The Didache and fasting on wednesdays

[Omaestre]

I know that fasting has almost been eradicated in the west since the second Vatican council, besides for traditional Catholics that keep the ancient Friday fast, but what about the Wednesday fasts?

Ever since reading the Didache I was shocked to learn that ever since the first century Christians were fasting every Wednesday and Friday. I have kept both the Friday, Wednesday, Advent and Lenten fast since learning this, yet I know very few even amongst traditional Catholics that keep those practices.
omehow both the Advent fast(Saint Martin’s lent) and the Wednesday fast have disappeared form the West, why?

The only Christian “denomination” that still does this practice as the ancient Christians are the Orthodox, but it was not always like that.

The West also had a Wednesday fast as evidenced in the Gaelic language where Thursday is known as the day between fasts.

I cannot find any formal declaration of it being removed from the practice of the faithful, the same way as the Friday was removed by Vatican 2.

Does anybody know why and when the Wednesday fast and the Advent fast was removed from the west?

 

[Della]

This article shed some light on the topic: bible.org/seriespage/chapter-3-fasting-through-patristic-era. I’m not up on all the ins and outs of early Church practices, but it appears it may not have been compulsory, but rather fasting was done on W and F to differentiate Christian fasting practices from Jewish ones. In any case, fasting is a discipline, not a doctrine, so it is subject to change as needed or as warranted.

 

[Omaestre]

This article shed some light on the topic: bible.org/seriespage/chapter-3-fasting-through-patristic-era. I’m not up on all the ins and outs of early Church practices, but it appears it may not have been compulsory, but rather fasting was done on W and F to differentiate Christian fasting practices from Jewish ones. In any case, fasting is a discipline, not a doctrine, so it is subject to change as needed or as warranted.

I appreciate your answer, but I may have been a bit unlcear.

Yes Pious Jews fasted on Tuesdays and Thursdays, some Orthodox Jews still do, but my question was why the western church no longer does it

Advent fasting abolished at an unkown date and unkown reasons, yet it is kept in the east.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Advent#Fasting

Likewise with the Wednesday fast which was followed at the very least up to the first millennial if not up to the council of Florence, as it was not a point of contention during the council.

The practice was prevalent in the west at some point as ancient Gaelic attests to naming of the weekdays. bbc.co.uk/alba/foghlam/beag_air_bheag/units/unit_04/

It can also be found as a second hand reference by studying the medieval diets where every Wednesday and Friday was meatless. As a result the other days were informally called flesh days, up to the time of Henry the VIII in the 16th century, where even Saturdays were included as meatless days of penance, or fish days.

books.google.dk/books?id=nwLSAwAAQBAJ&pg=PA87&lpg=PA87&dq=flesh+day++henry+VIII+wednesday&source=bl&ots=qIUb4_n222&sig=vXjDcUUT6Ecbqxu4cNVL2N1TsRY&hl=en&sa=X&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=flesh%20day%20%20henry%20VIII%20wednesday&f=false

Where and why have these days slipped away in the Catholic church so we only have two days on an entire year, and yet the Orthodox have maintained this ancient practice unaltered since the times of the Didache?

 

[Della]

But I did answer your question, not about when and why Wednesdays are no longer fast days (although many keep the W fast). It’s a discipline not a doctrine/dogma.

No council is going to even address such an issue because each bishop sets such disciples for his own diocese. This doesn’t rise to the level of doctrine. Not even abstaining from meat rises to the level of doctrine.

Disciples aren’t, in and of themselves, important, as such. Rather, it is being obedient to the Church’s disciplines that matters. This is why disciplines come and go, and no one the worse for it. It changes nothing about our most holy Faith. Disciples are merely a way to practice our Faith as our bishops think best.

 

[carefullytread]

I know that fasting has almost been eradicated in the west since the second Vatican council, besides for traditional Catholics that keep the ancient Friday fast, but what about the Wednesday fasts?

Ever since reading the Didache I was shocked to learn that ever since the first century Christians were fasting every Wednesday and Friday. I have kept both the Friday, Wednesday, Advent and Lenten fast since learning this, yet I know very few even amongst traditional Catholics that keep those practices.
omehow both the Advent fast(Saint Martin’s lent) and the Wednesday fast have disappeared form the West, why?

The only Christian “denomination” that still does this practice as the ancient Christians are the Orthodox, but it was not always like that.

