Should I join my friends even though it would break the fast

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MockSock

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My question relates to today. My non practicing housemates have invited me to go with them to the pub later and come back and eat pork.

I know that I shouldn’t do either of these things as they would break with fast and abstinence, but if I don’t am I fasting like the hypocrites do?
 
So basically you are asking if you should do something even though you know it to be wrong. Well here is your answer. No.
 
MockSock said:
I know that I shouldn’t do either of these things
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You answered your own question.
As far as being hypocritical, only you and God can determine if your fasting goes against what you believe. I suspect you believe since you are asking here, so it would not be hypocritical.
 
MockSock said:
I know that I shouldn’t do either of these things as they would break with fast and abstinence, but if I don’t am I fasting like the hypocrites do?
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This is a bad attempt at justification. Then answer is no, do not break your fast, and I think you know that. The hypocrites trumpeted about their fast and made a big show of it. You are simply observing it by telling your mates you can’t go out tonight. Hardly trumpeting, hardly making a show.
 
Just make up a polite excuse. No show off of the fast and no hurt feelings of your friends.
 
If they don’t realize it is Ash Wednesday, politely tell them that it is the practice of your Church to fast and abstain this day but that you’d be happy to take a raincheck. As housemates, you’ll have plenty of times to socialize together in the future.
 
Surely just explain you are fasting. You can go to the pub with them (I am not aware of any limits on the consumption of liquids with the exception of liquids that are essentially food) then come home and eat something with them that is permissible within the restrictions of the fast.
 
MockSock said:
My question relates to today. My non practicing housemates have invited me to go with them to the pub later and come back and eat pork.

I know that I shouldn’t do either of these things as they would break with fast and abstinence, but if I don’t am I fasting like the hypocrites do?
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Will you be sad faced?

Matthew 6
16 And when you fast, be not as the hypocrites, sad. For they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Amen I say to you, they have received their reward.17 But thou, when thou fastest anoint thy head, and wash thy face; 18 That thou appear not to men to fast, but to thy Father who is in secret: and thy Father who seeth in secret, will repay thee.
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You can go out with your friends without breaking the fast. You mentioned you are going to a pub, offer to be the designated driver if you drive. Enjoy the company of your friends and chose to eat something that would not break your fast.
 
Don’t!!! Make something up or just tell them today is Ash Wednesday, and you’d like them to respect your beliefs.
 
Would you like to go for your ashes first and wear that symbol of your faith in the pub? and drink soda? I’d be good with that. No pork though. You may take some ribbing and abuse for being Catholic too. Bonus.
 
My friend turned to me at one point and said “why do you look so glum?”

So apparently I was sad faced but unintentionally.
 
Thanks everyone for the advice. I did go out in the end and just drank water. Tried to get all the pork out of my dinner but I think I still left some by accident.
 
I’m not sure how going to a pub is breaking “both”. Can you go with your friends, have a drink and be social, then go home or pick up something and go to their place and eat with them? I’m not seeing the either/or here. You can be with your friends and stay faithful to your commitment. It’s done all the time.
 
MockSock said:
Thanks everyone for the advice. I did go out in the end and just drank water. Tried to get all the pork out of my dinner but I think I still left some by accident.
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So you didn’t just drink water, you had a dish with meat in it?
 
I know, that’s why I said go to the pub…don’t eat. If you still want to hang with them after the pub, pick up something on the way to their house that you can eat. If that’s not possible, after the pub, then go home. It’s not an all or nothing proposition. If you don’t want to go…don’t go.
 
anon98328916 said:
Don’t!!! Make something up or just tell them today is Ash Wednesday, and you’d like them to respect your beliefs.
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No need to make anything “up,” a lie is a lie and there is no reason to undermine a fast with one. I get your sentiment, though.
 
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