Lent
The origin of the Lenten fast is in the Scriptures of Israel and in the New Testament. Fasting is an important sign of repentance, accompanied by prayer and supplication. Forty days remind us of the forty years that the People of Israel spent in the Wilderness before they entered the Land. Likewise, Moses fasted for forty days when he pleaded with God to forgive the people's sin (Deuteronomy 9:25). Jesus also fasted for forty days in the desert after his baptism in the Jordan and before his definitive no to the Devil and his clinging to the Word of God (Matthew 4:1-11, Mark 1:12-13, Luke 4:1-13).
Christians are invited to live a time of self sacrifice and withdrawal from the pleasures of the world during the period of Lent, when they pray with greater intensity that they might, by grace, strengthen the desire to return to God. They are preparing themselves to accompany Jesus during his last footsteps on earth as he carries the cross and dies on Golgotha so that they might also be with him in the glory of his kingdom. A period of purification is indeed necessary if they are to be faithful to this vocation.
The meaning of the fast in the Catholic tradition is not complete abstention from eating and drinking (although this is true in some of the Eastern Churches). Rather, many Catholics (and Orthodox too) do not eat meat or meat products during the fast (and some do not eat milk products either). The strict laws of the Catholic Church underwent reform after the Second Vatican Council. However, also today Catholics are expected to meditate on the ways in which they can purify their hearts and prepare for Easter. Some limit the quantity and type of food, however there are also other ways that are expressed in doing good deeds, steps towards reconciliation, volunteering and giving charity.