Fasting and Abstinence

Why Fast and Abstain?

Fast and Abstinence is one of the 3 essential tools that the Church invites us to consider during Lent particularly, and on a Penitential day (every Friday during the year). In a previous post in this series called Lenten Customs and Traditions, I discussed what fast and abstinence entailed according to the Church's decree (Ash Wednesday and Good Friday).  If you missed this post, why not refer to it.

Why does the Church encourage us to fast during Lent specifically?  Fasting and Abstinence are hallmarks of Lent. Fasting and Abstinence discipline the body to rely less on the things of the world, in order to create within us a clear-headed dependence on God, whose love fulfils every need. There are 2 aspects of fasting and abstinence. 

1. By fasting in a spirit of penance, we can fast from what is essentially good to demonstrate our preference for the higher good of an uncluttered relationship with God. For example, we may not watch our favourite TV programme in order to use that time to pray personally, or to worship in our parish community ( eg Attend weekday Mass, Stations of the Cross)
2. By abstaining in a spirit of penance from habits that hinder us, and excesses that we struggle to withdraw from, we grow in holiness through God's grace.

PURPOSE OF FASTING AND ABSTINENCE

We do not fast or abstain just because it is Lent, or just because the Church decrees.  Fasting and Abstinence has the following purpose:

• Removes the distractions that keeps us from the presence of God 
• Helps us deepen our prayer.
• Opens our hearts for charity.
• Makes us aware of our body and its cravings.
• Identifies us with the poor and hungry.
• Strengthens our resolve.
• Clears our head to make us more attentive in prayer and more thoughtful of others.
• Gives us more energy for service to others.

The third verse of ' May this Lenten Discipline' by James Phillip McAuley (1917-1976) sum up the purpose of fasting and abstinence succinctly as follows:

'As we keep this Lent with Prayer

and from pleasures are withdrawn,

minds and bodies we prepare

for the joy of Easter dawn'.

WHAT IS FAST AND ABSTINENCE.

Fasting and abstinence is not about show or putting someone else down because they do not fast according to your standards. This is not what God desires, nor what the Church approves.  Fasting from food/drink would be foolish for some people as it would place their health in jeopardy.  Matthew 6:16-18 is quite specific about what is appropriate behaviour.  

Fasting and abstinence, therefore is essentially a personal commitment with God, although it can be achieved in a communal setting. I had this experience at World Youth Day in August 2000. I did not intend to fast or abstain from food, but due to administrative problems on the pilgrim walk, I missed out on my food rations.  I have to say that my desire to see Pope John Paul 11 and to complete the 19km walk in 47 degree heat far outweighed my hunger.

Let us make our Lenten commitment with Father God and allow Him who sees all that we do in secret reward us. 

May we journey through Lent singing in our hearts the refrain of this above mentioned hymn:

'May this Lenten discipline

which we undertake with love

turn our minds to things above.'