Why Do Catholics Fast? : The Biblical & Historical Roots of Lent ๐Ÿ“–(Morning Air)

Letโ€™s talk Lent: that 40-day season of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving that leads up to Easter. Why do we do it? Is it just some ancient Catholic diet plan? John Morales and Catholic apologist William Albrecht explore the biblical and historical roots of Lenten fasting in this Morning Air episode. ๐Ÿ”ฅ


๐Ÿ“– Fasting in the Bible: Not Just a New Testament Thing

Fasting is all over the Bible! Here are some key moments:

-Moses fasted for 40 days and nights before receiving the Ten Commandments (Exodus 34:28). ๐Ÿ”๏ธ๐Ÿ“œ

-Deuteronomy 9:18 talks about fasting as an act of repentance for sin. ๐Ÿ™

-Of course, Jesus Himself fasted for 40 days in the desert before beginning His public ministry (Matthew 4:1-2). If the Son of God did it, maybe we should pay attention? ๐Ÿค”


The Early Church

The idea of fasting before Easter goes way back: like,first-century Church back. William Albrecht brings up some powerful early Church writings:

-The Didache (written around the time of the Apostles) talks about fasting before baptism.

-The Shepherd of Hermas (early 100s) says fasting is essentialโ€ฆ if we actually obey Godโ€™s commandments.

-St. Irenaeus (100s) mentions Christians debating how long to fast before Easterโ€ฆ proving that it was already a thing way before the Church even officially established Lent!

By the time of the Council of Nicaea (325 AD): Yep, the one that gave us the Nicene Creedโ€ฆ Lent was already fixed into the Church calendar. St. Athanasius (337 AD) even said that the whole Christian world was fasting for 40 days! ๐ŸŒ


๐Ÿ”ฅ The Church Fathers on Why Fasting Matters

If you need some motivation to stick to your Lenten fast (yes, that means no sneaky midnight chocolate runs ๐Ÿซ๐Ÿ˜ฌ), check out what these heavy-hitter saints had to say:

-St. Augustine (400s AD): โ€œFasting cleanses the soul, raises the mind, subjects oneโ€™s flesh to the spirit.โ€ (Translation: Itโ€™s not about looking good for Easter brunch, itโ€™s about growing in holiness!)

-Pope St. Leo the Great: Lent must be kept not just by avoiding bodily impurity, but by purifying our thoughts and faith. (Oof, a tough but necessary reminder. ๐Ÿ˜ฌ)

-St. Gregory of Nazianzus: Fasting before Easter is about dying with Christ, so we can rise with Him!


Soโ€ฆ Why Do We Fast During Lent? ๐Ÿคทโ€โ™‚๏ธ

Because Jesus did. Because the early Christians did. Because fasting isnโ€™t about losing weight, itโ€™s about losing sin. Itโ€™s a time to humble ourselves, grow closer to Christ, and prepare for the ultimate celebrationโ€ฆ Easter! ๐Ÿ•Š๏ธ๐ŸŒ…

Lent is a spiritual practice that has stood the test of time. One thingโ€™s clear: if we want to follow Christ, fasting isnโ€™t optionalโ€ฆ itโ€™s essential.

So, letโ€™s lean in, embrace the challenge, and let this Lent be one that truly transforms us. ๐Ÿ’œ๐Ÿ™

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Jake Moore serves as a Digital Audio Content Producer for Relevant Radioยฎ. He is a graduate of Franciscan University of Steubenville, and is passionate about classic movies, Christian music, young adult ministry, and leading this generation to Christ through compelling media. You can listen to more of his podcasts at relevantradio.com and on the Relevant Radioยฎ app.