Catholic Bishops Think Modern Man Should Re-imagine Fasting

Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, the forty-day period of preparation for Easter. During this penitential period, Christians prepare to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus through “deepening in faith, reconciliation and renunciation,” according to a statement issued by the Hungarian Catholic Bishops’ Conference.

They point out that giving up meat is not in itself a fasting act. Eating meat was a rare and festive occasion for ancient and medieval man, so giving it up was a suitable expression of sorrow and self-denial.

Modern man may ask himself what is the one value or habit in his life that he would normally hold on to and renounce as a sign of ‘bowing to God.’

Fasting for forty days had become common in the Christian world by the fourth century. Sunday is not considered a fasting day by the Church because it is the day on which the resurrection of Jesus is celebrated. Since the 7th century, Lent has begun on a Wednesday, bringing the total number of fasting days from Ash Wednesday to Easter Sunday to just under 40.

Until the 11th century, fasting was so strict that nothing was eaten until late afternoon. Meat, dairy products, and eggs were not eaten at all on such days. Today, the Church has relaxed the fasting rules, but imposes a stricter approach on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.

In Hungary, this rule has become established in the form of only three smaller meals and one larger one. On these two days and on the other Fridays of Lent, the church asks its members over the age of 14 not to eat meat as part of their Lenten discipline.

In the Greek Catholic Church, Lent begins on the Monday before Ash Wednesday. On the evening before, a so-called ‘Vespers of Reconciliation’ is celebrated. During this ceremony, the bishop asks for forgiveness from the faithful and the priests of his diocese.

The Reformed and Protestant churches have retained the traditions of Lent, but for them it is not the outward appearance that is important, but the inner, spiritual preparation for the festivities. There is a certain restraint in eating and drinking, but the tradition is primarily about remembering the crucified Lord and deepening the following of Christ.

This year, Catholic Caritas is once again organizing a Lenten collection of non-perishable foodstuffs under the motto Lasting Charity. From March 23 to 30, the faithful can hand in their donations at the designated points in the churches or at one of the collection points listed on the Catholic charity’s website.

Via MTI, Ungarn Heute; Featured picture: Wikipedia