Preaching the pillars of Lent: Fasting

An episode of the Preach: The Catholic Homilies Podcast podcast, hosted by America Media, titled "Preaching the pillars of Lent: Fasting" was published on March 9, 2026 and runs 28 minutes.

March 9, 2026 ·28m · Preach: The Catholic Homilies Podcast

Summary

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 about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode Description