Being my age how do i fast for lent?

[MaeganFlinchum1]

It’s encouraging to see a young person who’s so serious about this. Good work. You may wish to ask a priest to suggest some mortification. It’s always best if we don’t choose them ourselves.

I NEVER THOUGHT OF THAT!!! I think i might ask him and my RCIA teachers tomorrow.thanks!!

 

[Zekariya]

May be I should try again but I don’t do this giving up rule that many Anglicans like to do because as adults we understand that bit more about how and why Jesus Suffered. For children, giving up sweets or something is a good way of teaching a bit about that suffering. But for Adults, really, we need that bit more on commitment of our faith. That would be suffering for, even for many committed Christians,Catholics and Anglicans alike. I know for one although I like the idea of simple rules, I get that trapped in feeling too and need to be able to take them lightly or it gets too much. I know that. At 14, you’re not an adult to take on too much committment. but depending on how you are, you will understand some of what Jesus suffered perhaps. Fasting is a way of experiencing suffering. (or was in the past).

Fasting meat on Fridays may not be a hardship. However, traditionally, those capable to fast had a vegan diet and shellfish everyday during the Great Lent (this is still observed in the Eastern Churches). Even outside of Lent we (of the East) fast on Wednesdays and Fridays throughout the year (unless a major Feastday takes precedence). Fasting is a form of mortification and assists us spiritually. It is not only for those who are kids and those that might not understand Christ’s Sacrifice. The Church Fathers from the earliest times supported fasting and they have taught the importance of fasting in all of Church history.

“But let not your fasts be with the hypocrites; for they fast on the second and fifth day of the week; but fast on the fourth day and the Preparation (Friday).” - The Didache (c. AD 40-60)

Traditionally Christians would fast on Wednesday (the day Judas betrayed Christ) and Friday (the day Christ died).

Jesus fasted forty days and is both God and Man. We sinners have Christ’s, the Apostles, and the Church Fathers as our example to fast.

Mark 2:19-20 And Jesus said to them, "Can the friends of the bridegroom fast while the bridegroom is with them? As long as they have the bridegroom with them they cannot fast. But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast in those days.

 

[porthos11]

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I am 14. SO as far as I know:
-no meat on ash wednesday
-no meat on fridays
-give up/ do something for Lent

i plan to only drink milk and water all of lent (alls i usually drink is soda/tea/sugary drinks) and not eat chocolate, pray atleast one decade of the Rosary a day, and read the readings from my church bulletin. is that all ok? anything else?

While this is all great, you should always run your planned penances by your priest and follow what he says. Other than what the Church requires, take no additional penances without your priest’s approval.

 

[mike2112]

When I was 14, (I am 19 now) I gave up candy, sugary drinks, I think video games too. I was so hard for me at the time, but the more you sacrifice, the more Jesus is pleased. It is all up to you as to what you feel like fasting. I learned a ton of self-discipline after Lent at that age and God poured in alot of wisdom afterwards. Remember though that when you give up certain things for Lent, it should come from the bottom of your heart for your love of Jesus. Praying for ya kiddo!

 

[mike2112]

While i am only 14 i do know how to commit to something. Ive been studying consistently for a year now about God and Catholicism. I did all by myself for around 7months. And i will be the only Catholic in my family soon. I don’t want to sound rude or disrespectful in any way, but I’d say that i understand why Jesus suffered for us. Not due to my studying, but because God has really helped me and taught me. And i dont watch Tv or anything really secular like that. I watch EWTN and have read a lot of Catholic books. Thats like the only thing i read. I don’t think anything i do is to big of a commitment for me. I want to live my entire life for God and prepare for my First Holy Eucharist welll. And im not just giving up food, but i want to try to read my Bible everyday (I am also reading so.e of Scott Hanns books and Reliving the Passion) and im going to start praying the Rosary more. I dont think your age really matters so terribly much. Unless ofcourse you just cant fast from certain things or do certain things for whatever reason. God Bless you and thanks for your reply!

You are spot on! Age has no concern for this. Antonietta Meo is venerable now but she died at the age of 6. She suffered much for Jesus but lived a very saintly life. Saint Maria Goretti was 12 when she died. Not many children are willing to die for Jesus, but we should always be willing to do so. When you give up desires like sugary foods and secular television and bad habits… that is a death in itself. You are dying to the desires of your flesh. I’m an older teen but it makes me smile to know that there are other teenagers out there as committed to Jesus like this. Thank you

 

[MaeganFlinchum1]

You are spot on! Age has no concern for this. Antonietta Meo is venerable now but she died at the age of 6. She suffered much for Jesus but lived a very saintly life. Saint Maria Goretti was 12 when she died. Not many children are willing to die for Jesus, but we should always be willing to do so. When you give up desires like sugary foods and secular television and bad habits… that is a death in itself. You are dying to the desires of your flesh. I’m an older teen but it makes me smile to know that there are other teenagers out there as committed to Jesus like this. Thank you

Thank you also

 

[MaeganFlinchum1]

Haha i thought what i gave up was normal. My RCIA teacher is giving up french fries and my spanish teacher is giving up candy so i thought what i was giving up was just the norm.

 

[maryjk]

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While this is all great, you should always run your planned penances by your priest and follow what he says. Other than what the Church requires, take no additional penances without your priest’s approval.

I have never heard this.

Every year I “give up” something or do something extra. I have never spoken to my priest about it. In fact, he talks about what he “gives up” and has never said, “but talk to me before you do anything like that.”