Fasting: Leo the Great on the Four Seasonal Fasts

Leo the Great (d. 461) established the practice of the Ember Days -- four seasonal fasting periods at the turning of each season. He preached: "The divine teaching has given us four seasons of fasting throughout the year, so that we may recognize that we continually need purification, and that while the frailty of life is scattered through changes and chances, we should always strive to wipe out our sins by fasting and almsgiving."

Leo connected these seasonal fasts to the rhythms of creation, arguing that just as the earth renews itself each season, the soul needs regular renewal through discipline. The Ember Days were not optional extras but part of the basic rhythm of Christian life.

Practical application: Establish your own seasonal fast -- one day at the beginning of each season (around the equinoxes and solstices). Use each fast as a time of reflection on the season just passed and preparation for the season ahead. Leo teaches that periodic fasting prevents the slow accumulation of spiritual complacency.