My site gets this question all the time. People want to find out how do Catholics fast? They want to know how many hours do Catholics fast? Or Why do Catholics fast?
Well, I do not know. Frankly, I was never given a pep talk on what I should do when we are supposed to fast. There are reminders from the priests on those obligation days but they never give exact instructions. Whatever I learnt, I learn it from my teenage children. When my son, who is a youth group leader has a huge camp to co-ordinate, their group leaders will normally reserve a day for fasting and praying so that the camp they are to organise will be successful, with the Lord’s blessings. They will start the morning with praise and worship, training and actually, they are just having fun fooling around.
So, they probably set a time like 3 pm or 4 pm to break fast together. Once, I volunteered to prepare the foods for a smaller group (of about 25 persons) and these starving teens refrained from foods and drinks the whole day until 4 pm.
Meanwhile, for me, I never started fasting until after several years after I was converted. I believe the feelings have to come from within us, the need to actually do something. There is no point in fasting because we are asked to but did not actually want to.
I began with vegetarian fasting during the season of Lent. Even then, I dare not tell people I am fasting except that I am embarking on vegetarian foods for health purpose. I do not want to drop out midway and become laughing stock of my kids.
After a few years, I have no problem going vegetarian for 40 days during Lent. However, I do have problems staying away from foods on those obligation days. The only day I managed so far is Good Friday. Even that, I would wake up at 12 noon and fast for three hours. LOL. Because it is said that Jesus died around 3 pm so I break fast after that.
My point is – It is a matter between God and us. So, don’t sweat the small stuffs. When you have the faith, you will want to do it. And however you do it, it is fine with the Lord, I suppose. Some Catholics refrain from meats on Fridays. Some fast on Friday by taking foods like bread, porridge and other simple meals. Some go without foods but only drinks. Me? I won’t do it until one day when my heart urges me to do it.
I personally will not make deals with God like “Hey God, if I fast for a week, will You bless me with enough money to buy my dream gadget?” That is hypocrisy.
Why do Catholic fasts? I think it is a test of faith. It is not easy to fast. The temptation is great. So when you manage to pull through, there is a sense of personal pride and achievement that you do have the faith.
Tags: fasting, good friday
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