Why should we fast?

March 7, 2025 – Friday after Ash Wednesday

Click here for the readings (https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/030725.cfm)

Fasting has its health benefits. Not just in losing weight but also in improving blood sugar control and reducing inflammation within the body. Still, there are other benefits that we can get from fasting that would be good for our brain, heart and other organs.

Yet, more than these health benefits, since the ancient times fasting has a big spiritual significance. Indeed, fasting as a spiritual discipline is shared in many ancient religions.

This time of the year, our Season of Lent also coincides with the month-long fasting during the Ramadan of our Muslim brothers and sisters. This tells us how fasting helps the human spirit to have a higher or heightened spiritual consciousness.

For us Christians today, let us learn once again the meaning and invitations entailed in our fasting in this Season of Lent. Today’s liturgical readings teach us the right attitude and intention behind our fasting.

In the Gospel, the disciples of John the Baptist wondered why the disciples of Jesus were not observing fasting at that time. Jesus himself answered that there was no need for them to fast, because he was with them. The very presence of the Lord with them was a call for a celebration. Thus, fasting only happens as we wait for Jesus’ second coming. This is what we do now.

In the Book of Prophet Isaiah, we have heard the fierce voice of the prophet as he exhorted the people of his time. Many observed fasting but merely as a religious practice only. They were concerned of making others aware that they fast. However, that spiritual practice did not change their hearts. They remained corrupt. Their hearts unmoved to the poverty and hunger of others.

This kind of fasting and sacrifice do not find delight in the Lord. This is not acceptable at all. Prophet Isaiah told us that the Lord finds delight in our fasting when our fast gives freedom to those were bound unjustly and oppressed, when it unburdens those who are burdened by life, when it feeds the hungry, gives shelter to the homeless and gives clothing to the naked.

Fasting then, is not purely a personal spiritual affair but has a moral dimension. This means that the hunger we experience does not only purify our heart and mind. Fasting also allows us to respond and help concretely to the realities of suffering and injustice present in our community and society at large.

Let us remember this, when our fasting remains a personal devotion, it does not change us. We might be only faithful to what the Church says about fasting, but no real transformation from within.

Hence, it is equally important to discern the intentions we have when we fast. Do we only fast to lose weight? Do we fast in order to save money? Do we just do fasting because it is required by law? Or do we fast so that we become better and more compassionate Christians? Do we fast so that we become more available for God and for others?

 As we do fasting and abstinence even beyond what has been required of us, may this spiritual discipline will truly change our heart and mind into the likeness of Christ. Hinaut pa.