Episode 2402: Fasting Outside of Lent: A Spiritual Discipline for All Seasons

Today, I am diving into the topic of fasting that was a topic of discussion with a friend of mine. I thought afterwords that her comment that we should not just during Lent but as a year-round spiritual discipline. I thought boy that would make for a good episode.
So I will explore why fasting is essential for our spiritual life, how we can incorporate it into our daily routines, and why many Catholics have drifted away from this practice after Vatican II. We’ll also discuss the modern Catholic Church's role, or lack thereof, in promoting and teaching this vital discipline. Finally, we’ll talk about our responsibility as faithful Catholics to educate and encourage others in the practice of fasting. Let’s begin with the powerful words of St. John Chrysostom, who said, “Fasting of the body is food for the soul.” This quote beautifully encapsulates the spiritual nourishment that fasting provides.

But before we get started lets start with a prayer:
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
Heavenly Father, we come before You with hearts open to Your guidance and wisdom. As we delve into the sacred practice of fasting, we ask for Your grace to embrace this discipline with sincerity and devotion. Grant us the strength to deny ourselves in order to draw closer to You, to purify our hearts, and to unite our sacrifices with the sufferings of Christ.
Holy Spirit, enlighten our minds and hearts during this discussion, that we may understand the true spiritual significance of fasting, and be inspired to live it out in our daily lives, not just in times of Lent but throughout the year. May our fasting be a powerful prayer rising to Heaven, interceding for the needs of the Church, our loved ones, and the world.
Blessed Mother Mary, who fasted with great humility and devotion, pray for us, that we may follow your example in all things, and that our fasting may bear fruit in our lives, leading us ever closer to your Son, Jesus Christ.
We ask this in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with the Father and the Holy Ghost, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
The Spiritual Importance of Fasting
Fasting is often associated with Lent, but it has a much broader application in the Christian life. The early Church Fathers, including St. John Chrysostom, St. Basil the Great, and St. Augustine, emphasized fasting as a means of spiritual growth, self-control, and penance. Fasting is not merely about depriving ourselves of food but about gaining mastery over our passions and redirecting our focus toward God.
St. Basil the Great once said, “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.” His words remind us that fasting has a transformative power, sharpening our spiritual senses and fortifying us against temptation.

Fasting as a Year-Round Discipline
While Lent is the most recognized period for fasting, the Church has long recommended fasting as a year-round practice. St. Francis of Assisi was known for his rigorous fasting, often abstaining from food for days at a time, not just during Lent. He saw fasting as a way to grow closer to God and to detach from worldly desires.
St. Thomas Aquinas also spoke about the benefits of fasting outside of Lent. He taught that fasting is a means of curbing the desires of the flesh, allowing the soul to pursue higher, spiritual goods. In his Summa Theologica, he explains that fasting is not just about physical discipline but about purifying the heart and mind, making us more receptive to God’s grace.
The Decline of Fasting After Vatican II
Many Catholics might wonder why the practice of fasting, especially outside of Lent, has declined since the Second Vatican Council. Several factors contribute to this shift, but a primary reason is the overall relaxation of fasting rules that took place after Vatican II. The council itself didn’t eliminate the practice of fasting, but the reforms that followed led to a simplification of Church disciplines, including fasting and abstinence.
Before Vatican II, fasting was a more integral part of Catholic life. There were stricter rules about fasting on certain days, such as Fridays and the vigils of major feasts, and abstinence from meat was more rigorously observed. However, after the council, the Church sought to make these practices more accessible, emphasizing the spirit rather than the letter of the law. This change, while well-intentioned, led many Catholics to view fasting as optional or less important.
Another reason for the decline is the cultural shift that occurred during and after the 1960s. As society became more focused on material comfort and instant gratification, the concept of self-denial and penance, which are central to fasting, became less appealing. This cultural change influenced the way many Catholics approached their faith, including traditional practices like fasting.
The modern emphasis on personal spirituality over communal disciplines also played a role. With a focus on individualism, many Catholics began to prioritize personal spiritual practices over traditional, communal ones like fasting, which were seen as outdated or overly rigid.
The Modern Church's Neglect of Fasting
One of the most concerning aspects of the modern Catholic Church is the lack of emphasis on fasting by its priests and bishops. Unfortunately, this neglect is not just a matter of preference but often stems from a lack of proper education and clerical training. Many modern priests are simply not taught the importance of fasting during their formation, and as a result, they do not pass this crucial spiritual discipline on to the faithful.
In the past, fasting was an integral part of the Church's teaching and practice, with priests and bishops leading by example. However, in recent decades, there has been a noticeable decline in the clergy's understanding and promotion of fasting. This is partly due to the modern seminary system, which, in many cases, has shifted its focus away from traditional disciplines like fasting in favor of more contemporary and often less rigorous spiritual practices.
This lack of emphasis on fasting from the clergy has had a profound impact on the laity. Without strong guidance and teaching from their spiritual leaders, many Catholics are unaware of the spiritual benefits of fasting or the Church’s rich tradition surrounding this practice. As a result, fasting has become almost forgotten in many parishes, with little to no encouragement from the pulpit.
Our Responsibility as Faithful Catholics
Given the current situation, it falls upon us, the faithful laity, to take up the mantle of teaching and encouraging others in the practice of fasting. We have a responsibility not only to live out this discipline ourselves but also to educate our fellow Catholics about its importance. The saints have shown us the way, but it’s up to us to keep this tradition alive.
We can start by gently encouraging our family and friends to consider fasting, sharing with them the spiritual benefits that we’ve discussed today. We can also support one another in our fasting practices, creating a sense of community around this ancient discipline. It’s essential to remember that fasting is not just a personal practice; it’s a communal one, rooted in the tradition of the Church.
By taking on this responsibility, we contribute to the spiritual renewal of the Church. As St. John Paul II once said, “The future of humanity depends in a special way on those who will have the courage to accept the challenge of making themselves free, by means of fasting, prayer, and almsgiving.” Let us rise to that challenge and help others do the same.
Fasting in Scripture
You know if it is important it has already been mentioned in Scripture our (Owners Manual) and it does so lets discuss a few passages:
Fasting is mentioned in several places in Scripture, emphasizing its spiritual importance and necessity. Here are a few key passages:
Matthew 6:16-18
"And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you."
In this passage, Jesus speaks about fasting as an expected practice, saying "when you fast," not "if you fast," indicating that fasting is a normative part of Christian life.

