Fasting and abstinence began as voluntary practices. Gradually they became very strict and were enforced by church law. From the 400s to the 800s, only one meal a day -- usually in the evening according to local custom -- was permitted. Flesh meat, fish, alcohol, and in come places even eggs and milk products were forbidden.
Beginning in the 10th century, it became customary to eat this meal at noon. By the 14th century, a light meal was permitted in the evening. In the Middle Ages the prohibition against fish and dairy products during Lent was lifted.
This more severe Lenten discipline of fasting and abstinence remained in force until 1966. Only one main meal was permitted on all days of Lent except Sunday for those between 21 and 59 years of age. Two other meatless meals were permitted, sufficient to maintain strength, but together not equaling another full meal. This was coupled with abstinence from flesh meat, gravies, and condiments on Ash Wednesday and all Fridays for those seven years of age and older. On weekdays of Lent, meat was permitted only at the main meal except on days of abstinence.
Today, the definition of a fast is “one main meal and two lesser meals which together do not equal an amount of the main meal.” This requirement is for all baptized and confirmed Catholics from the day after their 18th birthday to the day after their 59th birthday.
The drinking of ordinary liquids throughout the day is permissible.
These Days of Fasting are matters of serious obligation unless one receives a dispensation for some good reason. Good reasons include special dietary requirements, requirements of medication or medical conditions, pregnant or nursing mothers, the need to maintain strength for certain types of work that must be performed on fasting days, etc.
Certainly, one should ask their physician if there is any question at all of a fast being contraindicated by one's personal health or medical condition.
When a dispensation is needed. it must come from one's pastor, confessor, or priestly spiritual director. One cannot give oneself a dispensation. Many Pastors will give a blanket dispensation for the sick or to pregnant and nursing mothers, for example, posted in the parish bulletin. When such dispensation is given, either individually or communally, some other means of doing penance must be substituted (i.e. works of charity, alms giving, prayer).
Concerning abstinence, all Catholics from the day after their 14th birthday to the end of their lives are required to observe the rules of abstinence on Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, and all Fridays of Lent. This is a serious obligation. Fridays outside of Lent may be observed by abstinence from meat, or by some other act of penitence.
In this abstinence, the law forbids the use of meat; but fish, eggs, milk products, condiments made of animal fat are okay. Also permissible are soups flavored with meat, meat gravy, and sauces.
The obligation to abstain from meat is not in force on days celebrated as solemnities such as Christmas, Sacred Heart, etc.
Dispensations may be given under the same conditions as with Fasts, as specified above..
These are our obligations as Catholics. ALL OTHER FORMS of fasts for whatever reasons are purely voluntary. Only the above is required.
Labels: Lent
