Fasting Question

[Sunny324]

Now that I’m a diabetic, I can’t fast from meals completely. What is the best way to handle this? I’ve had friends suggest a “fruit and veggie” fast or fast from other things such as coffee or t.v, but I’m unsure about the proper way to handle this! Thanks

 

[maryjk]

For Catholics, there are only two days of Fast per year. Neither day requires completely fasting from even one meal. Talk to your doctor if you have a problem cutting back.

For Communion, there is a one hour fast. For most people, those that don’t live next door to the church, simply not eating on the way to Mass and not eating during Mass will accomplish the one hour fast. And again, talk to your doctor if you must eat every hour.

 

[chefmomster2]

If anyone has true health issues a full last is not required. Eat as little as you safely can. The Church does require more than that.

If you are still concerned, ask your priest.

 

[mountee]

As a diabetic your fasting is under different guidelines and should never place you in a health problem. Choose something like you have already suggested, coffee or pop, and make it something that you feel will be a sacrifice. Then you will satisfy the fasting purpose whether it is one of the required days or something you are personally choosing to do.

 

[Origen52]

My hardest fast has been fast from gossiping. I work on it everyday. Another difficult fast is fasting from anger. There are many sacrifices we can offer to God.

 

[Sunny324]

Thank You!! You have helped me so much!

 

[hakop]

What these people are explaining and advocating unto you are not truly fasts, as our Lord commanded us to fast for the increase of the Holy Spirit and of efficacious prayers and enhanced communication and connection with God the almighty.
Simply ceasing to drink pop or coffee is not any fast at all. Even a child is able to resist that which is bad for them.
A real fast, like the one the Lord told us to undergo, requires much more sacrifice of fleshly desires.
You’ll feel hungry, all the time, but say no. Remember that we walk in the Spirit and not in the flesh. The less you eat, the more you’ll walk in the Spirit. Walking in the Spirit is more valuable infinitely more than eating a snack or doing something unhealthy.
Being a diabetic is different, eat so you’ll be resisting your natural flesh’s desires. But dont starve to extreme hunger. Remember how much our Lord fasted, 40 days! this made Him incredibly powerful and filled with the Ghost. You can do this too. Resist the lust of the flesh for food. Sacrifice food for the Holy Ghost. You’ll notice drastic differences in your spiritual power and strength and truth and might in prayer.
These false fasts are worthless. Don’t take it easy on yourself with a fast. Go out on a limb. Desire not to be filled with food and wine, but with the Holy Spirit. You’ll know when you’re doing it right, because you’ll conquer your flesh, and overcome your desire for temporary sustenance, temporal nourishment, because you’ll get eternal food and nourishment for your soul.
Thanks for reading this. Look up some good fasts. Don’t listen to these guys.

 

[thistle]

What these people are explaining and advocating unto you are not truly fasts, as our Lord commanded us to fast for the increase of the Holy Spirit and of efficacious prayers and enhanced communication and connection with God the almighty.
Simply ceasing to drink pop or coffee is not any fast at all. Even a child is able to resist that which is bad for them.
A real fast, like the one the Lord told us to undergo, requires much more sacrifice of fleshly desires.
You’ll feel hungry, all the time, but say no. Remember that we walk in the Spirit and not in the flesh. The less you eat, the more you’ll walk in the Spirit. Walking in the Spirit is more valuable infinitely more than eating a snack or doing something unhealthy.
Being a diabetic is different, eat so you’ll be resisting your natural flesh’s desires. But dont starve to extreme hunger. Remember how much our Lord fasted, 40 days! this made Him incredibly powerful and filled with the Ghost. You can do this too. Resist the lust of the flesh for food. Sacrifice food for the Holy Ghost. You’ll notice drastic differences in your spiritual power and strength and truth and might in prayer.
These false fasts are worthless. Don’t take it easy on yourself with a fast. Go out on a limb. Desire not to be filled with food and wine, but with the Holy Spirit. You’ll know when you’re doing it right, because you’ll conquer your flesh, and overcome your desire for temporary sustenance, temporal nourishment, because you’ll get eternal food and nourishment for your soul.
Thanks for reading this. Look up some good fasts. Don’t listen to these guys.

People with medical conditions that could worsen by fasting should check with their doctors first and if the medical advice is not to fast the Church does not place an obligation on such a person to fast.
Secondly, the fasting obligation by the Church is one normal meal plus two smaller meals that together do not exceed one normal meal. This applies to Ash Wednesday and Good Friday only. No other fasting days are required.
Anyone who is physically and mentally capable may fast more but that is voluntary. Its none of our business how a person fasts as long as they fulfill their obligation.