Why does fasting during Lent feel so difficult?
In this powerful episode of Catholic Spiritual Warfare Podcast, Fr. Christopher Amojo explains why the struggle of fasting is actually a sign that spiritual growth is happening.
Many Catholics experience resistance, temptation, frustration, distraction, or even discouragement when they begin fasting. According to Fr. Christopher, this struggle is normal because fasting directly confronts our attachments, comforts, passions, and habits.
Far from being punishment, fasting becomes a powerful spiritual weapon that strengthens the soul, deepens prayer, and prepares Christians for spiritual warfare.
Key Takeaways from This Episode
- Fasting is not punishment — it is spiritual discipline.
- Difficulty during fasting is often a sign of spiritual growth.
- Prayer and fasting work together in spiritual warfare.
- Digital fasting can be just as important as food fasting.
- Silence and fasting help Catholics hear God more clearly.
- Fasting strengthens the will against temptation.
Why Fasting Feels So Difficult
Fr. Christopher explains that the body naturally seeks comfort, pleasure, and consumption. Modern society constantly encourages people to indulge themselves, avoid sacrifice, and consume more.
Fasting challenges this mentality.
When Catholics begin fasting for Lent, the body reacts because it is no longer getting everything it wants immediately. This interior resistance reveals how attached we can become to food, comfort, entertainment, social media, and distraction.
“Fasting helps us not to be slaves of our passions.”
The difficulty of fasting is not proof that something is wrong. It is often proof that the soul is learning discipline and freedom.
Fasting Is Not Punishment
One of the most important lessons from this Catholic spiritual warfare episode is that fasting is not punishment.
Fr. Christopher repeatedly explains that fasting is:
- Voluntary self-denial
- Spiritual discipline
- A path toward holiness
- A way of emptying ourselves for God
- A means of strengthening the soul
Fasting is not Catholic dieting. It is not about losing weight or achieving physical goals. Its purpose is spiritual.
“Fasting is about us emptying ourselves in order that God might fill us.”
How Fasting Strengthens the Soul
According to Fr. Christopher Amojo, fasting strengthens Christians spiritually because it teaches the soul to place God above physical comfort.
When Christians willingly deny themselves, they grow in:
- Discipline
- Self-control
- Humility
- Interior freedom
- Dependence on God
This is why fasting has always been connected to spiritual warfare throughout Scripture.
Jesus Fasted Before Spiritual Battle
Fr. Christopher points out that before Jesus began His public ministry, He fasted for forty days in the desert.
Immediately after this fast, the devil came to tempt Him.
Even while hungry, Christ resisted temptation and answered:
“Man does not live on bread alone.”
This reveals an essential truth about fasting: Christians become spiritually stronger when they learn not to be controlled by physical desires.
Fasting prepares the soul for temptation, spiritual attacks, and difficult moments in life.
Why Prayer and Fasting Must Stay Together
Fasting without prayer can become empty discipline. Prayer gives fasting its spiritual purpose.
Fr. Christopher explains that prayer and fasting work together because fasting empties the soul of distractions while prayer fills the soul with God.
This is why Jesus taught that certain spiritual battles require both prayer and fasting.
“Prayer is not a monologue. Prayer is a dialogue.”
Fasting creates silence, focus, and attentiveness that help Christians hear God more clearly.
The Importance of Silence in Spiritual Warfare
One of the strongest themes in this episode is the importance of silence.
Modern life is filled with constant noise:
- Social media
- Television
- Phones
- Advertising
- Entertainment
- Endless distractions
Fr. Christopher explains that fasting helps Catholics step away from this noise and rediscover interior silence.
In silence, the soul becomes more attentive to God.
“Be still and know that I am God.”
Silence helps Christians think clearly, pray deeply, and resist spiritual confusion.
What Is Digital Fasting?
Fr. Christopher also speaks about digital fasting, which is especially important in modern spiritual warfare.
Digital fasting can include:
- Reducing social media use
- Limiting television
- Taking breaks from entertainment
- Reducing phone use
- Creating more silence during the day
Even reducing internet use by ten or fifteen minutes each day can help Christians regain focus, discipline, and peace.
How Beginners Can Start Fasting
For Catholics who have never fasted before, Fr. Christopher recommends starting gradually.
Simple first steps include:
- Reducing screen time
- Skipping snacks
- Eating smaller portions
- Giving up unnecessary comforts
- Spending more time in prayer
The important thing is consistency, humility, and asking God for grace.
Fasting is not about perfection. It is about spiritual growth.
Catholic Fasting Rules During Lent
Fr. Christopher also reviews Catholic fasting guidelines during Lent:
- Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are obligatory days of fasting and abstinence.
- Fasting usually means one full meal and two smaller meals.
- Abstinence from meat applies on Fridays during Lent.
- Health, age, pregnancy, and work conditions may create exceptions.
Beyond these minimum obligations, Catholics are encouraged to practice voluntary sacrifices throughout Lent.
Why Fasting Helps Defeat Temptation
Fasting strengthens the will.
When Christians practice self-denial, they become less controlled by impulse, pleasure, distraction, and immediate gratification.
This helps prepare the soul for temptation and spiritual battle.
Fr. Christopher explains that fasting teaches the body:
“I am in charge. You are not.”
Over time, fasting increases discipline, freedom, and spiritual strength.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fasting
Why does fasting feel so hard?
Fasting feels difficult because the body naturally seeks comfort and pleasure. The struggle is often a sign that spiritual discipline is developing.
Is fasting supposed to hurt?
Fasting involves sacrifice, but it is not punishment. Catholic fasting is ordered toward spiritual growth and union with God.
Can fasting help with temptation?
Yes. Fasting strengthens self-control, discipline, and spiritual awareness, helping Christians resist temptation.
What is digital fasting?
Digital fasting means reducing distractions like social media, television, internet use, or entertainment in order to create more silence and focus on God.
Do prayer and fasting go together?
Absolutely. Prayer gives fasting spiritual purpose, while fasting creates silence and attentiveness for deeper prayer.
Final Reflection
The difficulty of fasting is not a failure.
It is often proof that God is teaching the soul discipline, freedom, humility, and dependence on Him.
Prayer, fasting, silence, and sacrifice remain some of the most powerful weapons in Catholic spiritual warfare.
If fasting feels difficult this Lent, Fr. Christopher Amojo offers an encouraging reminder: that struggle may actually be a very good sign.
