Regarding Fasting Before Receiving the Eucharist

[Angela77]

Okay, I have a somewhat technical question. I hope it doesn’t come off as scrupulous because I’m normally not this concerned with the details.

I don’t eat anything an hour before receiving the Eucharist as one is supposed to. But I often have food stuck in my teeth after that. (I generally eat right up to the time I need to stop…There is no cushion time in between.) Lately I’ve been brushing my teeth before I go to Mass so that I don’t accidentally consume food during the fasting time.

It’s not like I feel like God is going to be mad at me or send me to Hell if I don’t do this. It doesn’t feel like a burden either. I just want to offer Jesus in the Eucharist the utmost respect. Is this excessive or unnecessary? Does anyone else do this? Hope I’m not just weird!

 

[bzkoss236]

I think it may be a bit excessive to constantly check, but deciding to routinely brush your teeth right before in order to be more respectful, so you avoid accidentally “eating” something, is fine.

Personally, I don’t think swallowing the food in your teeth would count, as it is only a spec. But if you feel it would be more respectful to deal with it before hand, go for it.

 

[felsguy]

Okay, I have a somewhat technical question. I hope it doesn’t come off as scrupulous because I’m normally not this concerned with the details.

I don’t eat anything an hour before receiving the Eucharist as one is supposed to. But I often have food stuck in my teeth after that. (I generally eat right up to the time I need to stop…There is no cushion time in between.) Lately I’ve been brushing my teeth before I go to Mass so that I don’t accidentally consume food during the fasting time.

It’s not like I feel like God is going to be mad at me or send me to Hell if I don’t do this. It doesn’t feel like a burden either. I just want to offer Jesus in the Eucharist the utmost respect.** Is this excessive or unnecessary?** Does anyone else do this? Hope I’m not just weird!

Noting that any responses that you get here will simply be opinions, my opinion based on the advice that my confessor gave me many years ago is that it would be “excessive AND unnecessary.” Sucking particles out of one’s teeth generally would not be considered “eating.”

PS This question might better be addressed on the Liturgy and Sacraments Forum