Fasting: Augustine on Fasting and the Heart

Augustine of Hippo taught that fasting without interior transformation is worthless. He wrote: "Fasting cleanses the soul, raises the mind, subjects one's flesh to the spirit, renders the heart contrite and humble, scatters the clouds of concupiscence, quenches the fire of lust, and kindles the true light of chastity. Enter again into yourself." Yet he was equally insistent that fasting is not primarily about abstaining from food.…