The Traditional Way to Fast

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SnowAngels

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Hello!

I was wondering if Ash Wednesday is a day to fast to one meal, or one meal and two small snacks? Also, is the adding in of snacks something that the Church did because people didnt want to eat only one meal a day? Or is it a traditional addition to fasting? Thank you!
 
Prior to Vatican II the rule on Fast days was one normal size meal and two meals that did not (together) equal the one main meal. At least in the Latin Rite. Eastern and Oriental Rite Catholics have much stricter rules. The Early Church was even stricter. But it is within the authority of the Church to change the rules of fasting, and while the Church usually suggests or recommends that those who can keep a more strict fast, what She commands is the minimum that a person must do, unless otherwise exempted by health or the need to eat more because they have a very physically taxing workday.
 
SnowAngels said:
Hello!

I was wondering if Ash Wednesday is a day to fast to one meal, or one meal and two small snacks? Also, is the adding in of snacks something that the Church did because people didnt want to eat only one meal a day? Or is it a traditional addition to fasting? Thank you!
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My old missal says “two small meals as necessary to maintain strength”. In more traditional times, many more people were laborers or farmers who might not be able to work if maintaining a strict fast.
 
I have decided to Fast the entire 40 days at only one meal per day. the first 5 days however I am eating nothing at all. No meat on Fridays as per the standard. This is me though as im in pretty good health and do 5 day fasting through out the year at different times. Anything over that and I get disoriented.
 
I really should know this but I have to ask.

When fasting on a day of fasting such as Ash Wednesday, can I drink tea (plain, no milk or sugar) in between mails?
 
Im pretty sure those drinks of that nature dont constitute a meal
 
irishcolleen45 said:
I really should know this but I have to ask.

When fasting on a day of fasting such as Ash Wednesday, can I drink tea (plain, no milk or sugar) in between meals?
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Nothing is said about drinks.

You may add milk/cream to tea/coffee. The same with sugar. You may also drink milk, juice or soda.

Of course you may also give those things up. Drink only water, drink unsweetened black tea/coffee or anything in between. Since nothing is said about drink, it is up to you.
 
What anyone does beyond the minimum requirements of the Church is their own business and it should be kept private. It is between you and God. That’s where it should stay.

This is the most visited Catholic website on the planet. People come here for answers but they read where people are undergoing some draconian fasting and they think they have to live up to that. Then when they fail they get discouraged and give up. What good is that?

Please all, if you are doing more because you love Jesus then good for you. But Our Lord told us not to show off. It isn’t good for anyone and discourages those who struggle. Please don’t throw a stumbling block in front of a believer by setting the bar higher than the Church.

-Tim-
 
maryjk said:
Nothing is said about drinks.

You may add milk/cream to tea/coffee. The same with sugar. You may also drink milk, juice or soda.

Of course you may also give those things up. Drink only water, drink unsweetened black tea/coffee or anything in between. Since nothing is said about drink, it is up to you.
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My husband tells me that I shouldn’t drink the tea between meals. You would think after 40 years of marriage I would tune out on such things.😉
 
maryjk said:
Nothing is said about drinks.

You may add milk/cream to tea/coffee. The same with sugar. You may also drink milk, juice or soda.

Of course you may also give those things up. Drink only water, drink unsweetened black tea/coffee or anything in between. Since nothing is said about drink, it is up to you.
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Thanks for the info. I normally drink my tea or coffee plain.
 
Tim,

Im pretty sure tomight when I go to Mass I will hear those same words. When someone comes here to ask questions about fasting i felt it appropriate to explain that this is what im doing for lent. Its my own penance above and beyond the minimum. Its just my thing is all. I did not come here to stand on top of the mountain and scream IM FASTING oh whoh as me!

I simply thought it would help those to know that what they do is their choice. Their pennance is private yes but we come here to discuss these particular things. i am well aware of scripture and what is asked of me. I am neat in appearance and not showing look at me im fasting. We are simply sharing stories to help others along and that is all my post was. So please before you cast judgement even ever so slightly like you have first discern the intent.
 
eightydeuce82 said:
Tim,

Im pretty sure tomight when I go to Mass I will hear those same words. When someone comes here to ask questions about fasting i felt it appropriate to explain that this is what im doing for lent. Its my own penance above and beyond the minimum. Its just my thing is all. I did not come here to stand on top of the mountain and scream IM FASTING oh whoh as me!

I simply thought it would help those to know that what they do is their choice. Their pennance is private yes but we come here to discuss these particular things. i am well aware of scripture and what is asked of me. I am neat in appearance and not showing look at me im fasting. We are simply sharing stories to help others along and that is all my post was. So please before you cast judgement even ever so slightly like you have first discern the intent.
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You are right. I should not have make the statement about showing off. That was wrong of me. I should not have written that. I actually did not think you were showing off and reading back, don’t know why I included that.

My point was that when we talk about doing more, it sometimes makes people think that they have to as well, and then they get discouraged when they fail. The Church says that one meal plus two snack is fasting. That’s enough. Anything extra should be between ourselves and God.

***that your fasting may not be seen by men but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. *(Matthew 6:18)

Again, I’m sorry I implied that you were showing off. Mea Maxima Culpa.

-Tim-
 
TimothyH said:
You are right. I should not have make the statement about showing off. That was wrong of me. I should not have written that. I actually did not think you were showing off and reading back, don’t know why I included that.

My point was that when we talk about doing more, it sometimes makes people think that they have to as well, and then they get discouraged when they fail. The Church says that one meal plus two snack is fasting. That’s enough. Anything extra should be between ourselves and God.

***that your fasting may not be seen by men but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. ***(Matthew 6:18)

Again, I’m sorry I implied that you were showing off. Mea Maxima Culpa.

-Tim-
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I think you were just prearing for scripture last night. It was ash wednesday and you know that that was going to be the topic! Good stuff
 
Tarpeian_Rock said:
What’s a “black fast?” Never heard that term.
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The Black Fast was the most severe form of fast. It is still practiced by the Eastern Orthodox, and some Eastern Catholics.

The rules are:

No more than one meal per day was permitted
Flesh meat, eggs, butter, cheese and milk were forbidden
The meal was not allowed until after sunset
Alcohol was forbidden
During Holy Week, the meal consisted exclusively of bread, salt, herbs, and water
 
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