The Roman Church has undergone many changes, but the fasting of the Roman catholic church is still being followed by people even today. The age-old philosophy about fasting is to attain forgiveness for sins. In Matthew’s Gospel (4:1-2) Jesus went out into the desert and fasted for 40 days and 40 nights to prepare himself for the trials ahead of him. Later, in the 4th century, during Lent which lasts for 40 days (in the memory of the time spent by Jesus in the desert), fasting became an obligation for Christians.
Significance: Roman Catholic fasting is has many significant values for Christians. The abstinence from food is an act of penance for the sins they have committed. Christians who fast, ask for forgiveness from god for all the sins they have committed and seek help from him for their future. This period of fasting also helps them get closer to god and strengthen their relationship with god. By prayers and discipline, the followers are open for god to take control of their life and become better people. Fasting can also calm your mind, give you solace and allows you to communicate with god.
Types of Roman Catholic Fast: There are two major types of fasting which are:
Eucharistic Fasting: This fasting is done one hour before communion, for those who want to have the body and blood of Christ. They have to refrain from any kind of food or drink before they have the body and blood of Christ.
Lenten Fasting: It refers to fasting done on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. On these days catholics are expected to eat one regular meal and two lighter meals. They are forbidden to eat anything in between these meals.
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Lenten fasting isn’t portrayed correctly here. Lenten FASTING isn’t done on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, it’s done on those days and the whole period between those days. It means you can have one full meal a day and if you need it two small meals (for example if you have to do manual labour).
Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are two days of required FASTING & ABSTINENCE. This means Catholics aren’t only required to fast, but also required to abstain from meat, alcohol, sex (within the marriage) and so on. The Church encourages to abstain from those on Fridays as well.
During fasting, one is allowed to drink water.
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