The spiritual significance of Catholic fasting and feasting

Catholic fasting and feasting have long been integral aspects of the Church’s liturgical calendar, reflecting a spiritual rhythm that mirrors the broader journey of Christian faith. These practices, deeply rooted in biblical traditions, have been adapted over centuries to foster spiritual growth, discipline, and solidarity within the faith community. Both fasting and feasting serve as tools to focus believers’ hearts and minds on God, using the bodily acts of abstinence and celebration to strengthen the soul.   

Fasting in Catholicism has roots in both the Old and New Testaments. In the Old Testament, fasting was seen as a way to express sorrow, penitence, and humility before God. Notable examples include Moses fasting on Mount Sinai (Exodus 34:28), the people of Nineveh repenting with a fast (Jonah 3:5-10), and David fasting as a sign of mourning (2 Samuel 12:16). In the New Testament, Jesus Himself fasted for 40 days in the desert as a preparation for His ministry (Matthew 4:1-11), setting the example for Christians to follow. 

Fasting in the Catholic Church is not just about abstaining from food but is also a call to spiritual purification and detachment from worldly distractions. The discipline of fasting serves to remind the faithful of their dependence on God for sustenance and helps us grow in self-control and humility. It is traditionally connected to penance, which is why it is often practiced during the liturgical seasons of Lent and Advent. 

The period of fasting during Lent recalls Jesus’ time of fasting in the desert and invites us to undertake a similar journey of reflection, repentance, and self-discipline. Catholics are required to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, which means limiting food intake to one full meal and two smaller meals that together do not equal the full meal. We are also asked to abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday and Fridays during Lent. 

Fasting, however, is not only limited to food. Many individuals take this time to fast from negative behaviors, such as gossip or greed, or from luxuries like television or social media, as part of their commitment to growing closer to God. Another form of fasting is abstinence, which is the voluntary renunciation of certain foods or pleasures. Abstinence from meat on Fridays (especially during Lent) is perhaps the most recognized example of this practice. The Catholic Church encourages such acts of self-denial as a means of cultivating a spirit of humility and recognizing the sacrifices made by Jesus. 

Feasting in contrast, is a celebration of God’s gifts, the joys of life, and the hope of eternal life. It is rooted in the tradition of thanksgiving and has both spiritual and communal aspects. Feasting is most prominently associated with the liturgical celebrations of Easter and Christmas, where the faithful gather in joy to mark the victory of Christ over sin and death, as well as His birth, respectively. These celebrations remind us of God’s abundant blessings and His ongoing work of salvation. The most significant feast in the Catholic Church is Easter, the celebration of the resurrection of Christ. It marks the end of the season of Lent and is celebrated with exuberance and joy, with Masses, music, and family gatherings. The Easter Vigil, held on Holy Saturday night, is a special liturgy in which the Church celebrates the resurrection of Christ through the lighting of the Paschal candle and the proclamation of the Easter message.   

Christmas is another major feast day, where we celebrate the birth of Christ. It is a time of gathering with family and friends, exchanging gifts, and sharing meals. During both Easter and Christmas, we often enjoy special foods that symbolize the abundance and joy of the season.   

Catholic fasting and feasting are deeply connected, as they reflect the balance between self-denial and joy. Fasting allows for a purification of the soul, an act of penance that prepares one to experience the fullness and joy in feasting. Catholic fasting and feasting serve to deepen the spiritual life, offering believers opportunities to grow closer to God through reflection, discipline, and celebration.   

Whether in the somberness of Lent or the joy of Easter, both practices invite us to embrace our faith more fully, uniting us in the shared rhythm of penance and celebration. Through these acts, we participate in the mystery of Christ’s life, death and resurrection, constantly being transformed by the grace of God. 

Fasting during Lent and Advent prepares us for feasting during Easter and Christmas. Fasting also prepares us to receive Christ in the Eucharistic banquet. These acts of fasting during our lifetime can serve as a bridge preparing us for our true hope—feasting at the eternal banquet, the Wedding Feast of the Lamb.