The Bible and Fasting
Old Testament
In the Old Testament, fasting was not just abstaining from food but a profound act of penitence and closeness to God. It was accompanied by fervent prayers and acts of charity, highlighting a sincere commitment to reconciliation with divinity. These were forms of devotion meant to reaffirm the bond between humans and the divine.
A revealing example is found in Isaiah 58:6-7: "Is not this the fast that I choose: to lose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh?"
This passage emphasizes that true fasting is not limited to abstaining from food but includes concrete actions of justice and charity. Authentic fasting involves freeing the oppressed, helping the needy, and showing love and compassion to others. In this vision, fasting becomes a complex act of personal and social transformation, a way to bring real change into the lives of those around and to create a more just and loving community.
Another relevant example is found in Joel 2:12-13, where fasting is associated with sincere repentance and turning back to God: "Yet even now," declares the Lord, "return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments." Return to the Lord your God."
This call emphasizes the importance of genuine repentance, which goes beyond outward gestures and reaches deep into the heart. God does not merely require rituals and traditions but a real transformation of the soul. Fasting, weeping, and mourning are outward expressions of deep regret for sins and a desire for reconciliation with God.
In both passages, fasting is presented as a profound spiritual practice aimed at bringing about inner change and promoting concrete actions of justice and charity. Through these acts of fasting, people expressed not only humility and repentance but also a commitment to contribute to the well-being of the community and to fulfill the divine will in the world.
New Testament
Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash
Fasting in the New Testament
In the New Testament, fasting remains an important practice, with emphasis on intention and inner attitude rather than strict adherence to food-related rules. Jesus Christ, the ultimate teacher of Christians, provides precise guidance on practicing fasting, emphasizing the importance of sincerity and spiritual discretion.
A significant passage in this regard is found in Matthew 6:16-18, where Jesus says: "And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces so that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 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."
These words underline that fasting should be an act of humility and spiritual intimacy, not an occasion to display personal piety. Jesus criticizes hypocrisy and warns against fasting performed for the eyes of the world, solely to gain appreciation and admiration from others. Instead, He urges believers to fast in a discreet and authentic manner, so that only God, who sees in secret, witnesses their sacrifice.
The Meaning of Fasting in the New Testament
Fasting in the New Testament is closely linked to the concept of personal relationship with God. Unlike the Old Testament, where rules and rituals were stricter and more detailed, the New Testament emphasizes the heart and motivations of the person fasting. This reflects a shift from external rituals to deep internal spirituality.
- Humility and Simplicity: Fasting is not a spectacle but an act of humility. Believers are encouraged to continue their daily lives without drawing attention to the fact that they are fasting, thus preserving the integrity and simplicity of the spiritual act.
- Communion with God: Through discreet and sincere fasting, believers approach God in a personal and intimate way. This practice is an opportunity to focus on prayer and their relationship with the Divine, without distractions and social expectations.
- Inner Transformation: Fasting becomes a means of self-discipline and inner transformation. It is not just about abstaining from food but also about purifying the soul, seeking forgiveness, and growing spiritually.
The example of Jesus
An important aspect of fasting in the New Testament is the personal example set by Jesus. Before beginning His public ministry, Jesus fasted for forty days and nights in the wilderness, as recorded in Matthew 4:1-2. "Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry."
This act of extreme fasting emphasizes His total dedication and spiritual preparation for His mission. Jesus' fast in the wilderness becomes a model of spiritual discipline and resistance against temptation, offering a powerful example for all Christians.
In the New Testament, fasting is not defined by strict rules concerning food, but rather by an approach centered on inner attitude and personal relationship with God. Jesus Christ teaches that authentic fasting should be an act of humility and spiritual intimacy, practiced without ostentation. This form of fasting underscores inner transformation and communion with God, encouraging believers to live lives of integrity and spiritual dedication.
Christian Tradition
Origins of the Practice of Abstaining from Meat
The prohibition of consuming meat on fasting days, including Good Friday, has its roots in early Christian tradition. This practice developed to promote self-discipline and spiritual reflection. By abstaining from certain foods, Christians express their dedication and respect for the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
- Symbolism of Meat
Meat has been viewed since ancient times as a food associated with pleasure and wealth. In many ancient cultures, meat was a luxury reserved for special occasions and the wealthy. In contrast, abstaining from meat on fasting days was a way to demonstrate sobriety and repentance. By renouncing a luxury food, believers distance themselves from material pleasures and focus on their spiritual needs.
In a religious context, meat was often associated with ritual sacrifices. In the Old Testament, animal sacrifices were an essential part of Jewish worship, and meat symbolized an offering to God. Therefore, abstaining from meat could also be seen as a form of personal sacrifice, a way to join in Christ's suffering and offer one's own renunciation as an act of spiritual devotion.
- Chicken and Eggs
In many Christian traditions, chicken is considered less "rich" and can sometimes be accepted during fasting, although this varies depending on regional and denominational interpretations. Eggs, on the other hand, are not considered meat and are often allowed during fasting. In Romans 14:2-3, Paul says: "One person believes they may eat anything, while the weak person eats only vegetables. Let not the one who eats despise the one who abstains, and let not the one who abstains pass judgment on the one who eats, for God has welcomed him." These are seen as sources of protein that do not contradict the spirit of dietary abstinence.
