The Measure of Fasting

The perfection of abstinence, then, is not to be judged by the reckoning of time alone, nor only by the kind of food, but above everything by the judgment of conscience. Each one should impose on himself as sparing a diet as the battle of his bodily struggle may require. Keeping the regular, appointed fasts is indeed valuable and must by all means be done. But unless it is followed by eating in moderation, one will not be able to reach the goal of perfection. For the abstinence of long fasts, when the body is then stuffed full, produces weariness for a time rather than purity and chastity. Perfection of mind truly depends on the abstinence of the belly. He has no lasting purity and chastity who is not content always to keep to a balanced and moderate diet. Fasting, however severe, is made useless if needless relaxation follows, and it soon leads to the vice of gluttony. A reasonable amount of food, taken daily with moderation, is better than a severe and long fast at intervals. Excessive fasting has been known not only to undermine the steadiness of the mind but also to weaken the power of prayer through sheer weariness of body.