Fasting of the body is food for the soul.” – St. John Chrysostom

Fasting can make us cringe a little. This spiritual practice is, perhaps, the one most associated with Lenten penance, and sometimes we don’t do it unless we “have” to. But that’s only because most of us haven’t really encountered the benefits, dare we say, the joys of fasting.

Let’s take a closer look and come to a better understanding of this highly beneficial spiritual practice.

Fasting as a spiritual exercise is known to boost our spiritual growth. Combined with prayer, it is a crucial part of our progress toward God. It is the practice best suited to detaching ourselves from the world and the flesh and focusing on Him, because:

  1. It tames our bodily appetites, which can be sources of temptation for us.
  2. It detaches us from physical comforts, which can weaken us and impede growth in virtue.
  3. It aids us in personal self-mastery, so that we can resist sin and choose the good even when it is difficult.
  4. It purifies and liberates our prayer, quieting the demands of the body so that we can focus more attentively on God.

In a gentle way, fasting also teaches us to live integrated lives. When the body is disciplined in love, the soul becomes more attentive. We begin to experience that our physical sacrifices are not separate from our spiritual growth. This is the heart of SoulCore  – uniting body and soul in ordered love, allowing even small bodily offerings to become acts of prayer.

It is crucial to remember that fasting must be united with prayer in order to be fruitful. After all, the purpose of this practice is to draw us closer to God and unite our wills to His. Before and during a fast, we must ask God to help us discern His will and offer our sacrifice with love.

When fasting is embraced with love, it forms us into the likeness of Christ. It strengthens discipline, deepens prayer, and orders our desires rightly. In this way, fasting is not deprivation for its own sake, but transformation.

“We become what we love, and who we love shapes what we become. If we love things of the world, we become worldly. If we love Christ, we become like Christ. Let our fasting and prayer be a means to become more like Him.” St. Clare of Assisi

(Featured Image: “Temptations” by Zimou Tan.)