- Fish - A Common Exception
Fish is often preferred in many Christian cultures on Good Friday due to its significance in Christian history. Although fish is considered meat, in the biblical context, it has a positive connotation, being linked to the multiplication of loaves and fishes and the miraculous catch of fish by the apostles. In Luke 24:42-43, Jesus, after His resurrection, eats fish: "They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he took it and ate it before them." Thus, the consumption of fish on Good Friday is seen as an acceptable compromise, respecting the spirit of fasting without violating the abstinence from meat.
Good Friday Fasting
Good Friday is one of the most important fasting days in the Christian calendar, marking the suffering and death of Jesus Christ on the cross. This solemn day is dedicated to reflecting on Christ's ultimate sacrifice for the salvation of humanity. The practice of fasting on this day is a form of respect and remembrance of His sacrifice, offering believers a way to symbolically participate in Christ's suffering.
In early Christianity, fasting was seen as a method of spiritual purification and preparation for major religious holidays. Good Friday fasting, in particular, was an opportunity for believers to express their sorrow and gratitude for Christ's sacrifice. By abstaining from meat, a food considered luxurious and pleasurable, Christians remembered Christ's suffering and united with Him in a deeply spiritual manner.
In some Christian traditions, fasting on Good Friday also included other forms of renunciation, such as abstaining from dairy products and eggs. This further emphasized the solemn and penitential nature of the day. Over centuries, these practices have been consolidated and become an integral part of Christian spiritual discipline, upheld and respected by entire communities of believers.
Evolution of the Practice Over Time
Over time, Christian churches have developed and refined fasting rules, adapting them to different cultural and social contexts. For example, the Orthodox Church has a complex fasting calendar, with well-defined days of abstinence from meat strictly observed. In the Catholic Church, fasting rules have been simplified in some periods, but Good Friday remains a day of rigorous fasting.
Today, the practice of abstaining from meat on Good Friday is maintained in many Christian traditions, serving as a reminder of Christ's sacrifice and as an opportunity for believers to engage in deep spiritual reflection and self-discipline. This tradition continues to be an expression of piety and devotion, keeping alive the connection to the beliefs and practices of early Christians.
The origins of abstaining from meat on Good Friday are rooted in early Christian tradition and symbolize sobriety, repentance, and respect for the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. By abstaining from meat, Christians express their spiritual devotion and remember the suffering and death of Christ. This tradition, preserved and adapted over the centuries, remains an important part of Christian spiritual discipline and reflection in the lives of believers.
Modern Perspectives
In modern times, approaches to fasting on Good Friday vary among Christian denominations. Each tradition has its own practices and rules, adapted to specific cultural and social contexts.
1- The Orthodox Church
The Orthodox Church maintains a strict tradition of fasting on Good Friday. Believers are encouraged to abstain not only from meat but also from dairy, eggs, and sometimes even oil and wine. Fasting is seen as a form of spiritual purification and preparation for the great celebration of Easter. On this day, Orthodox Christians participate in special services such as the Denia of the Lamentations, where hymns of mourning are sung, and the sufferings of Christ are remembered.
2 - The Catholic Church
In the Catholic Church, fasting on Good Friday is also an important practice, but the rules may be more flexible in certain regions or for certain categories of people. Catholics are encouraged to abstain from meat and to fast, reducing the amount of food consumed. However, the Church allows some exceptions for the elderly, sick, or pregnant women. Catholics can eat pork. Fasting and abstinence on Good Friday are considered acts of penance and devotion, helping believers express their gratitude and love for Christ.
3 - Protestants
In Protestant denominations, approaches to fasting on Good Friday vary considerably. Some Protestant churches maintain the tradition of fasting and abstinence, while others place more emphasis on the spiritual significance of the day rather than on dietary regulations. Many Protestants believe that the true importance of Good Friday lies in reflecting on Christ's sacrifice and deepening their personal relationship with God, rather than strictly adhering to dietary rules. In the modern context, many Christians integrate these traditions into a busy life, adapting fasting rules to personal needs and conditions.
4 - The Importance of Good Friday
Good Friday, also known as the Friday of the Passion, is considered one of the most important fasting days in the Christian calendar. This solemn day marks the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ, serving as a moment of mourning and reflection on His sufferings. For Christians, Good Friday is a day of profound spiritual significance, where they commemorate Christ's ultimate sacrifice for the salvation of humanity.
Fasting on Good Friday thus becomes a way to symbolically participate in Christ's suffering. By abstaining from meat and other luxury foods, believers demonstrate humility and repentance, recalling the sufferings endured by the Savior on the cross. It is an opportunity for deep reflection, prayer, and self-discipline, helping believers to draw closer to God.
Conclusion
Although the Bible does not explicitly mandate abstaining from meat on Good Friday, the tradition of fasting on this solemn day has been adopted over centuries as a form of respect and penance. The practice of fasting reflects believers' desire to honor Christ's suffering and sacrifice while cultivating a disciplined and devoted spiritual life.
This tradition offers believers an opportunity to detach from material pleasures and focus on their spiritual needs, thereby contributing to a deeper and more authentic relationship with God. Lent rules, including abstaining from meat on certain days, reinforce this spiritual discipline. Despite modern variations in fasting practices, the essence of Good Friday remains constant: it is a time for deep reflection, spiritual solidarity, and devotion, reminding believers of Christ's sufferings and reinforcing their commitment to live a life of compassion and moral integrity.
Good Friday, through its fasting and prayer practices, continues to be a pillar of Christian spirituality, providing a framework in which believers can express gratitude and respect for Christ's sacrifice, as well as strengthen their own faith and spiritual dedication. This special day reminds us of the fundamental values of the Christian faith: love, sacrifice, and hope in salvation.
