Lent reminds us of the necessity of fasting, not only for our own conversion, but also the conversion of the world. Papal preacher Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa listed several biblical examples of fasting in a homily from 2003.
He explained how, "We find two kinds of fasting in the Bible: the ascetic fast and the prophetic fast, fasting as a rite and fasting as an event."
It is this second type of fasting that is related to a more communal act of fasting.
A biblical example from the Book of Jonah highlights the power fasting can have when observed by an entire city.
The prophet Ezra also proclaimed a fast, to be observed by the entire people, for peace and protection from violence.
Fasting remains a powerful weapon against war, an action that calls upon God's intervention and protection.
If we ever need reassurance that fasting has a purpose, open the Bible and read the biblical examples of fasting to see God's response to contrite and humble hearts.
