Furthermore

The following comes from Jeannie Dupont, administrative coordinator of our 40DFL campaign:

The question has arisen: Where does the Bible talk about fasting? The New Testament really tells us very little about how to fast, or maybe even why. There are no rules or guidelines. If we look at the references to fasting though, it becomes clear that the Jews held regular fasts. Jesus of course observed the Jewish traditions. The early Christians also fasted. I would propose that the lack of instruction on fasting in the New Testament implies that the practice was not at all unusual. It was assumed.

In preparation of his public ministry:

Matthew 4:2
[Jesus] fasted forty days and forty nights


A reminder of Who we’re fasting for:

Matthew 6:17
When you fast, see to it that you groom your hair and wash your face. In that way no one can see you are fasting but your Father who is hidden; and your Father who sees what is hidden will repay you.


What is fasting but a deliberate denial of ourselves?

Mark 8:34
If a man wishes to come after me, he must deny his very self, take up his cross, and follow in my steps.


When the apostles asked Jesus why they were unable to cast out a demon:

Mark 9:28 (Douay-Rheims Translation)
And [Jesus] said to them: This kind [of demon] can go out by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.


Fasting is a means to prepare ourselves for encountering the Lord:

Luke 2:37
[The prophetess Anna] was constantly in the temple, worshiping day and night in fasting and prayer.


Acts 13:2, 3
On one occasion, while [the apostles] were engaged in the liturgy of the Lord and were fasting, the Holy Spirit spoke to them…..Then, after they had fasted and prayed, they imposed hands on them and sent them off.


Acts 14:23
In each church, they installed presbyters and, with prayer and fasting, commended them to the Lord in whom they had put their faith.


Once again, we see evidence that fasting was a part of the Jewish and early Christian culture

Acts 27:9
The autumn fast was over, and with the lateness of the year sailing had become hazardous.


So why fast?


1. To bring our bodies under the subjection of our wills.

2. To free our minds of earthly cares and draw closer to the Lord.

3. To unite our sufferings with those of Jesus on the cross.

4. To make a sacrifice of our wills – a prayer, an oblation, pleasing to God.

5. To plead on behalf of the innocent.