Fast and Abstinence During Lent

[IrishAm]

Fasting is to be observed on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday by all 18 years of age and older, who have not yet celebrated their 59th birthday.

Abstinence is observed by all 14 years of age and older.

Those are the Lenten obligations. My question, have they always been thus? And why are they what they are? What’s with the strangely arbitrary ages? Is it a universal edict, or just in the US?

I know when my children were teens, over 14, they were quite offended to find out they did not “have” to fast and abstain during Lent when they were younger than 14. (They did in my house.)

But, now, I’m the one who is more than a little offended to learn I have a free pass because I’ve “celebrated my 59th birthday.” Excuse me? What am I, some kind of second-class disciple of Christ?

Wouldn’t it make more sense to make the obligations for all who have understanding of them and are not restricted by health? Who decides such things?

Okay. End of rant.

 

[Seatuck]

Those are the Lenten obligations. My question, have they always been thus? And why are they what they are? What’s with the strangely arbitrary ages? Is it a universal edict, or just in the US?

I know when my children were teens, over 14, they were quite offended to find out they did not “have” to fast and abstain during Lent when they were younger than 14. (They did in my house.)

But, now, I’m the one who is more than a little offended to learn I have a free pass because I’ve “celebrated my 59th birthday.” Excuse me? What am I, some kind of second-class disciple of Christ?

Wouldn’t it make more sense to make the obligations for all who have understanding of them and are not restricted by health? Who decides such things?

Okay. End of rant.

You are not prevented from the practices. You are given the option because frankly at that age many people do start to have health issues. Although I imagine with people living later the ending age could be modified.

Not sure why you feel offended. Perhaps you could show some Christian Charity toward mother church who made these offensive rules and “bear your wrongs patiently” as it says in the Spiritual Works of Mercy.Perhaps just thank the Lord that you do not have the health issues that many have at that age. To many I’m sure it is a relief. To others it is a marker which they assess their condition and pass and get to continue the lenten practices. Just a couple of thoughts.

Sorry to come off as harsh. But , you are ranting at our Church who in her Mercy has given us these guidelines. Think about it.

 

[LilyM]

Those are the Lenten obligations. My question, have they always been thus? And why are they what they are? What’s with the strangely arbitrary ages? Is it a universal edict, or just in the US?

I know when my children were teens, over 14, they were quite offended to find out they did not “have” to fast and abstain during Lent when they were younger than 14. (They did in my house.)

But, now, I’m the one who is more than a little offended to learn I have a free pass because I’ve “celebrated my 59th birthday.” Excuse me? What am I, some kind of second-class disciple of Christ?

Wouldn’t it make more sense to make the obligations for all who have understanding of them and are not restricted by health? Who decides such things?

Okay. End of rant.

Hang on, in my country the age limit for ladies to receive the age pension used to be 60. Doesn’t mean they were obligated to receive it, simply that those who wanted or needed it could apply at that age.

In your country it may be the same age, or a bit older. Does that mean you’re going to feel like a second class citizen simply because you’re able, but not obligated, to do things like get a senior’s card, apply for the age pension and the like? Feel absolutely free not to do any of those things if you don’t want to!

ANY age limit that was set would be arbitrary. And after all, what you propose is that a person should start and stop based on nothing better than their own feelings that they can or can’t do it. Which are highly unreliable.

I know as a child having four older sisters I ALWAYS wanted to do EVERYTHING they did, and was often frustrated at being told no, but just didn’t understand my own capabilities, and that I couldn’t do it all.

Same with some older folk. A certain older female relative of mine is the sort who walks on an injured foot rather than resting it, lifts things that are too heavy for her and hurts her back, insists on washing dishes but can’t see very well and does a very poor job of it.

Without that set age limit, she’d feel obligated (or else push herself) to keep on fasting well past the point where her health was compromised by it.

Of course, if you and your doctor agree that you can continue fasting, feel free to go right ahead, no-one’s trying to make you stop. But bear in mind that some folks need these sort of age limits to prevent them starting too young or continuing when they are incapacitated, because they can’t accurately judge their own capabilities.

 

[BVM_1221]

Those are the Lenten obligations. My question, have they always been thus? And why are they what they are? What’s with the strangely arbitrary ages? Is it a universal edict, or just in the US?

I know when my children were teens, over 14, they were quite offended to find out they did not “have” to fast and abstain during Lent when they were younger than 14. (They did in my house.)

But, now, I’m the one who is more than a little offended to learn I have a free pass because I’ve “celebrated my 59th birthday.” Excuse me? What am I, some kind of second-class disciple of Christ?

Wouldn’t it make more sense to make the obligations for all who have understanding of them and are not restricted by health? Who decides such things?

Okay. End of rant.

It used to be that all 40 days of Lent, not counting Sundays and Solemnaties, were days of fast. And this could be a physical hardship on many. I have no idea why abstinance starts at age 14. It used to start at age 7.

I am age 65. Do I fast? Yes? For reasons of spiritual pride? No. I fast because my Spiritual Director suggested it, if it was OK with my Physician. My Physician checked me out, and gave me the OK, with strict guidlines, guidelines shared by the CFP. Fasting should not leave one debilitated, either physically or mentally. If it does, cease fasting. Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, not to be damaged by excessive penances.

And always remember the spirit of fasting that Jesus insisted on. Comb your hair, wash your face, and be happy. Let nobody be able to guess you are fasting.

(Note: my 3 cats do not fast, ever. I value an unpunctured skin)

 

[RhodyRich]

Lent is a time of preparation and purification. We prepare and purify ourselves through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Pray and spend time with the Lord. Attend Mass as often as you can. Most of all, take time to listen. Prepare yourself for the great feast of Easter.