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guardian1
Guest
why do catholics fast before taking eucharist? and do you have to fast for a period of time afterwards?
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Della
Guest
We fast at least an hour before so that when we receive Jesus in the sacrament we will welcome him with reverence into our bodies and souls. St. Paul talked about “eating and drinking unworthily” because the people were having food orgies along with the Eucharist. We are to refrain from eating for 15 minutes after receiving, again out of reverence for our Eucharistic Lord whom we have just received in the sacrament.
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Tantum_ergo
Guest
No such thing as a stupid question. . .
Until the mid 20th century the fast was actually from midnight on. My mother remembers that. I can just barely remember my older sister observing the 3 hour fast, and I believe it was still 3 hours but very soon to change to the 1 hour rule when I received my First Communion in 1964. Certainly since the mid 1960s it has been a one hour fast–and that means one hour until one receives. Which of course makes it pretty darn easy to observe unless you live 2 minutes away from church, arrive on the dot, and have Fr. Speedy Gonzales saying the 25 minute mass. For most of us, if we arrive 15 minutes before Mass, having had at least a 10 minute walk or drive, with the priest speaking at a reasonable rate, we’ll have no problem whatsoever observing the one-hour fast.
As to WHY we fast; fasting is both a preparation for a meal, as well as a penitential practice. We fast to commemorate Christ’s dying for us; we fast to prepare our bodies to receive the life-giving Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity, which we receive in the most holy Eucharist. Or so I was taught back when most nuns wore habits!
There is no requirement for fasting AFTER Mass; you have, with the reception of the Eucharist, honorably broken your fast and should indeed continue the day in joyful celebration.
Until the mid 20th century the fast was actually from midnight on. My mother remembers that. I can just barely remember my older sister observing the 3 hour fast, and I believe it was still 3 hours but very soon to change to the 1 hour rule when I received my First Communion in 1964. Certainly since the mid 1960s it has been a one hour fast–and that means one hour until one receives. Which of course makes it pretty darn easy to observe unless you live 2 minutes away from church, arrive on the dot, and have Fr. Speedy Gonzales saying the 25 minute mass. For most of us, if we arrive 15 minutes before Mass, having had at least a 10 minute walk or drive, with the priest speaking at a reasonable rate, we’ll have no problem whatsoever observing the one-hour fast.
As to WHY we fast; fasting is both a preparation for a meal, as well as a penitential practice. We fast to commemorate Christ’s dying for us; we fast to prepare our bodies to receive the life-giving Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity, which we receive in the most holy Eucharist. Or so I was taught back when most nuns wore habits!
There is no requirement for fasting AFTER Mass; you have, with the reception of the Eucharist, honorably broken your fast and should indeed continue the day in joyful celebration.
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LeahInancsi
Guest
In my feeble little mind, I think it’s good to fast for an hour before receiving the Eucharist to ensure that your stomach is empty. It’s just not cool to mix Jesus with Pop Tarts. :nope:
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wynd
Guest
Don’t forget, one may also receive Holy Communion outside of Mass.
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OutinChgoburbs
Guest
I’d really like to know where the documentation is for the 15 minutes, if you don’t mind. The timing might have something to do with it, as 15 minutes is about right for the person who receives immediately after the priest to leave Mass at the conclusion. However, even in the “olden days” we school children ran for our desks and breakfasts of Twinkies and doughnuts, having broken our fast with Jesus, immediately after Mass, which the sisters encouraged us to bring.
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guardian1
Guest
thanks for your answers everybody!
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