Fasting

Fasting has biblical roots and is a longstanding tradition in the Church. In this practice, we imitate Jesus’ response to temptation during His time in the desert, as well as many others throughout the Bible who fasted from food or drink for various lengths of time.

Fasting is an action that, when accompanied with prayer, can strengthen our faith life and help us draw nearer to God. Authentic fasting helps to remove our attachment to worldly things, reminds us that the things of this world are passing, allows us to offer its difficulty for various intentions, and helps us to be more open to receiving God’s gifts.

Choosing to give something up is a common practice among Catholics during the season of Lent. These Lenten fasts or sacrifices are voluntary.

The Church requires Catholics to fast from food on just two days per year: Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. On these days, those aged 18 to 59 may eat one full meal, as well as two small meals that together do not equal the size of a full meal. Traditionally, Catholics only ate one full meal, but this practice has changed over time to allow for the addition of two small meals.

Some individuals are excused from this obligation.

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) states:  

“Those that are excused from fast and abstinence outside the age limits include the physically or mentally ill including individuals suffering from chronic illnesses such as diabetes. Also excluded are pregnant or nursing women. In all cases, common sense should prevail, and ill persons should not further jeopardize their health by fasting.”

Abstinence

Abstinence is one of the oldest traditions of the Church, with its origin dating back to the first century. Abstaining from meat on Fridays has traditionally been observed to honor Christ, who sacrificed his own flesh on Good Friday. Since He sacrificed His flesh for us, we sacrifice eating meat in His honor. Traditionally, meat was also once considered a luxury, making abstinence a meaningful and simple sacrifice.

Abstinence is also a type of penance. Like the penance we may receive in the sacrament of Confession, abstaining from meat expresses our sorrow for sin, our intention to turn back to the Lord, and our resolve to do better. This act of self-denial unites us more closely with Jesus, who practiced the ultimate self-denial on the cross. This is also an opportunity to prioritize simplicity over luxury through our food choices.

During the Lenten season, Catholics aged 14 and older are obligated to abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday and all Fridays. Meat does not include fish or cold-blooded animals, as they are not considered part of the “fleshy meat” category.

For more information from the USCCB about fasting and abstinence, click here.

For an infographic that includes information about fasting and abstinence, click here.