Why do Roman Catholics fast during Lent and on feast days?

Answer 1

According to The Bible, Jesus spent 40 days in the desert with no food or drink while being tempted by Satan. Christians fast and usually give up something special to them during this time to represent the hardships Jesus went through. Lent is also a preparation for the crucifixion of Jesus, so people are almost mourning what is to come. Then on Easter, when it is believed that he resurrected, people stop fasting and celebrate his resurrection.

Answer 2

Because it signalises the time when Jesus was in the desert for forty days and forty nights and only ate locusts and honey.

Roman Catholic AnswerBecause Our Blessed Lord told us to: "But thou, when thou does fast, anoint they head and wash thy face, so that thou mayest not be seen fasting by men, but by thy Father, who is in secret; and thy Father, who sees in secret, will reward thee." St. Matthew 6:17-18

Answer 3

God gave his only son to die for our sins. This is why we have Lent. We also give up something very important to us which signifies that. When Easter arrives(when Jesus arose from the dead), we can now have our indulgence that we gave up back, because we now have Jesus back.

Answer 4

It represents self sacrifice, as Jesus done for people, then some people feel it is good that they also share in some form of self sacrifice. Muslims also fast and they fast more strictly than Catholics, Muslims fast for the Prophet Mohammed.

Fasting laws are observed differently according to the times, the place and the different rites of the Church. Fasting is observed in the following instances:

Catholics must keep the Eucharistic fast, that is, they must abstain from all foods and beverages, save water at least one hour before Communion in respect to God whom they will receive in the Holy Eucharist. The original Eucharistic fast began at Midnight till after Mass, however this was changed by Pius XII in deference to the times as the world became ever more industrious and Mass was sometimes only in the evening. He changed it to a three hour fast, which was again reduced in the modern spirit of Vatican II. As with most things, Catholics are encouraged out of piety to observe the original law but some only do the minimum prescribed.

A fast day for a Catholic means they may have one full meal and two collations which together do not surpass the content of the meal.

The original Lenten fast was a period of forty days, excluding Sundays, where people not only observed the above fast, but did not eat any animal products such as eggs, butter, etc. The purpose of the Fast was to imitate that of Christ's, who fasted 40 days in the desert prior to His public life. Catholics use the 40 days to prepare themselves for Easter, purging attachment to material things and thus enhancing the soul. And, of course, the joy of Easter is that much more enhanced by the eating of delicious food. Eventually the fast from animal products was dropped in some locales. In the modern spirit, which has significantly reduced the emphasis on sin and personal penance, Catholics must only observe the fast on Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent, and Good Friday, the anniversary of Christ's crucifixion. Some Catholics, like those in Ireland, have "the black fast" on Good Friday in which no food is taken at all. This is a bit extreme and not recommended except for the most zealous and healthy of individuals.

Catholics are also supposed to fast on the vigils of certain feast days. The modern spirit has suspended this although some continue out of piety to do so. Catholics fasted on vigils in order to better prepare themselves for the upcoming feast day.

Catholics also fast on the 12 Ember days, but these two have fallen into obscurity and are not observed, save by the pious and religious. Ember days happen on the Wednesday, Friday and Saturday of each new season and used to proceed ordinations, thus the fast was offered up for the young men being ordained.

Answer 5

God permits abstinence because he want us to repent our sins.

Lent is also to symbolize the 40 days that Jesus spent in the desert with no food or water. It helps catholics to understand his suffering.

Lent

is a season of intense prayer, fasting and concern for those in need. It offers all Christians an opportunity to prepare for Easter by serious discernment about their lives, with particular attention to the word of God which enlightens the daily journey of all who believe.

Answer 6

Lent is not celebrated, it is observed. It commemorates the 40 days Our Lord spent fasting in the desert before he began his public ministry. It is a time for Catholics to fast and do penance in preparation for Easter.

Answer 7

Roman Catholic AnswerBecause it is the liturgical season to prepare for Easter.

Answer 8

We fast during Lent to emulate Our Blessed Lord, and to discipline our bodies to bring them into subjection to our wills in order that we may merit heaven.

Answer 9

Roman Catholic AnswerCatholics do not fast on feast days. Feast is the opposite of fast.