How do Catholic Christians fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday?

I have this same question when I first converted to Catholicism. Though we were taught during our RCIA, I probably missed the lesson as I skipped most of my classes as I was ordered complete bed rest due to a problematic pregnancy.

As I am so used to listen to how the Muslims fast, i.e. abstaining from food and drink from dawn to dusk, I thought we are expected to do the same. However, it is not. Actually, it is up to the individuals how they want to observe the fasting.

Before that, just to explain a little to the non-Christians, Christians fast because Jesus too fasted for 40 days. He was tempted by Satan several times but He said, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God’”. So, I personally take up the challenge to deepen my faith by abstaining from meat during the season of Lent. Some people abstain from other things that are their usual pleasure while others just fast on every Friday.

As I mentioned previously, none of us are forced to fast except on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday where we are asked to abstain from meat. Many sources said fish is fine. I think there is really no fixed rules. What is important is how much do you want to test your own will. I believe it is our personal choices and depend on our personal capability. No one is the judge. The joy is our own.

The only time when I really fast is on Good Friday where I totally do not take any foods but drink some sips of water. I was told that one fast till 3 pm because it is believed Jesus died on the cross at 3 pm. So, after that, I will eat sparingly and break my fast and go back to normal meals on Saturday morning, which will then be Easter Vigil.

And during the season of Lent, I have tried staying away from meat and seafoods and take only eggs and vegetarian foods. I had done that for two years already and I hope I can achieve it again this year. It is like a personal reflection because unless I do something that makes my life a little different, I find it hard to turn back to my faith and reflect on my journey as a Christian. The weeks leading up to Good Friday and then, Easter is always a good time for us to have a reality check, find how we can improve our Christian life and immerse ourselves in the Word of God.

Therefore, there is really no fixed rules on how to fast for Ash Wednesday except to refrain from meats and to eat light meals or skip a meal. Instead of indulging in our favourite drinks and snacks, maybe just stick to basic, simple meals. Jesus has said that what goes in our mouths is not important but what comes out of it, i.e. our thoughts and our words. He also reminded us not to be hypocrites and tell the world we are fasting. Of course, sharing our faith and talking about fasting to help others understand better is not the same as standing by the street and trumpeting it.