What is fasting for? What biblical precedent do we have for the practices of fasting and abstinence? And how can preachers steer between the two extremes of self-punishment and loophole hunting? “Preach” concludes its Lent 2026 series on the three classical pillars of the season with a conversation on fasting. Host Ricardo da Silva, S.J. is joined by James Keane — senior editor at America and a writer who has spent some time reflecting and writing on what fasting is and what it’s for.

Timecodes:

0:00 What’s fasting for?
2:00 The Brazilian loophole to abstinence during Lent: capibara
3:55 What does the church teach on fasting and abstinence?
6:53 Fasting is meant to bring you closer to God
8:35 Biblical citations of fasting
11:05 Fasting evolved alongside seasons of food scarcity and abundance
14:10 St. Ignatius’ fervour for fasting
16:10 Avoiding the two extremes of self-punishment vs. loophole hunting
18:58 Pope Leo XIV’s message this Lent

James Keane’s articles on fasting:
On fasting: The difference between our preaching and our practice: https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2023/02/24/fasting-lent-fridays-catholic-scripture-244796/
7 things you never knew about fasting: https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2022/03/03/catholic-lent-fasting-242496/