Importance Of Fasting In Lent - By Msgr. Gabriel Osu

“And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others… But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” (Matthew 6: 16-18)



LAST Wednesday, Catholics all over the world commenced this year’s 40-day Lenten season with celebration of the Holy Mass and sprinkling of ash on their foreheads.

Ash Wednesday ushers in the Lenten Season, a time when we are expected to do penance, reflect on the goodness of God and embark on fasting and other charitable activities. It is also a period of conversion, self- denial, renewal and reconciliation, which prepares us for Christ’s resurrection on Easter Sunday.

What does ash represent? Ash is a symbol of penance made sacramental by the blessing of the Church. It helps us develop a spirit of humility and sacrifice. The ash is made from the blessed palms used in the Palm Sunday celebration of the previous year, christened with Holy Water and scented by exposure to incense. It symbolises penance and contrition. It is also a reminder that God is gracious and merciful to those who call on Him with repentant hearts.

During this period of Lent, all mature Christians are expected to cut down on things that give them pleasure. It is a period of sacrifice where self-denial is the watchword. It is a period of fasting.

What is fast?  ‘I ate no delicacies, no meat or wine entered my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, for the full three weeks.’ (Daniel 10:3)  This is the comment of Prophet Daniel who was known to fast often whenever he sought the face of God concerning any issue and he always received answers.

Why fast? When we fast by abstaining from food, we rise above the level of the body and grow spiritually. At this stage, we will be able to have a better control of our senses, thereby distancing ourselves from sin. Most religions of the world, including Christianity, Islam and traditional African religion, recommend fasting to their faithful. Also, there are many medical benefits of fasting. It has been proven that it is very beneficial to the body. For those trying to lose weight, fasting comes very handy. According to experts, going without food for a period of time, would provide opportunity for the body to reverse the harmful effects of unhealthy diet and thereby restore good health. Fasting has been found to be the most efficient and powerful means available to facilitate self-healing.

Spiritually, before our Lord Jesus Christ commenced his earthly mission, he fasted for 40 days, “being tempted by the devil. And he ate nothing during those days. And when they were ended, he was hungry.”

From the above, we can see that fasting entails forgoing food. In times of great distress, when we are waiting upon the Lord, we are encouraged to fast. “As soon as I heard these words, I sat down and wept and mourned for days, and I continued fasting and praying before the God of heaven” (Nehemiah 1:4)

Before we take major steps in our life, it is advisable that we fast and pray. “While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’” (Acts 13: 2)

Before Saul was transformed into Paul, one of the greatest Apostles of all time, he had to undergo some period of cleansing, which involved fasting. “And for three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank” (Acts 9:9)

Here are examples of great men of God who saw the need to fast often: Moses fasted for 40 days on behalf of Israel’s sin; David fasted and mourned the death of Saul; Elijah fasted 40 days after fleeing from Jezebel; Ahab fasted and humbled himself before God; the people of Nineveh fasted after hearing the message of Jonah; Anna fasted for the redemption of Jerusalem through the coming Messiah; Cornelius fasted and sought God’s plan for salvation.

What is your excuse for not fasting this season?

A word of caution: If you are aged or have health complication, it is advisable you seek medical opinion before embarking on a fast. Fasting is not a means of justifying our ‘goodness’; it is only a symbolic way of showing to God that we are ready to deprive ourselves and discipline our body for the sake of knowing Him better. It is a sign that we have deep reverence for God and are willing to abide by His commandments. When we fast, we humble ourselves, knowing full well that we are from dust and to dust we shall return.