Why do Christians fast and do penance?

Answer 1

The theory is that all things that are good or useful in this world (e g food) come in between ourselves and God. Thus, if we fast, we can come closer to God in faith and service. We do penance so that we can be forgiven for times in the past in which we concentrated too much on worldly possessions. This theory seems to be both supported and rebuked by Jesus. It is supported in that Jesus emphasizes the ridding of ourselves for the sake of others. But he is also criticized by others who point out that he does not follow various fasting laws of the Jews. In response, he says, "How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them?" The bridegroom represents himself. He is saying that fasting had been done in preparation for the coming of a certain someone (the Messiah), but that he is that someone, so no more fasting is needed. But he adds, "The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them. Then they will fast." Is he referring to his own crucifixion? Or is he referring to the deaths of those who will be taken away from Jesus forever? We don't know. Either way, Jesus demonstrates that self-ridding actions such as fasting and doing penance are not necessary, and yet he also commands us to give away all we have and that we cannot enter heaven with many possessions. Perhaps the balance is that self-ridding must be done completely rather than only partially. Or maybe the balance is that we should rid of ourselves for the sake of others, rather than for no good reason.