The Definitive Guide to Catholic Fasting & Abstinence by Matthew Plese: A Deep Dive into Tradition, Discipline, and Devotion
In a world where spiritual discipline often takes a backseat to convenience, The Definitive Guide to Catholic Fasting & Abstinence by Matthew Plese emerges as a beacon for Catholics seeking to reconnect with the ancient roots of their faith. This comprehensive guide is more than a historical account—it’s a call to action, a spiritual roadmap, and a heartfelt invitation to rediscover the sacred traditions of penance and sacrifice.
Fasting and abstinence have long been pillars of Catholic spirituality, yet many modern Catholics may feel disconnected from these ancient disciplines. Matthew Plese, a respected lay apologist and author deeply rooted in Catholic tradition, provides clarity, context, and encouragement throughout this work. His writing style is clear, reverent, and accessible, making complex theological concepts easy to grasp without losing depth.
Whether you’re a devout Catholic, a curious seeker, or someone exploring traditional Christian practices, this blog post will walk you through the key teachings, chapter-by-chapter insights, and the profound message that Plese conveys in this essential work.
Chapter 1: The Biblical Roots of Fasting and Abstinence
Plese begins his guide with a strong foundation—Scripture. He explores the origins of fasting and abstinence in both the Old and New Testaments, demonstrating that these practices are not arbitrary but deeply rooted in God’s Word.
He highlights figures such as Moses, Elijah, Daniel, and Esther in the Old Testament who engaged in fasting as a means of drawing closer to God. In the New Testament, Jesus Himself fasted for forty days in the desert before beginning His public ministry, setting a powerful example for all Christians.
This chapter emphasizes that fasting is not about punishment or deprivation but rather about humility, repentance, and spiritual preparation. By grounding the practice in Scripture, Plese establishes the legitimacy and importance of fasting and abstinence within Christian life.
Key Message: Fasting and abstinence are divinely inspired practices meant to foster intimacy with God and prepare the soul for divine encounter.
Chapter 2: The Patristic and Historical Development
In this chapter, Plese delves into early Christian writings and the teachings of the Church Fathers to show how fasting evolved as a structured part of Christian worship and penitential discipline.
He references St. Augustine, St. Basil the Great, and others who emphasized fasting as a weapon against sin and a way to grow in virtue. The chapter also explores how fasting was linked to liturgical seasons like Lent and Advent, as well as Fridays throughout the year in honor of Christ’s Passion.
Plese does an excellent job explaining how the Church’s laws on fasting developed over centuries, adapting to cultural changes while maintaining core principles. This historical perspective helps readers understand that fasting isn’t merely a medieval relic but a living tradition that continues to shape Catholic identity today.
Key Message: Fasting has always been central to Christian life, evolving through history but never losing its spiritual significance.
Chapter 3: The Theology of Fasting and Abstinence
Here, Plese moves beyond historical and biblical foundations to explore the deeper theological meaning behind fasting and abstinence.
He explains how fasting is a form of self-denial that aligns us with Christ’s own sacrifice. It teaches humility, dependence on God, and solidarity with those who suffer. Abstinence, particularly from meat, is tied to the idea of offering something good (meat) for a greater spiritual good.
The author draws on Aquinas’ understanding of temperance and the role of voluntary suffering in the Christian life. He also discusses how fasting can be a form of intercession and reparation for sins, both personal and societal.
This chapter is especially valuable for readers looking to understand the “why” behind the “what” of fasting.
Key Message: Fasting and abstinence are not just external acts—they are spiritual disciplines that transform the heart and align us with God’s will.
Chapter 4: The Current Laws of the Catholic Church on Fasting and Abstinence
Plese provides a clear breakdown of current Church law regarding fasting and abstinence, which often surprises even regular Mass-goers.
He outlines:
- Who is bound by fasting and abstinence?
Generally, fasting applies to those aged 18–59, and abstinence applies to those aged 14 and older. - When must they be observed?
Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are days of both fasting and abstinence. All Fridays during Lent require abstinence from meat, and some dioceses encourage or mandate abstinence on all Fridays of the year.
