# Fasting ## Catechism of the Catholic Church Refraining from food and drink as an expression of interior penance, in imitation of the fast of Jesus for forty days in the desert. Fasting is an ascetical practice recommended in Scripture and the writings of the Church Fathers; it is sometimes prescribed by a precept of the Church, especially during the liturgical season of Lent ([[1.2.2.3.p1l#^ccc-538|538]], [[2.2.2.4.p4b#^ccc-1434|1434]], [[3.1.3.3.p75#^ccc-2043|2043]]). ## Ignatius Catholic Study Bible **Fasting:** [[matthew-06#^matthew-06-16|Mt 6:16-18]]; [[luke-02#^luke-02-37|Lk 2:37]]; [[acts-of-the-apostles-13#^acts-of-the-apostles-13-2|Acts 13:2-3]]; [[acts-of-the-apostles-14#^acts-of-the-apostles-14-23|14:23]] ### Sources [[index-of-doctrines|Index of Doctrines]]