The Fourth Precept
You shall observe the days of fasting and abstinence established
by the Church.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church says, “The fourth precept ensures
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the times of ascesis and penance which prepares us for the
liturgical feasts and helps us acquire mastery over our instincts and
freedom of heart.” (CCC 2043)
In our instant gratification culture, fasting seems a very foreign concept.
Yet fasting is very clearly taught by Jesus. In Matthew 6:16-18,
Jesus tells His disciples, “When you fast…” and tells them not to be
showy about it. And in Luke 9:23, Jesus says, “If anyone wishes to
come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and
follow me.” Fasting is simply part of the practice of self denial about
which Jesus spoke. As the Catechism says, fasting “helps us acquire
mastery over our instincts.”
For Catholics, there are only two days each year where fasting is
required: Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. All Catholics between
the ages of 18 and 59 are bound to observe the fast. On fast days,
one full meatless meal may be taken, and two other smaller meatless
meals, sufficient to maintain strength according to one’s needs. Abstinence
from meat is to be observed by all Catholics over 14 years
of age on Ash Wednesday and all the Fridays during Lent, including
Good Friday.
Finally, fasting and abstinence are meant to bring our hearts and
minds closer to God. When we feel those pangs of hunger, we turn to
God in prayer and ask for the strength to carry on, and are reminded
of the hunger in our heart which can only be filled by Christ.
For further study:
CCC 2043, 538-540, 1434, 1438
Matthew 6:16-18 • Luke 9:23