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

7 things you never knew about fasting

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