Not however because Christ fasted immediately after having received baptism, are we to suppose that He established a rule to be observed, that we should fast immediately after His baptism. But when the conflict with the tempter is sore, then we ought to fast, that the body may fulfil its warfare by chastisement, and the soul obtain victory by humiliation.
Reproduced in full. Translation: Oxford 1841 (Newman), public domain (Public domain).
Also cites: Serm. 210, 2