Preaching the pillars of Lent: Fasting

About this episode

The episode discusses the significance of fasting during Lent, exploring its biblical roots and practical implications for preachers.

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 --- Support this podcast by becoming a subscriber. Visit ⁠⁠⁠americamagazine.org/subscribe⁠ Learn more…

People in this episode

Host: Ricardo da Silva, S.J.

Guest: James Keane

Topics covered

• Lent
• fasting
• abstinence
• spirituality
• preaching
• biblical teachings

Keywords

• fasting
• Lent
• abstinence
• spiritual growth
• preaching
• biblical precedent
• self-punishment
• loophole hunting

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: America, America Media

Books & works: On fasting: The difference between our preaching and our practice, 7 things you never knew about fasting

More episodes of Preach: The Catholic Homilies Podcast

• Preaching the Risen Christ: Mass in migrant shelters along the U.S.-Mexico border · April 27, 2026 · 44 min
• Preaching during Easter: Resurrections in war-torn areas · April 20, 2026 · 41 min
• Preaching the Risen Christ: Finding hope in addiction recovery · April 13, 2026 · 36 min
• Preaching the Risen Christ: A Scripture Scholar on the first witnesses · April 6, 2026 · 44 min
• Preaching the pillars of Lent: Almsgiving · March 2, 2026 · 34 min
• Preaching the pillars of Lent: Prayer · February 23, 2026 · 31 min