“You can't make wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them. But later the bridegroom will be taken from them and they will fast in those days.” (Luke 5:34-35)

According to the Bible “Fasting” is an expression of humility.

Under Moses’ legal terms, there was only one day in the year where we need to fast – on 10th July, which is also the Day of Atonement。

After being exiled, on every April, May, July, and October they had to fast for a day and remember the church’s destruction while the Pharisees fast twice weekly.

After the baptism, Jesus also fasted for forty days. Jesus did not oppose to fasting, he only condemned the Pharisees who fasted for themselves in vanity.

In virtue of Jesus’ identity who was the long awaited Messiah, his presence should be celebrated joyfully rather than fasting with sadness.

Jesus added, “When he was crucified, his disciples need fasting.” In fact, from the beginning of the church’s history, the parishioners were required to comply with the rules of fast and abstinence. Some parishes suggest that abstinence on each Friday can be replaced by various charity activities. However we should remain vigilant and remember to restrain our desires of lust, as humans today are still suffering from the clutches of evil.

As of today, many Catholics fast on every Wednesday & Friday where their diet consists of bread and water only. Their devotion is highly admirable.

It does not matter if we choose to fast or not but as members of the church, we should always carry a joyful mindset as we don’t live for ourselves today but rather Jesus lives within us.