Jesus taught that His followers would fast. The leaders of the church of Antioch fasted and were then told by the Holy Spirit to send Barnabas and Saul on the first Christian missionary journey (Acts 13:2). Paul and Barnabas installed leaders for the early Christian communities "with prayer and fasting" (Acts 14:23). Paul fasted frequently (see 2 Cor 6:5).

Throughout the centuries, the church fasted for forty days each Lent in imitation of Jesus' forty-day fast (see Mt 4:2). The Church also has fasted for a day or two each week, especially on Fridays. Many saints (e.g. St. Francis of Assisi) were led by the Spirit to emphasize God's call to fast. After Vatican II, some Catholics mistakenly got the idea that the Church was downplaying the call to fasting. This is not the case. The Church continues to emphasize fasting. Pope John Paul II has taught: "Jesus Himself has shown us by His own example that prayer and fasting are the first and most effective weapons against the forces of evil (cf Mt 4:1-11). As He taught His disciples, some demons cannot be driven out except in this way (cf Mk 9:29). Let us therefore discover anew the humility and the courage to pray and fast so that power from on high will break down the walls of lies and deceit" (The Gospel of Life, 100, emphasis his). Humbly and courageously fast and pray.

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn, February 1, 1997

Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 4, 1997