This week, as Lent progresses, I want to write about fasting and abstinence as part of our Catholic tradition. You already know that abstinence is required of all Catholics from the age of 14 until you die. Fasting is also expected on only 2 days of the Lenten season: Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, again, age 14 until you reach your 60th birthday. (Nothing prohibits your continuing your fasts—we are not minimalists!)
Abstinence is the idea that certain foods should be avoided as an act of penance for our sins and of gratitude for God’s gift of salvation. In the Catholic tradition we abstain from meats and meat products on Ash Wednesday and the Fridays of Lent, including Good Friday. The idea was to give up the “expensive” foods and give the money saved to the poor. Fish became the viable answer to meat on these days, because it was abundant and inexpensive. Today, the reverse is true, yet, the principle remains the same: sacrifice and charity. Thinking of others and sharing our food and financial resources with the poor is the ideal. So, the idea remains the same: generosity! We should never be afraid to explain these teaching to our children or our friends.
Fasting has a greater purpose. Fasting requires more (the principle of charity remains) energy and sacrifice. It is not about avoiding certain foods, but, denying ourselves food or portions of food. A hard fast consist of simple bread and water throughout the Days of Fast. A soft fast, simplifies portions and reduces meals from 3 to no more than 2 small meals throughout the day. Obviously, medicines and medical considerations should always inform us about our limits and endurances. Fasting can cleanse the body, help digestion, even help us lose some weight. Christian fasting has a spiritual dimension that expects sacrifice, some hunger pains, and fortitude. To fast is to enter into (in a small way) the sufferings of Christ as He endured His Passion, Death & Resurrection.
So, fasting and abstinence help us live the Lenten experience with some suffering and afford us the opportunity to practice charity to the poor. Remember, fasting and abstinence can be lived all year long. But, it is the highlight of the Lenten season.