by Van Garzon in Categories Blogging
Countless Roman Catholics Observe Fasting during Lent — Are you up?
FASTING DURING LENT – Here is a guide on how to fast on a Good Friday if you wish to practice abstinence on your food in-take as a sacrifice.
The Lenten season is not just a time to spend more of yourself in prayer. It is also an invitation to every Catholic to experience the moments leading up to the death of Jesus Christ including his pain and sufferings until His triumphant victory of saving mankind. Undeniably, through the years, there are Holy Week traditions that remain to be practiced by countless people.
Many Roman Catholics observe fasting during Lent. It is considered a sacrifice to join Jesus Christ into the desert by taming the desires and turning into hunger for God. Fasting is not just a mere tradition but a spiritual tool to be one with Christ.
To recall, Jesus Christ fasted for 40 days in the desert to take himself out from the comfort of the world and focus intently in prayer to God. Before you decide to observe fasting during Lent, it is best to know these important details.
Who usually does Fasting during Lent?
The abstinence from food during Lent is usually practiced by Catholics who are at least 18 years old and not above 59 years of age. There are exemptions for individuals even within the age range but have health reasons or serious issues from fasting.
Pregnant women, nursing mothers, and sick individuals are among those who are exempted from fasting during Lent. However, while these people may be exempted from practicing abstinence when it comes to food, they are encouraged to embrace other forms of penance that are appropriate to their situation.
Fasting during Lent is not mandated by law. Meanwhile, it is a spiritual tool to disconnect from the earthly comforts and join Jesus Christ’s suffering.
How To Fast on a Good Friday?
The Catholic church encourage the people to fast most especially during Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. If you want to abstain from eating full on the said days as you observe the Holy Week, here is a guide on practicing fasting during Lent:
- One Full Meal
When you fast, it is allowed to have one full meal during the day. Your plate may have a variety of foods but they should be in modest serving size — not excessive to the point that you’ll really feel full.
- Two Smaller Meals
In addition to the full meal, you can have two (2) smaller meals. Make sure that when these two (2) smaller meals are combined together, their size is not equal to the size of the full meal.
- No Snacks Between Meals
Eating between meals is not allowed when you want to fast during the Lenten days. Thus, it is best to really avoid snacks.
- Beverages Are Fine
Beverages like water, coffee, juices, and tea are allowed during the entire day. It can help suffice the hunger to avoid having snacks in between meals.
What To Eat when Fasting?
There are no restrictions when it comes to the food that you can eat when you fast during Lent except on the days of Ash Wednesday and Good Friday when meat is not allowed. You may turn to vegetables, fish, and fruits.