Matthew 9:14-15
"Then the disciples of John came to him, saying, 'Why do we and the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?' And Jesus said to them, 'Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast.'"
Jesus indicates that after His ascension, fasting would be necessary for His followers as part of their spiritual journey.
Joel 2:12-13
"Yet even now," declares the Lord, "return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments."
In this Old Testament passage, God calls the people to repentance through fasting, showing its importance in returning to God with sincere hearts.
Acts 13:2-3
"While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, 'Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.' Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off."
This passage shows the early Church engaging in fasting as part of their discernment process and preparation for ministry.
Isaiah 58:6-7
"Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh?"
Isaiah emphasizes that true fasting is not just about abstaining from food but also about acting justly and showing mercy, underlining the broader spiritual implications of fasting.
Practical Tips for Fasting Outside of Lent
So, how can we incorporate fasting into our lives outside of Lent? Here are some practical tips:
Start Small: Begin with one day a week, such as Fridays, which has traditionally been a day of penance in the Church. You can fast from one meal or choose to abstain from meat.
Offer It Up: As you fast, offer your hunger and discomfort as a prayer for a specific intention, whether it be for a loved one, the souls in purgatory, or your own spiritual growth.
Combine Fasting with Prayer: Fasting should always be accompanied by prayer. The two go hand in hand, deepening our relationship with God. Consider spending extra time in prayer or meditation on fasting days.
Be Consistent: Fasting is a discipline, and like any discipline, it requires consistency. Set a regular fasting schedule and stick to it, whether it’s weekly or monthly.
Seek Spiritual Guidance: If you’re new to fasting, or if you’re planning a more rigorous fast, it’s wise to seek guidance from a spiritual director or confessor.
Fasting as a Path to Holiness
The saints have shown us that fasting is a powerful tool on the path to holiness. St. John Vianney, the Curé of Ars, was known for his extreme fasting, eating little more than boiled potatoes. Yet, through this discipline, he was able to lead countless souls to Christ. He said, “Private prayer is like straw scattered here and there: If you set it on fire, it makes a lot of little flames. But gather these straws into a bundle and light them, and you get a mighty fire, rising like a column into the sky; public prayer is like that.”
By fasting, we gather the “straws” of our sacrifices into a mighty fire of prayer and penance, rising to God. Let’s remember that fasting is not just for Lent; it’s a practice that can draw us closer to God all year round.
Conclusion:
As we’ve discussed today, fasting is a spiritual discipline that nourishes the soul, strengthens our resolve, and draws us closer to God. Although the practice of fasting has diminished since Vatican II, and is seldom encouraged or taught by many modern priests and bishops, we can revive this powerful tradition in our own lives. Moreover, we have the responsibility as faithful Catholics to educate and encourage others in this practice. By following the examples of the saints and incorporating fasting into our lives outside of Lent, we can grow in holiness and deepen our relationship with Christ. Let us take to heart the words of St. John Chrysostom and make fasting a regular part of our spiritual journey.

Thank you for joining me today. Until next time, may God bless you and keep you on the path of righteousness.