The West also had a Wednesday fast as evidenced in the Gaelic language where Thursday is known as the day between fasts.

I cannot find any formal declaration of it being removed from the practice of the faithful, the same way as the Friday was removed by Vatican 2.

Does anybody know why and when the Wednesday fast and the Advent fast was removed from the west?

These are really interesting questions! I was able to a mention of the end of the Advent fast on the wikipedia page.

If you search for Advent, you’ll find a mention about what times of the year used to call for fasting, but unfortunately, the citation is dead. Just after that, with no citation given, the article says the Advent fast was done away with at the beginning of the twentieth century. The beginning of the 20th century is between the Vatican councils, so presumably the decision to change the discipline didn’t come from a council.

I would love to hear more informed research about the question.

 

[Neofight]

…but rather fasting was done on W and F to differentiate Christian fasting practices from Jewish ones.

Indeed it was, as clearly stated in the Didache:

8. And let not your fastings be with the hypocrites, for they fast on the second and the fifth day of the week; but do ye keep your fast on the fourth and on the preparation (the sixth) day.

Lightfoot, J. B., & Harmer, J. R. (1891). The Apostolic Fathers (p. 232). London: Macmillan and Co.

 

[Mintaka]

In short, factory work was what reduced fast days being kept by the laity.

Let’s elaborate a little, though.

Much as in the East, Western fasting used to be a lot more big of a deal. There were many days of the year when one abstained from meat, dairy products, sex, etc.

However, much as in the East, there were a lot of people who were dispensed from various aspects of fasting. Obviously children and old people and sick people and pregnant women were never encouraged to fast. But it was also common to moderate meat and milk fasting for “working men” who were performing “strenuous labor.” A lot of factory work that wasn’t “strenuous” was still dangerous to do if you were liable to faint, and more and more women were working in factories or with home machinery.

So what happened is that most bishops in Europe gradually decided to dispense everybody from most of the harsher provisions of fasting (including the sexual fasting bit), and to have fewer mandatory fasting days. That way, pastors weren’t constantly being pestered for specific dispensations. After a while, the more lenient fasting rules became the rules for the whole Latin/Roman Rite.

This doesn’t mean that you can’t try hardcore fasting, or add more fasts to your personal calendar. But it isn’t mandatory for us.

Ireland kept the old fasting rules longer than most of Europe, so you can read some interesting proclamations from the Irish bishops on the subject of fasting.

 

[carefullytread]

In short, factory work was what reduced fast days being kept by the laity.

Let’s elaborate a little, though.

Much as in the East, Western fasting used to be a lot more big of a deal. There were many days of the year when one abstained from meat, dairy products, sex, etc.

However, much as in the East, there were a lot of people who were dispensed from various aspects of fasting. Obviously children and old people and sick people and pregnant women were never encouraged to fast. But it was also common to moderate meat and milk fasting for “working men” who were performing “strenuous labor.” A lot of factory work that wasn’t “strenuous” was still dangerous to do if you were liable to faint, and more and more women were working in factories or with home machinery.

So what happened is that most bishops in Europe gradually decided to dispense everybody from most of the harsher provisions of fasting (including the sexual fasting bit), and to have fewer mandatory fasting days. That way, pastors weren’t constantly being pestered for specific dispensations. After a while, the more lenient fasting rules became the rules for the whole Latin/Roman Rite.

This doesn’t mean that you can’t try hardcore fasting, or add more fasts to your personal calendar. But it isn’t mandatory for us.

Ireland kept the old fasting rules longer than most of Europe, so you can read some interesting proclamations from the Irish bishops on the subject of fasting.

If the motivation was around too many people working strenuous labor, why were the sexual fasting provisions lifted?

 

[CountrySteve]

The Church still encourages weekly fasting; she just doesn’t make it an obligation.

 

[Irishmom2]

Ever since reading the Didache I was shocked to learn that ever since the first century Christians were fasting every Wednesday and Friday. I have kept both the Friday, Wednesday, Advent and Lenten fast since learning this,

Does anybody know why and when the Wednesday fast and the Advent fast was removed from the west?

Would knowing the answer to if and why and when **really **change anything for you?

In taking it upon yourself to be shocked, and thus, fasting ever since, you come across as sounding like you think you know better than the Catholic Church what should be required.

