He fast It is defined as the abstinence of meals or drinks for a certain time. In the field Catholicthis practice takes on a penitential sense during the Easter week And some days of the Lent.
According to Aciprensa, Fasting can change the quality of prayerbecause the body is in a state in which it is at the service of the soul.
The Catholic source adds that The faithful imitate Christ when they do this practicesince Jesus fasted to prepare for his most transcendental love act. In other words, it is a penitential practice that seeks to strengthen the spirituality of Christians.
Although it can be practiced when the person considers it, Catholics are called to fast in some specific days of Holy Week. On the other hand, Other religious denominations also practice fasting according to its spiritual principles.
What is fasting?
Catholic fasting consists of breakfast bread and coffee, refrain from having something between meals, feed lightly (preferably stay with a little hunger) and dinner the same as breakfast, according to Catholic.net.
According to this Catholic source, it is essential that The fast is accompanied by prayer. If not, it is simply a stoic act or one more diet, it is mentioned.
What days do fasting during Holy Week?
In general, Catholic fasting is practiced on Holy Thursday and Good Friday. In the case of Lent, Catholicism establishes that this penance is carried out during the Ash Wednesday. However, if a person has a weight of weight to refrain from this practice, he can consult it with a nearby pastor to receive spiritual guidance directly.
According to Catolic.netfasting must be progressive. This means starting little by little. For example, start with small resignations, such as refraining from coffee, a donut, a cake or even seeing your favorite program, with the purpose of strengthening your ability to renounce (abstinence).
Who can fast?
Catholic persons between 18 and 59 can fast, in accordance with the provisions of the Code of Canon Law. For this reason, It is not a recommended practice for children or older adults.
In addition, Aciprensa indicates that people with these characteristics should not fast:
- Who suffer from physical diseases or mental problems
- Pregnant women or breastfeeding stage
- Workers, according to your need
- Guests at meals that cannot be excused without causing a serious offense or other moral situations
- Who have some physical impediment to maintain fasting.