Lenten Sacrifice

[The_Cavalier]

Hello, all! I was wondering whether it was a sin to cheat on one’s
Lenten sacrifice (on days other than Sunday, that is).

 

[underacloud]

It is a voluntary penance and you can decide to discontinue it - for a day or completely.

Whether that is sinful is between you and God really, depending on your reasons, but it is not in itself sinful.

 

[7_Sorrows]

It is voluntary so it is your decision.

 

[DavidFilmer]

Hello, all! I was wondering whether it was a sin to cheat on one’s Lenten sacrifice (on days other than Sunday, that is).

Did you make a promise to uphold this sacrifice, either to yourself or to God? By “promise” I don’t mean that you said or thought the particular words, “I promise…” I mean did you somehow make a firm resolution? Either to yourself or to God?

You may not morally forfeit a promise (provided the promise itself is not immoral), even if it is a promise made to yourself, without compelling cause (and a weakness of the will is not normally considered a compelling cause).

God expects us to be honorable in our promises - even (and especially) in promises made to ourselves. Think about it: if we cannot trust a promise we make to ourselves, how could we expect ANYBODY to trust a promise made to them?