THE PRECEPTS OF THE CHURCH:

FASTING AND ABSTINENCE

Bishop Paul S. Coakley

The precepts of the Church, which I have been reflecting on in this series of articles, are laws established by the pastoral authorities of the Church.   According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church they are “meant to guarantee to the faithful the very necessary minimum in the spirit of prayer and moral effort” to ensure our growth in love of God and neighbor (CCC 2041).  

Our growth in moral goodness (and holiness) must be aided and sustained by our participation in the Church’s liturgy and sacraments.

The fourth precept of the Church states: “You shall observe the days of fasting and abstinence established by the Church” (CCC 2042).

The purpose of this precept is twofold.  First, it is intended to help us prepare ourselves spiritually for certain special feasts, such as Easter.  Secondly, it helps us grow in self-discipline and master our physical appetites so that we might hunger for the things of the Spirit. 

“Man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Mt. 4:4).   Faithful observance of this precept helps us grow in interior freedom.

WHAT DOES THE CHURCH mean by fasting and abstinence?  Abstinence has many meanings.  For some it may mean refraining from alcohol or sexual relations.  In this context, abstinence means refraining from eating meat, understood to include the flesh of warm-blooded animals.  Fish and other cold-blooded animals are not included under the law of abstinence.  

Fasting too, suggests a variety of meanings and varying degrees of intensity.  For example, there is the Eucharistic fast which requires those who will receive Holy Communion to refrain from all food for one full hour before reception of the Sacrament. 

In light of this precept of the Church, however, the law of fasting has a more precise meaning.  It means that we may take only one full meal during the course of the day.  This may be supplemented by two additional light meals which, together, are not greater than a full meal.  Though eating between meals is prohibited, liquids may be taken at any time.

What then, are the days of fasting and abstinence established by the Church?  Preeminent among the Church’s penitential days and seasons are each Friday of the year and the season of Lent.  Penitential practices during these times help prepare the faithful to celebrate the paschal mystery with greater faith and longing.

IN KEEPING WITH the penitential character of Friday, the day Christ suffered and died for our sins, abstinence from meat is strongly recommended on every Friday of the year.  Another form of penance may be substituted for abstinence on Fridays outside of the Lenten season. 

This substitution, unfortunately, has been largely neglected by many Catholics with the result that Friday, like Sunday, has lost its special character and association with the events of our redemption. 

How does this precept apply to the season of Lent?  Abstinence from meat is obligatory on Ash Wednesday and on every Friday of Lent.  The law of fasting applies to Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.  

Though these are the only requirements established by this precept we would do well to recall that the precept establishes only the bare minimum.  We are encouraged to strive for much more.  Therefore, fasting on all of the weekdays of Lent is strongly recommended for those who are able. 

Published  in The Register, Diocese of Salina 7-13-2007