fasting question

[Student09]

This is my first Lent as a Catholic. I am worrying that I may have eaten too much food on Ash Wednesday, although I did try to fast. Part of the problem is that the guidelines are so vague - “the two snacks must not equal one full meal, together” - what is one full meal? I almost never eat what would be considered “one full meal” - usually I eat smallish meals and snacks throughout the day. I eat this way largely to keep my blood sugar stable because otherwise I get hypoglycemic-y reactions and mood swings. (I have never been tested for hypoglycemia. My family thinks I have it because I get really weird and scary when I miss a meal.)

So I think that the two snacks I ate on Ash Wednesday would have added up to one of my normal-sized meals, but then, on a normal non-fasting day, I would have had a snack two or three hours later because the meal was so small and I would be hungry again.

I’m confused.

 

[Lief_Erikson]

I think that the Church teaching is assuming that a person has full sized meals each day, normally. Not lots of little ones. So if your snacks added up to a very small meal which is normal for you, I’m sure you’re fine. That seems just common sense. Though I’m a bit scrupulous when it comes to Church rules, so I would probably ask a priest anyway.

 

[baltobetsy]

Did you, in a spirit of penance, eat less than you usually do? Were you a bit uncomfortable because of it? Good. Now, if it’s still bothering you, take it to the priest in confession for some guidance and forgiveness if necessary. A blessed lent to you.

 

[Student09]

Did you, in a spirit of penance, eat less than you usually do? Were you a bit uncomfortable because of it?

Yes, and yes.

Now, if it’s still bothering you, take it to the priest in confession for some guidance and forgiveness if necessary. A blessed lent to you.

Thank you. I definitely was not trying to break the fasting guidelines, so I will assume that I am not in mortal sin. But maybe I will bring it up with my confessor next time I go.

 

[Student09]

I think that the Church teaching is assuming that a person has full sized meals each day, normally. Not lots of little ones. So if your snacks added up to a very small meal which is normal for you, I’m sure you’re fine. That seems just common sense. Though I’m a bit scrupulous when it comes to Church rules, so I would probably ask a priest anyway.

Thank you.

 

[Student09]

Is it ok to ask what others consider to be a snack? An egg? A stick of celery? A slice of toast?