Pre-Confessional Fasts

[EphelDuath]

Is there any tradition behind the idea that one should fast prior before going to the Sacrament of Penance, and then feast afterwards (if it’s not a Friday), in remembrance of how David fasted and wept while his son by Bathsheba was ill? (2 Samuel 12)

 

[Genesis315]

Remember there are three parts to the repentence (in this order): contrition, confession, and satisfaction. Fasting before confession would be fine as a sign of contrition–but if you were not in the state of grace it would not have satisfactory merit.

After confession and you have been restored to grace, you should make your satisfaction. The penances of a few prayers we are generally given to begin the satisfaction (and sometimes complete it), but we can still do additional penances or obtain indulgences to make the complete satisfaction (or even more than is necessary to contribute to the Church’s “treasury of merit.”)

That would be the time to fast, while repentence is still fresh in your mind, before feasting, IMO.

 

[Malleus_01]

<<<<< Remember there are three parts to the repentence (in this order): contrition, confession, and satisfaction. Fasting before confession would be fine as a sign of contrition–but if you were not in the state of grace it would not have satisfactory merit.

After confession and you have been restored to grace, you should make your satisfaction. The penances of a few prayers we are generally given to begin the satisfaction (and sometimes complete it), but we can still do additional penances or obtain indulgences to make the complete satisfaction (or even more than is necessary to contribute to the Church’s “treasury of merit.”)

That would be the time to fast, while repentence is still fresh in your mind, before feasting, IMO. >>>>>

Mal: Well said and to augment what you said - even when a Sin is forgiven in the Confessional and the penance performed - that only serves to make satisfaction to God for the Guilt of the Sin. Not the satisfaction from temporal punishment. We willl repay to GOD every last farthing either in this life or in the next and depending on the severity of the Sin - some time in purgatory may be in order unles we make satisfaction in this life through prayers , penance, suffering , alms deeds , charity , fastings etc. Feasting doesnt help in this area.

pax

 

[daeve]

I’ve been going to confession since about 1958, and I think if it was a tradition, I would have heard about it somewhere along the line in Catholic grade school, high school or college.

 

[Dempsey1919]

Not the satisfaction from temporal punishment. We willl repay to GOD every last farthing either in this life or in the next and depending on the severity of the Sin - some time in purgatory may be in order unles we make satisfaction in this life through prayers , penance, suffering , alms deeds , charity , fastings etc. Feasting doesnt help in this area.

Do you have any suggestions for penance?

It troubles me when I think of my sins because I know that I will have to satisfy justice and spend a great deal of time in Purgatory. I don’t want to go to Purgatory. I’d rather make reparation in this life and enjoy eternal happiness from the moment I pass away from this world.

 

[Genesis315]

Every act of charity and even patiently bearing the sufferings of life is satisfactory. Indulgences are also a good idea. As penance give alms and also cut back on certain pleasures and comforts–but don’t do anything too austere without spiritual direction.

 

[Malleus_01]

<<<< Do you have any suggestions for penance?

It troubles me when I think of my sins because I know that I will have to satisfy justice and spend a great deal of time in Purgatory. I don’t want to go to Purgatory. I’d rather make reparation in this life and enjoy eternal happiness from the moment I pass away from this world. >>>>

Mal: Now THAT is a wonderful question. The fact that you are desirous of avoiding Purgatory is 80% of the battle IMO. I too have this hope for the Mercy of GOD.

We have the example of the Saints. Learn as much about them as you possibly can. How they conducted their lives. How they lived their faith while on earth. Follow their example as closely as you can. They all prayed - they all offered the sufferings God sent them. they all did penance. They all recieved the sacraments as often as they could. They are there for us to help us by their intercession. We as Catholics are lucky to have them advocating for us at the throne of Almighty GOD in heaven. So we have to ask them to. There are certainy many Saints whom you can identify with and emulate and ask for their intercession with our Lord on your behalf. And we have Sacramentals and the Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary. And we can do so much more than the minimum the Church requires. And we can do all of these things in secret so that GOD alone knows we are doing them.

We all are sinners. Your question applies to every one on this board. And it is a great questtion. I am certain the other catholics on here can add additional commentary for the benefit of all of us. We all are in constant need of Grace and of repentance.

Pax