The answer
Fasting is a way to gain spiritual strength. It is a means to the goal and not the goal in or of itself. Fasting is abstaining from indulgences, sin, and the frivolous things in this world. Fasting raises the mind and spirit toward what is godly and away from the earthly."Do you fast? Then feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, visit the sick, do not forget the imprisoned, have pity on the tortured, comfort those who grieve and who weep, be merciful, humble, kind, calm, patient, sympathetic, forgiving, reverent, truthful and pious, so that God might accept your fasting and might plentifully grant you the fruits of repentance. Fasting of the body is food for the soul" (St. Basil the Great).
Answered by His Eminence Metropolitan Youssef (opens in a new tab)