Let’s talk Lent: that 40-day season of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving that leads up to Easter. Why do we do it? Is it just some ancient Catholic diet plan? John Morales and Catholic apologist William Albrecht explore the biblical and historical roots of Lenten fasting in this Morning Air episode. 🔥

 

 

📖 Fasting in the Bible: Not Just a New Testament Thing

 

Fasting is all over the Bible! Here are some key moments:

 

-Moses fasted for 40 days and nights before receiving the Ten Commandments (Exodus 34:28). 🏔️📜

 

-Deuteronomy 9:18 talks about fasting as an act of repentance for sin. 🙏

 

-Of course, Jesus Himself fasted for 40 days in the desert before beginning His public ministry (Matthew 4:1-2). If the Son of God did it, maybe we should pay attention? 🤔

 

 

The Early Church

 

The idea of fasting before Easter goes way back: like, first-century Church back. William Albrecht brings up some powerful early Church writings:

 

-The Didache (written around the time of the Apostles) talks about fasting before baptism. 

 

-The Shepherd of Hermas (early 100s) says fasting is essential... if we actually obey God's commandments. 

 

-St. Irenaeus (100s) mentions Christians debating how long to fast before Easter... proving that it was already a thing way before the Church even officially established Lent!

 

By the time of the Council of Nicaea (325 AD): Yep, the one that gave us the Nicene Creed... Lent was already fixed into the Church calendar. St. Athanasius (337 AD) even said that the whole Christian world was fasting for 40 days! 🌍

 

 

🔥 The Church Fathers on Why Fasting Matters

 

If you need some motivation to stick to your Lenten fast (yes, that means no sneaky midnight chocolate runs 🍫😬), check out what these heavy-hitter saints had to say:

 

-St. Augustine (400s AD):“Fasting cleanses the soul, raises the mind, subjects one’s flesh to the spirit.” (Translation: It’s not about looking good for Easter brunch, it’s about growing in holiness!)

 

-Pope St. Leo the Great:Lent must be kept not just by avoiding bodily impurity, but by purifying our thoughts and faith. (Oof, a tough but necessary reminder. 😬)

 

-St. Gregory of Nazianzus:Fasting before Easter is about dying with Christ, so we can rise with Him!

 

 

So… Why Do We Fast During Lent? 🤷‍♂️

 

Because Jesus did. Because the early Christians did. Because fasting isn’t about losing weight, it’s about losing sin. It’s a time to humble ourselves, grow closer to Christ, and prepare for the ultimate celebration... Easter! 🕊️🌅

 

Lent is a spiritual practice that has stood the test of time. One thing’s clear: if we want to follow Christ, fasting isn’t optional... it’s essential.

 

So, let’s lean in, embrace the challenge, and let this Lent be one that truly transforms us. 💜🙏

 

 

The best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It’s free and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out here.

Let&rsquo;s talk Lent: that 40-day season of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving that leads up to Easter. Why do we do it? Is it just some ancient Catholic diet plan? John Morales and Catholic apologist William Albrecht explore the biblical and historical roots of Lenten fasting in this Morning Air episode. 🔥
&nbsp;
<hr data-start="472" data-end="475">
&nbsp;
📖 Fasting in the Bible: Not Just a New Testament Thing
&nbsp;
Fasting is all over the Bible! Here are some key moments:
&nbsp;
-Moses fasted for 40 days and nights before receiving the Ten Commandments (Exodus 34:28). 🏔️📜
&nbsp;
-Deuteronomy 9:18 talks about fasting as an act of repentance for sin. 🙏
&nbsp;
-Of course, Jesus Himself fasted for 40 days in the desert before beginning His public ministry (Matthew 4:1-2). If the Son of God did it, maybe we should pay attention? 🤔
&nbsp;
<hr data-start="1022" data-end="1025">
&nbsp;
The Early Church
&nbsp;
The idea of fasting before Easter goes way back: like,&nbsp;first-century Church back. William Albrecht brings up some powerful early Church writings:
&nbsp;
-The Didache (written around the time of the Apostles) talks about fasting before baptism.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
-The Shepherd of Hermas (early 100s) says fasting is essential... if we actually obey God's commandments.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
-St. Irenaeus (100s) mentions Christians debating how long to fast before Easter... proving that it was already a thing way before the Church even officially established Lent!
&nbsp;
By the time of the Council of Nicaea (325 AD): Yep, the one that gave us the Nicene Creed... Lent was already fixed into the Church calendar. St. Athanasius (337 AD) even said that the whole Christian world was fasting for 40 days! 🌍
&nbsp;
<hr data-start="1889" data-end="1892">
&nbsp;
🔥 The Church Fathers on Why Fasting Matters
&nbsp;
If you need some motivation to stick to your Lenten fast (yes, that means no sneaky midnight chocolate runs 🍫😬), check out what these heavy-hitter saints had to say:
&nbsp;
-St. Augustine (400s AD): &ldquo;Fasting cleanses the soul, raises the mind, subjects one&rsquo;s flesh to the spirit.&rdquo; (Translation: It&rsquo;s not about looking good for Easter brunch, it&rsquo;s about growing in holiness!)
&nbsp;
-Pope St. Leo the Great: Lent must be kept not just by avoiding bodily impurity, but by purifying our thoughts and faith. (Oof, a tough but necessary reminder. 😬)
&nbsp;
-St. Gregory of Nazianzus: Fasting before Easter is about dying with Christ, so we can rise with Him!
&nbsp;
<hr data-start="2620" data-end="2623">
&nbsp;
So&hellip; Why Do We Fast During Lent? 🤷&zwj;♂️
&nbsp;
Because Jesus did. Because the early Christians did. Because fasting isn&rsquo;t about losing weight, it&rsquo;s about losing sin. It&rsquo;s a time to humble ourselves, grow closer to Christ, and prepare for the ultimate celebration... Easter! 🕊️🌅
&nbsp;
Lent is a spiritual practice that has stood the test of time. One thing&rsquo;s clear: if we want to follow Christ, fasting isn&rsquo;t optional... it&rsquo;s essential.
&nbsp;
So, let&rsquo;s lean in, embrace the challenge, and let this Lent be one that truly transforms us. 💜🙏
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The&nbsp;best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It&rsquo;s free and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out <a href="https://relevantradio.com/listen/get-the-app/">here.</a>

Life can get busy, and it's easy to miss out on the captivating moments from your favorite Relevant Radio shows. But now, we've got you covered! "The Best of the Week - Relevant Radio Podcast" brings you the crème de la crème of Relevant Radio's programming. We carefully curate and compile the most engaging and relevant content from the past week, just for you! Get ready to catch up on faith, culture, current events, and personal growth, all in one convenient and easily accessible podcast. It's like having a front-row seat to the most compelling moments from Relevant Radio's diverse range of shows. So, whether you're an active Relevant Radio listener or new to our programming, "The Best of the Week - Relevant Radio Podcast" is your passport to a world of knowledge, growth, and inspiration.

Life can get busy, and it's easy to miss out on the captivating moments from your favorite Relevant Radio shows. But now, we've got you covered! "The Best of the Week - Relevant Radio Podcast" brings you the crème de la crème of Relevant Radio's programming. We carefully curate and compile the most engaging and relevant content from the past week, just for you! Get ready to catch up on faith, culture, current events, and personal growth, all in one convenient and easily accessible podcast. It's like having a front-row seat to the most compelling moments from Relevant Radio's diverse range of shows. So, whether you're an active Relevant Radio listener or new to our programming, "The Best of the Week - Relevant Radio Podcast" is your passport to a world of knowledge, growth, and inspiration.