The Town of Odyssey

Catholics have different seasons of the year and each have their own meaning and benefits. The forty days before Easter are called Lent, and in this time we are called to fast and abstain in order to grow in a closer relationship with God. On every Friday we abstain from meat and on two days, Good Friday and Ash Wednesday, all those over 18 are called to fasting and abstinence. Fasting means eating only 1 full meal and 2 smaller ones. That is what my family and I are doing right now. I am wondering, are there any other denominations practice Lenten fasting?

Eastern Orthodox practice Lenten fasting as well. The focus for us during this time is on fasting and alms giving. We fast to practice obedience to God and the calming of the passions. During the 40 days before Easter we abstain from meat and dairy products.

Jehoshaphat wrote:Fasting means eating only 1 full meal and 2 smaller ones.

Isn't that normal?

No. Most people eat three large meals. A small meal on a fast day would be a piece of fruit, or a simple sandwich. The two smaller meals are not supposed to equal one larger meal.

I think this focus on the physical is misplaced. Why should we do anything with these physical cages for our souls?