Fasting is a spiritual discipline that directs our hearts towards God, bringing out our deepest needs. Today, on this third day of Lent, Friday, let us pause to reflect on the spiritual meaning of fasting.
Lent Devotional Day 3
“Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4)
The Spiritual Meaning of Fasting
Fasting isn’t merely abstaining from food; it’s a practice that illuminates our need for spiritual nourishment and a deeper relationship with God.
By intentionally depriving ourselves of certain pleasures, we acknowledge our limitations and shortcomings, allowing God’s Word to fill the void.
Fasting encourages honest self-reflection, guiding us toward true repentance and renewed intimacy with the divine.
Balancing Body and Soul
True fasting involves more than physical deprivation. It is coupled with prayer, scripture reading, participation in Holy Mass, confession, and acts of charity and compassion.
Mortification of the body alone, without spiritual focus, is insufficient. The discipline must lead to genuine introspection and spiritual transformation, aligning our hearts and minds with God’s will.
Fasting with Purpose
There are some elementary principles if you have decided to fast and want clarity on what rules to follow.
First, a distinction should be made between 2 types of fasting: abstinence means giving up meat, and fasting means reducing the amount of food you eat.
Abstinence (abstinence from meat) applies to those already 14 years old. Fasting is for those who have reached the age of majority (18 years) by the beginning of their 60th year.
Fasting means eating less food than a person usually eats. On fast days, it is permitted to eat a full meal only once a day, with two light snacks. The obligatory fast days are Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.
Meanwhile, we do not eat meat on abstinence days. Abstinence days are all Fridays in the year (except when there is an important feast on Friday).
As you can see, these are very easy fasting rules that can be realised by everyone.
However, if you want more out of fasting, then you can add a few elements of your own. For example, our ancestors used to practice “strict fasting”, where the only food for the whole day was a slice of bread and water. You can also resolve not to eat at all during the day. This is up to your personal choice.
Yet, fasting extends beyond dietary rules—it invites us to reflect on personal attachments that hinder our spiritual growth, perhaps prompting us to abstain from habits or indulgences like excessive screen time, caffeine, sweets, or alcohol.
Friday is the day of fasting for every Christian, because that is the day our Lord and Saviour Jesus suffered and died on the cross for our sins. It makes perfect sense, therefore, that we, too, should join Jesus in suffering the “suffering” of the challenges of Lent.
Restoring Relationships through Fasting
Fasting also prompts us to mend relationships—with God, others, and ourselves.
“Yet even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning.” (Joel 2:12)
Perhaps we neglect loved ones due to excessive distractions, such as technology or personal hobbies. Lent encourages us to identify and let go of habits that strain these essential bonds, promoting healing and reconnection.
Prayer for Today
Lord, help me embrace fasting as a true spiritual discipline. Illuminate areas of my life needing restoration and provide strength to overcome attachments that distance me from You. As I fast today, may my heart focus less on earthly comforts and more on eternal joys. Amen.
To You
Which habits or comforts are hindering your spiritual journey? Choose intentionally to fast from something meaningful, letting your spirit rise closer to God. Allow this Lenten season to bring renewal and lasting spiritual growth.
Related articles:
Lent Devotional Day 2
Daily Devotional
