Why do Catholics Fast? - The Catholic Answer Man

Q: Why do Catholics Fast?

A: Well, for one, Jesus did it. As Christians, we always try to imitate Jesus.

Second, it’s a form of prayer. We have AC, Carpet, TV, Cars, Refrigerators, Microwave Ovens, etc… fasting let’s us give something up, deprive ourselves of something worldly saying “Lord I know that everything comes from You and although I would give up everything to follow you Lord, I’m giving this up showing you my love for you. In this manner Lord, I show you my gratefulness for all you bless me with each and every day. Lord I don’t want to take anything you bless me for granted. It is all yours Lord, from ashes I came and to ashes I will return.

Thirdly, It’s scriptural.
Dan 10:2-3

2 At that time, I, Daniel, was doing a three-week penance;
3 I ate no agreeable food, touched no meat or wine, and did not anoint myself, until these three weeks were over. Mt 9:15 ¹⁵ Jesus replied, “Surely the bridegroom’s attendants cannot mourn as long as the bridegroom is still with them? But the time will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast”.

Mt 6:16-18

¹⁶ ‘When you are fasting, do not put on a gloomy look as the hypocrites do: they go about looking unsightly to let people know they are fasting. In truth I tell you, they have had their reward.
¹⁷ But when you fast, put scent on your head and wash your face,
¹⁸ so that no one will know you are fasting except your Father who sees all that is done in secret; and your Father who sees all that is done in secret will reward you. Clearly Jesus is saying that fasting is good and will be rewarded so long as it is not done as the hyprocrites and it is a personal prayer in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, not a public display for recognition.

1 Tim 4:4-5

⁴ Everything God has created is good, and no food is to be rejected, provided it is received with thanksgiving:
⁵ the word of God and prayer make it holy.

Once again, scripture says here to reject food is not good. One should be grateful for what one is blessed with except in the case of fasting. If the rejection of food is with thanksgiving and prayer…(fasting).

“Always be prepared to make a defense to anyone who calls you to account for the hope that is in you”

1 Peter 3:15