Nail/Finger Biting & The One-Hour Fast

[Mattjolley]

Just wondering if biting one’s nails or fingers constitutes a break of the fast before receiving the Eucharist?

 

[Just_Lurking]

Can. 919 §1. A person who is to receive the Most Holy Eucharist is to abstain for at least one hour before holy communion from any food and drink, except for only water and medicine.

 

[jmcrae]

Just wondering if biting one’s nails or fingers constitutes a break of the fast before receiving the Eucharist?

No. Nor do other of the same category of bad habits, because it’s not “food.”

Still, it’s not a very sociable habit, and you want to do your best to break it, if you can.

 

[puzzleannie]

oh please you don’t seriously think people swallow their nail parings? this has to go into the scrupulosity hall of fame

 

[MarkThompson]

this has to go into the scrupulosity hall of fame

I disagree; I think it reflects scrupulosity in the good sense, and not over-scrupulosity as you’re implying. Might as well get it right – and for all we know, the OP is trying to quit his habit and was hoping that it was a violation of the fast so he’d have a better incentive to quit. No need to criticize someone for asking a reasonable question.

oh please you don’t seriously think people swallow their nail parings?

But it’s not food or drink. The same goes for swallowing your own saliva or blood from a cut in your mouth, if sand or a bug accidentally flies into your mouth, etc.

 

[Whitacre_Girl]

I’m a notorious cheek-biter. I do it when I am nervous, so you can imagine how I looked on my wedding video… haha

Seriously though, it’s not food. You’re okay!