Fasting: The Didache on Fasting

The Didache, dating to the late first or early second century, provides one of the earliest Christian instructions on fasting: "Let not your fasts be with the hypocrites, for they fast on Mondays and Thursdays, but do you fast on Wednesdays and Fridays." This simple instruction reveals that fasting was a regular weekly practice in the earliest Christian communities, not reserved for special occasions.

The early Christians distinguished their fasting days from Jewish practice not to reject Judaism but to establish a distinctly Christian rhythm. Wednesday commemorated the day of Christ's betrayal; Friday commemorated His crucifixion. This pattern of twice-weekly fasting continued for centuries as the norm for devout Christians.

Practical application: Begin a practice of fasting from one meal per week. Choose a day and meal that you can be consistent with. Use the time you would have spent eating for prayer or Scripture reading. As this becomes natural, consider extending to a full day fast once a month. The Didache reminds us that fasting is meant to be regular, not extraordinary.