Why do Catholics fast and abstain from meat on Fridays and during Lent?
Fasting and abstinence are biblical spiritual disciplines practiced by Jesus and recommended throughout Christian history. By voluntarily denying bodily appetites, fasting strengthens self-discipline, purifies prayer, atones for personal sins, and shows solidarity with the hungry. In the universal Church, every Friday is a day of penance in commemoration of Christ's Passion on Good Friday. On Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, Catholics fast (one full meal, two smaller snacks) and abstain from meat, uniting themselves to Christ's self-giving love.
Sources
- Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraphs 1434-1438
- Matthew 6:16-18
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