Missive (2/28): Fasting & Abstinence

I’d like to review some basics of Christian discipline, especially during Lent.  It seems good to start with the discipline of fasting and abstinence.  We know the Church teaches we must fast and abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday; we also recall that every Friday throughout the year is a day for abstaining from meat (yes, outside of Lent one may choose to replace abstaining from meat with another penance).  But, why?

It is first of all good for us to recognize the biblical foundations of fasting and abstinence.  We see the people of Israel fasting in preparation for great feasts and individually for momentous occasions in a person’s life.  We also see fasting in connection with prayer.  Indeed, Christ Himself fasted for forty days after His baptism in the Jordan and before beginning His earthly ministry.  Recognizing the witness of holy scripture and the example of Christ and His disciples, especially the apostles, the Church has continued to profit by this witness and example as well as teach Her children (the baptized) to do the same.

We recognize fasting and abstinence as an important witness to what is most important in our lives, such that we give up the good of nutrition from time to time in favor of greater prayer which is an act of love for God, and charity which is an act of love for neighbor.  We don’t always understand the connection between love and fasting beyond this except that we recognize through scripture and the experience of the Church that it works.

One point that does bear recognition however is, with regards to abstinence, we abstain from meat on Fridays in witness of, and sorrow for, the passion and death of Christ: Because Jesus gave up His flesh on Friday for our salvation, we give up flesh on Friday in witness and gratitude.

So, why does the law of fasting kick in at the age of 18 and end at age 59?  The Church is a loving Mother.  As such, She recognizes that children are growing and are in need of nutrition so that they may develop fully.  Good nutrition ensures full and proper health as well as greater defense against disease.  In older age, the Church recognizes that we don’t metabolize food as well as we did in the prime of life, and again, good nutrition is a defense against sickness and disease, but also allows one to function more fully at this stage in life.  Makes sense, doesn’t it?  This is also why the law of abstinence from meat doesn’t kick in until age 14.  But, of course, most people in our neck of the woods are not faced with the choice between eating meat and going hungry.  Thus, it is best, from a child-rearing point of view, to include children in the practice of abstinence from their youngest age as well.  This reinforced by abstinence from candy, sugary drinks, and desert during Lent and even on Fridays throughout the year.

This went a little long, but it is an important part of our Lenten discipline as well as our Christian discipline throughout the year.  So…

“May Christ our Lord help us all with His bountiful grace, so that we may know His holy will and perfectly fulfill it.” (St. Ignatius of Loyola)