Why Fast?

Pope Francis has called upon a day of prayer and fasting on Sept 7th for Peace especially in Syria.

One might ask why can we not just pray for peace?  Why do we need to pray and fast?

Fasting has its roots back to the Old Testament. When Moses went on Mount Sinai he was with the Lord for 40 days and 40 nights and did not eat bread nor drink water (Exodus 34:28). 

In the New Testament we are reminded of the power of fasting. In the Gospel of Matthew a possessed boy is brought to the disciples but they could not cure him.  Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said “Why could not we cast it out?(Matthew 17:18)  Jesus goes on to explain “this kind can be cast out only by prayer and fasting” (Matthew 17:20)

The Popes have also spoken beautifully about the value of fasting.  

Pope Benedict XVI spoke about the value of fasting in his message for Lent on Feb 25th 2009

The faithful practice of fasting contributes, moreover, to conferring unity to the whole person, body and soul, helping to avoid sin and grow in intimacy with the Lord.

Fasting certainly bring benefits to physical well-being, but for believers, it is, in the first place, a “therapy” to heal all that prevents them from conformity to the will of God.

By freely embracing an act of self-denial for the sake of another, we make a statement that our brother or sister in need is not a stranger. 

Pope John Paul II

Fasting is to reaffirm to oneself what Jesus answered Satan when he tempted him at the end of his 40 days of fasting in the wilderness: “Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God" (Mt 4:4) -Pope John Paul II Sunday Angelus March 10th 1996

Words from the Saints on Fasting:

"...although we may be able to do but little, the enemy nevertheless stands more in awe of those whom he knows can fast."  - St. Francis de Sales

"Fasting cleanses the soul, raises the mind, subjects one’s flesh to the spirit, renders the heart contrite and humble, scatters the clouds of concupiscence, quenches the fire of lust, and kindles the true light of chastity." 

- St. Augustine,