Holy Communion, Fasting, Obedience, Scrupulosity, and Conscience

[Melvin]

Help!

My question is basic. I often experience what I would call a leading to fast. Such inner inclinations are sometimes immediate, as when I am about to have a meal, or sometimes I wake up in the morning and think that I should fast. Usually I do not have any end in view, meaning that I would begin a fast with no idea as to how long to fast.

I struggle with this constantly, and probably more often than not, I do not fast. When I do not fast, I experience immediate guilt and a persistent sense that I have been disobedient to God.

I just entered the Church through the RCIA program and received the sacraments for the first time, meaning a conditional baptism as well as confirmation and Holy Communion. I lived a sinful and disobedient life in the past and I would not rule out that God is leading me to fast as ongoing penance.

How can I know that it is the Lord who is leading me to fast? Also, when I refuse to fast does this constitute a mortal sin, and should I therefore go to confession before receiving Holy Communion?

Any help would be appreciated…

 

[WhiteDove]

I doubt if not fasting would ever be a mortal sin. I would put that entirely out of your mind. The only required fasts are Ash Wed and Good Fri, and those aren’t very strict.

I do fasting for my personal growth. I view it as a positive self disipline. Certainly, not doing it wouldn’t be a sin. Gluttony is a sin though.

If you are obsessing about this subject, maybe fasting isn’t a good thing for you to do right now. Perhaps a different disipline might be more helpful.

 

[mjdonnelly]

But, if you have the urge to fast, go ahead.

 

[WhiteDove]

mjdonnelly:

But, if you have the urge to fast, go ahead.

As long as you aren’t anorexic. I’ve taken care of anorexic patients and it’s not a pretty picture. It’s a mental illness.

As long as fasting isn’t damaging your health, I agree. It sure won’t hurt you. I’ve heard for most folks it’s a physically healthy thing to do.

 

[Hermione]

I think you should look into whether you’re suffering from scrupulosity.

Your post was all too familiar to me, because I often think in these patterns.

I should say that I am extremely scrupulous, and maybe you should talk to a priest about being scrupulous as well.

It’s good if you’re not scrupulous, but talk to a priest anyway because if scrupulosity gets out of control it can steal your happiness, joy, and everything else that’s good in your life while leading you into very deep despair.

 

[John_of_Woking]

Hermione:

I think you should look into whether you’re suffering from scrupulosity.

Your post was all too familiar to me, because I often think in these patterns.

I should say that I am extremely scrupulous, and maybe you should talk to a priest about being scrupulous as well.

It’s good if you’re not scrupulous, but talk to a priest anyway because if scrupulosity gets out of control it can steal your happiness, joy, and everything else that’s good in your life while leading you into very deep despair.

Hello,

My recommendation would be to ignore the promptings and eat at regular times. If you want to offer something up as penance offer up the torture of OCD and your anxiety.

 

[John_of_Woking]

Melvin:

Help!

My question is basic. I often experience what I would call a leading to fast. Such inner inclinations are sometimes immediate, as when I am about to have a meal, or sometimes I wake up in the morning and think that I should fast. Usually I do not have any end in view, meaning that I would begin a fast with no idea as to how long to fast.

I struggle with this constantly, and probably more often than not, I do not fast. When I do not fast, I experience immediate guilt and a persistent sense that I have been disobedient to God.

I just entered the Church through the RCIA program and received the sacraments for the first time, meaning a conditional baptism as well as confirmation and Holy Communion. I lived a sinful and disobedient life in the past and I would not rule out that God is leading me to fast as ongoing penance.

How can I know that it is the Lord who is leading me to fast? Also, when I refuse to fast does this constitute a mortal sin, and should I therefore go to confession before receiving Holy Communion?

Any help would be appreciated…

Hi Melvin

God Bless in your struggle, hermione’s advice is sound.