beyond minimum requirements, Catholics are encouraged to voluntarily embrace additional fasting—giving up favorite foods, limiting entertainment, or fasting from complaints.
The faithful abstain from food and drink (except water and medicine) for at least one hour before receiving Holy Communion.
St Augustine wrote: “Fasting cleanses the soul, raises the mind, subjects the flesh to the spirit.” Fasting is a weapon against evil, as Christ said: “This kind can only come out through prayer and fasting” (Mark 9:29).