It is **not required ** to fast on Wednesdays, but obviously, you are free to do so if you wish. Please choose your words carefully though, so that you do not appear to others to be looking down upon Catholics that do not share your “shock.”

 

[Omaestre]

In short, factory work was what reduced fast days being kept by the laity.

Let’s elaborate a little, though.

Much as in the East, Western fasting used to be a lot more big of a deal. There were many days of the year when one abstained from meat, dairy products, sex, etc.

However, much as in the East, there were a lot of people who were dispensed from various aspects of fasting. Obviously children and old people and sick people and pregnant women were never encouraged to fast. But it was also common to moderate meat and milk fasting for “working men” who were performing “strenuous labor.” A lot of factory work that wasn’t “strenuous” was still dangerous to do if you were liable to faint, and more and more women were working in factories or with home machinery.

So what happened is that most bishops in Europe gradually decided to dispense everybody from most of the harsher provisions of fasting (including the sexual fasting bit), and to have fewer mandatory fasting days. That way, pastors weren’t constantly being pestered for specific dispensations. After a while, the more lenient fasting rules became the rules for the whole Latin/Roman Rite.

This doesn’t mean that you can’t try hardcore fasting, or add more fasts to your personal calendar. But it isn’t mandatory for us.

Ireland kept the old fasting rules longer than most of Europe, so you can read some interesting proclamations from the Irish bishops on the subject of fasting.

I have heard this before without any sources that I could find, what I am looking is some kind of theological explanation for abolishing the ancient practices.

There are two problems, first the east has kept this despite modernization.

Second strenuous work has always been part of the human work life, it is only very recently that most of us in affluent societies are in sedentary jobs.

Despite hard physical work, both the Jews, Muslims and eastern Orthodox have kept their traditional fasts. If they can why can’t we?

We Catholics have instead conformed to the secular world instead and abandoned the praxis of the apostles and the teachings of Christ.

Christ never abolished fasting and instead often spoke of it as an effective form of prayer and penance.

The Orthodox do not consider failure to fast as sinful, but rather fasting is an effective tool in resisting temptation and letting us grow closer to the poorest of our brothers, it is a spiritual tool to encourage saintly behaviour amongst the laity, in other words the bar is set heigh so one can strive continuously to like the saints as living icons of Christ.

 

[e_c]

It is not in the Code of Canon Law that Catholics must fast on Wednesdays. It is heavily urged that they make some act of penance on Fridays, however.

The current Code supersedes any laws that went before it, plain and simple. Realize also that the Didache makes other demands which are not in practice by anyone.

You might not find such clarity in Orthodoxy…

 

[MaryHelp777]

Would knowing the answer to if and why and when **really **change anything for you?

In taking it upon yourself to be shocked, and thus, fasting ever since, you come across as sounding like you think you know better than the Catholic Church what should be required.

It is **not required ** to fast on Wednesdays, but obviously, you are free to do so if you wish. Please choose your words carefully though, so that you do not appear to others to be looking down upon Catholics that do not share your “shock.”

The church hasn’t abolished fasting on those days, just made it voluntary (which is the spirit of fasting, from the heart, not imposed).

 

[Irishmom2]

The church hasn’t abolished fasting on those days, just made it voluntary (which is the spirit of fasting, from the heart, not imposed).

Exactly. That is what not required means. And note, that I was speaking of Wednesdays only.

 

[YADA]

I think more people may practice fasting than you realize … at least for periods of time …

For a year I fasted on Wednesdays and Fridays … I still do so occasional periods of time for various reasons.

The Archbishop of Portland in Oregon set the odd Ember Days for various reasons [many were for the sex abuse victims of the Clergy - but for other reasons as well] which are days of fasting for all the faithful of that Diocese [one assumes with the same caveats as normal days of fasting] …

Many people fast but do not make a big deal of it as its not for public knowledge but for their own spiritual growth … the year I did so ., my immediate family knew of course and during the year a few close friends came to know … but I am sure many people who knew me, worked with me never had a clue.

I have friends who regularly fast … I am sure they do so as I did - to deepen their faith …

We really do not need the Church to direct every aspect of our faith journey by universal disciplines

 

[Omaestre]

Would knowing the answer to if and why and when **really **change anything for you?

In taking it upon yourself to be shocked, and thus, fasting ever since, you come across as sounding like you think you know better than the Catholic Church what should be required.

