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Author Topic: question about the history of fasting  (Read 554 times)

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Offline MariasAnawim

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question about the history of fasting
« on: February 27, 2023, 09:32:51 PM »
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  • So I bought this book called "The definitive Guide to Catholic Fasting and Abstinence"
    It is very good and speaks of the history of catholic fasting.
    I had heard about this before, but this book is very detailed. 
    I began to implement some of the things for Lent such as 3 meals (2 small, 1 larger), no snacks or sweets, and the only dairy we kept was cheese and butter. 
    And we abstain from fish Wed, Friday, and Sat. No fasting on Sundays although we still abstain from meat.
    Now I'm not sure if that sounds extreme, but compared to the early church and even middle ages that is still lax.
    So from my understanding everyone did this rigourous fast. 
    And even in my studies the way people ate on a regular basis was a fast compared to our modern western world.
    So does anyone do this type of fasting? With their family? Do we know if even children did this fast?
    Any input relating the the question would be great
    Jesus Meek and humble of heart make my heart like unto thine

    Offline EWPJ

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    Re: question about the history of fasting
    « Reply #1 on: February 27, 2023, 10:32:12 PM »
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  • I've been doing the Lenten fast/abstinence from like the 1400's-1700's every day in Lent (even Sundays.)

    This is the one where it's basically vegan + fish/seafood every day until Easter and only 1 meal per day in the evening.  It's not fun but it's not as strict as "the black fast" (bread, water, and herbs only) or where it's vegan everyday and no fish/seafood.  So no eggs, milk, butter, cheese, etc. (milk meats) either so I have to read the back of everything to make sure one of those is not in the list of ingredients.  Usually it's made easier because they have to put allergen warnings on everything so if it says "contains: milk" or "contains: eggs" then I don't buy it.  It limits things severely but it IS a time of penance so it needs to be done.  The first few days are kind of rough, then it's easy, then at the end of Lent I am so tired of fish/seafood but I tell myself to shut up because at least I have food to eat and to quit being a wuss.  A lot of fish/seafood soup, beans, nuts, vegetables, and fruits and some cereals.  

    The way they do it now isn't even really a penance and I don't know why people complain about it.  


    Offline Soubirous

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    Re: question about the history of fasting
    « Reply #2 on: February 28, 2023, 11:51:24 AM »
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  • EWJP: I agree about modern laxity, but even the older restrictions tell the aged, infirm, pregnant or nursing to consult with one's priest in order to prevent undue harm. Lenten vegan can be the standard for healthy adults, but too-low protein can deplete muscle strength for older people, and too little oil/fat can lead to gallstones. As for eggs and milk, the restrictions are less about what goes in (Matthew 15:11) than about disciplining the body and the human will toward what God wants of us (Matthew 17:19-20). I'll still eat the plainest bread from an old-fashioned bakery even if there's no list of ingredients.

    MA: With children, it seems the key would be their age and level of understanding. On the one hand, it's good even for the very young (beginning at around a year or two, depending on what it is that's being limited) to become accustomed to some restrictions in general, even if they're too young to listen to reasons. On the other hand, if it's something they only fight against and perceive that it's nothing more than the parent's imposition, then it's counter to the purpose. Instead, the parents can proactively help children fast/abstain little by little as a way for them to become closer to God. One way could be by teaching children about the Liturgical Year and how Lent matters in the cycle of Redemption.
    Let nothing disturb you, let nothing frighten you, all things pass away: God never changes. Patience obtains all things. He who has God finds he lacks nothing; God alone suffices. - St. Teresa of Jesus

    Offline Soubirous

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    Re: question about the history of fasting
    « Reply #3 on: February 28, 2023, 02:37:09 PM »
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  • Lenten vegan can be the standard for healthy adults, 
    edit to include only one meal a day after sunset.
    Let nothing disturb you, let nothing frighten you, all things pass away: God never changes. Patience obtains all things. He who has God finds he lacks nothing; God alone suffices. - St. Teresa of Jesus