Plese also addresses common misunderstandings, such as whether soup made from meat broth violates abstinence, or if fish sticks count as meat. He answers these questions with clarity and humor, showing that the Church’s rules are reasonable and adaptable to real-life circumstances.
Key Message: The Church’s laws on fasting and abstinence are designed to be spiritually beneficial and practically feasible, not burdensome.
Chapter 5: Practical Guidance for Observing Fasting and Abstinence
This chapter offers actionable advice for integrating fasting and abstinence into daily life.
Plese gives tips on how to gradually increase one’s capacity for fasting, how to handle social situations where food is involved, and how to approach fasting with the right intention. He emphasizes the importance of prayer and almsgiving alongside fasting, echoing the traditional triad of Lenten practices.
He also discusses alternative forms of fasting—such as digital fasting, media fasting, or emotional fasting—for those who cannot physically fast due to health reasons.
Plese encourages readers to view fasting not as a legalistic obligation but as a joyful participation in the redemptive suffering of Christ.
Key Message: Fasting should be approached with intentionality, flexibility, and a spirit of joy—not out of fear or obligation.
Chapter 6: Common Misconceptions and Objections
In this chapter, Plese tackles some of the most frequent objections people have about fasting and abstinence.
He responds to arguments such as:
- “Why do we fast?”
- “Isn’t fasting outdated?”
- “Doesn’t fasting harm your body?”
- “Can’t I just do something else instead?”
Plese respectfully engages with these concerns, offering both theological and practical responses. He also distinguishes between what is obligatory under canon law and what is encouraged as a pious devotion.
This chapter is especially helpful for addressing doubts or confusion among modern Catholics who may question the relevance of these practices.
Key Message: Fasting and abstinence are still relevant and beneficial today—they just need to be understood in their proper context.
Chapter 7: Fasting and Abstinence in Relation to Other Virtues
Here, Plese explores how fasting supports the cultivation of other virtues like humility, patience, obedience, and charity.
He shows how fasting fosters self-control, which is foundational for living a virtuous life. It also builds empathy for the poor and hungry, encouraging greater generosity and awareness of global suffering.
By linking fasting to the broader moral life of a Christian, Plese elevates the practice from a mere ritual to a transformative spiritual exercise.
Key Message: Fasting is not isolated—it works in harmony with other virtues to build a mature Christian character.
Chapter 8: Fasting and Abstinence in the Liturgical Year
This chapter connects fasting and abstinence to the rhythm of the liturgical calendar.
Plese explains why certain seasons and feasts call for intensified fasting (e.g., Lent, Ember Days, vigils), and how abstaining from meat on Fridays is a weekly reminder of Christ’s sacrifice.
He also touches on the concept of eucharistic fasting—fasting before receiving Holy Communion—and explains its symbolic and spiritual significance.
By situating fasting within the Church’s sacred time, Plese helps readers see it as part of a larger spiritual narrative.
Key Message: Fasting and abstinence help us enter more fully into the mysteries of the faith celebrated throughout the liturgical year.
Chapter 9: Fasting and Abstinence in the Life of the Saints
One of the most inspiring chapters of the book is this one, where Plese recounts the fasting practices of saints like St. Francis of Assisi, St. Thérèse of Lisieux, and St. Padre Pio.
These examples show how fasting, when done with love and faith, can lead to profound holiness. The saints didn’t fast to impress anyone but to draw closer to God and offer their sacrifices for others.
Plese also notes that not all saints practiced extreme fasting—some followed the Church’s laws faithfully and found holiness in ordinary obedience.
This chapter is both edifying and instructive, reminding readers that sanctity is possible at every level of fasting commitment.
Key Message: Fasting, when united with love and prayer, becomes a powerful path to holiness.
Chapter 10: The Role of Intention, Prayer, and Almsgiving
Plese reminds readers that fasting without prayer and charity is incomplete.
He explains how the threefold discipline of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving works together to purify the heart and open it to God’s grace. Without prayer, fasting becomes mere dieting. Without charity, it lacks compassion.
