These practices have deep roots in history and theology. Fasting dates back to biblical times, where figures like Moses (Exodus 34, 28)Elias (1 Reyes 19, 8) and Jesus himself (Mc. 1, 13) practiced fasting. In early Christianity, fasting was a common way to express repentance and seek closeness to God.
Abstinence from meat, for its part, has its roots in the Church’s tradition of sacrificing something as an act of penance, just as Saint Paul invited people to submit and dominate their body (1 Cor 9, 27) for the greater good.