It is **not required ** to fast on Wednesdays, but obviously, you are free to do so if you wish. Please choose your words carefully though, so that you do not appear to others to be looking down upon Catholics that do not share your “shock.”

My intention was not to do anything like that, what I meant is that I became Catholic because I thought it was the true Church with the same apostolic faith as the ancient Church.

My shock comes from wondering if a 1st ,5th, 10th or 16th century Christian would identify our Catholic church as the same church of his time or not. Part of the word Catholic means universal, not only that it is without borders but also timeless.

Forgive me if I seemed arrogant, I merely want to do what I can to turn my heart from stone to flesh. I want to be as close to those who knew our Lord and followed him as I can.

This forum is for discussing spirituality and fasting is a form of prayer that was advised and used by Christ and the apostles. When our lord fasted for 40 days it was as an example of how to fight of temptations from the Devil. Similarly the demon possessed boy that the apostles couldn’t drive out, our lord said that certain demons can only be driven out through prayer and fasting.
I did not mean top chastise anyone, to me fasting is part of Christian spirituality in the same way praying the rosary is, or meditating on scripture, it is not an obligation but rather a tool, to turn our hearts towards God everyday.

Finally I am simply curious if there is a document that says when and why this practice has been abandoned, when so many generations of Christians have done it for centuries.

I just want peace of mind and assurance, to eliminate doubt in my own heart.

 

[YADA]

…Finally I am simply curious if there is a document that says when and why this practice has been abandoned, when so many generations of Christians have done it for centuries.

I just want peace of mind and assurance, to eliminate doubt in my own heart.

But the practice has not been abandoned … it is just not compelled - mandatory …

I posted about my own fasting practice … I did it every week for a year - a little longer actually … and I still do it regularly …

I have friends who practice the Wednesday / Friday fasts … just because you do not see people do it and its not spoken of - does not mean that it is not done …

Plus - as you grow in faith you will come to understand that a person can fast from many things - not just food or sex … You can fast from personal time by making a commitment to serve by living the Beatitudes … time is a very precious commodity as there are only 24 hours in a day …

That doubt n your heart is Satan trying to draw you away from Christ …

 

[Omaestre]

It is not in the Code of Canon Law that Catholics must fast on Wednesdays. It is heavily urged that they make some act of penance on Fridays, however.

The current Code supersedes any laws that went before it, plain and simple. Realize also that the Didache makes other demands which are not in practice by anyone.

I just re-read the Didache and I think almost all of the practices and beliefs are intact, with the exception of fasting weekly, and the obligation to say the Lords prayer 3 times during the day, everyday.

Do you have a specific chapter where practice has been abandoned?

 

[e_c]

I just re-read the Didache and I think almost all of the practices and beliefs are intact, with the exception of fasting weekly, and the obligation to say the Lords prayer 3 times during the day, everyday.

Do you have a specific chapter where practice has been abandoned?

Just at a glance:

But before the baptism let the baptizer fast, and the baptized, and whatever others can; but you shall order the baptized to fast one or two days before.

But after you are filled, thus give thanks: [etc.]

If he who comes is a wayfarer, assist him as far as you are able; but he shall not remain with you, except for two or three days, if need be.

 

[Omaestre]

But the practice has not been abandoned … it is just not compelled - mandatory …

I posted about my own fasting practice … I did it every week for a year - a little longer actually … and I still do it regularly …

I have friends who practice the Wednesday / Friday fasts … just because you do not see people do it and its not spoken of - does not mean that it is not done …

Plus - as you grow in faith you will come to understand that a person can fast from many things - not just food or sex … You can fast from personal time by making a commitment to serve by living the Beatitudes … time is a very precious commodity as there are only 24 hours in a day …

That doubt n your heart is Satan trying to draw you away from Christ …

You are probably right, but I’d still like to know why and when the church stopped including it in its teachings?

I don’t think the apostles wrote the Didache in vain, or why it was good enough for at least 16 centuries but not any more.

I guess I would like some sort of exhortation or document to attest why.

Like you said, since Vatican 2 fasting has come to mean more than just food, but can be substituted for any proper act of penance. We can both point to the 60’s as when the Friday fast was changed. What I am asking for is a similar thing with the advent fast and the Wednesday fast.

Hence why I am specifically asking for a when and why the practice was changed into a personal devotion rather than a church discipline.