He offers suggestions for pairing fasting with specific intentions, devotions (like the Rosary or Stations of the Cross), and charitable acts (donating meals saved from fasting).
This chapter brings everything together, showing that true fasting is holistic and integrative.
Key Message: Fasting reaches its full potential when joined with prayer and almsgiving—this is the heart of authentic penance.
Chapter 11: Health Considerations and Dispensations
Recognizing that not everyone can fast in the traditional sense, Plese dedicates a chapter to discussing health, age, pregnancy, and other factors that may exempt someone from fasting.
He emphasizes that the Church is compassionate and understanding, allowing for dispensations and substitutions when necessary. For instance, someone with diabetes or recovering from surgery is not expected to fast.
Plese encourages those who cannot fast physically to find spiritual alternatives—offering up pain, praying for others, or giving alms.
This chapter reflects the Church’s pastoral wisdom and ensures that no reader feels excluded from participating in the spirit of fasting.
Key Message: Physical fasting is not the only way to participate in the Church’s penitential spirit—spiritual substitution is valid and meaningful.
Chapter 12: Encouraging Others and Living Fasting Publicly
In this final chapter, Plese addresses how Catholics can live their fasting commitments in a public and witness-oriented way.
He encourages readers to speak openly about fasting, not as a badge of pride but as a testimony of faith. He also advises on how to respond gracefully when invited to eat meat on Fridays or when questioned about fasting practices.
Plese reminds readers that our witness to fasting can be a gentle invitation to others to consider deeper spiritual truths.
Key Message: Fasting is not only a personal act but also a communal and evangelizing one—it can inspire others to seek God.
Conclusion: A Call to Renewal Through Fasting
Matthew Plese’s The Definitive Guide to Catholic Fasting & Abstinence is a masterful synthesis of doctrine, history, spirituality, and practical guidance. It is both informative and inspiring, offering readers a roadmap to reclaim a lost art in the modern Catholic experience.
More than just a manual, this book is a spiritual companion that invites the reader to rediscover the beauty and power of fasting and abstinence—not as outdated obligations, but as vital expressions of faith, love, and conversion.
Whether you’re preparing for Lent, deepening your spiritual life, or simply curious about what the Church teaches, this book is an invaluable resource. It doesn’t just tell you what to do—it helps you understand why it matters and how it can change your life.
Final Thoughts: Why You Should Read This Book
If you’ve ever wondered:
- Why Catholics fast and abstain,
- What the rules actually are,
- How fasting fits into the bigger picture of your spiritual life,
Then The Definitive Guide to Catholic Fasting & Abstinence is the book for you.
It’s thorough without being overwhelming, reverent without being rigid, and practical without sacrificing depth. Matthew Plese has crafted a work that is sure to become a go-to reference for Catholics seeking to grow in holiness through the ancient and enduring practices of fasting and abstinence.
FAQs About The Definitive Guide to Catholic Fasting & Abstinence
Q: Is this book suitable for non-Catholics?
A: While the book is specifically written for Catholics, much of the spiritual wisdom and historical background can benefit any Christian interested in fasting traditions.
Q: Does the book provide sample meal plans or recipes for fasting days?
A: No, the focus is more theological and practical rather than culinary, though there are general dietary guidelines.
Q: Can I use this book during Lent?
A: Absolutely! It’s an ideal companion for Lenten reflection and preparation.
Q: Is the book available in digital format?
A: Yes, it’s available in eBook and audiobook formats as well as paperback.
Call to Action
Ready to deepen your spiritual life through the timeless practices of fasting and abstinence? Pick up a copy of The Definitive Guide to Catholic Fasting & Abstinence by Matthew Plese today. Whether you’re a lifelong Catholic or exploring the faith, this book will equip you with the knowledge, inspiration, and tools you need to embrace these disciplines with confidence and joy.
Let this book be your guide to a more intentional, prayerful, and grace-filled journey of faith—one bite—or fast—at a time.
