Fasting Isn’t Just for Lent
Colin MacIverDuring Lent, Catholics abstain and fast at certain times. But the Catholic Church views every Friday (except solemnities) as a penitential day, which means we should abstain from meat or something else we desire every Friday of the year, and not just during Lent. If you’re confused about the difference between abstaining and fasting, just remember:
- Abstaining = not eating a particular food
- Fasting = not eating any food
Canon 1250 states, “All Fridays through the year and the time of Lent are penitential days and times throughout the entire Church.”
The Church prescribes this for three reasons:
- We find solidarity with Christ.
- We are moved toward virtue by reordering the passions.
- Our prayers are deepened.
Do you fast during Ordinary Time? Comment below!
For a great video on the benefits of fasting, check out “Why Should Christians Fast?” by The CFRs and Jackie Mulligan of Reform Wellness.
Meet Your Host, Colin MacIver:
Colin is an enthusiastic transplant to vibrant Louisiana, where he lives with his beautiful wife Aimee and two energetic children, Leo and Zélie. His juggling act involves being a husband, a dad, a teacher, a youth minister, a musician and a national Ascension content creator and trainer.
In his spare time, he eats too many crawfish, savors king cake, plays one-on-one kickball with his son, and tries, for the life of him, to properly load the dishwasher.
Check out Colin’s latest work with Ascension: Power and Grace: A Guide to the Catholic Sacraments and Quick Catholic Lessons with Fr. Mike.