Fasting as a Devotion

Fasting is an important part of the CCR's spirituality. This is because fasting is an important part of Christianity's spirituality. It is an ancient practice well-rooted in ancient Judaism; in patristic Christianity; and in Catholicism. It is important to remember this, and to continue practicing fasting even though modern Roman practice has more or less eliminated it.

By fasting we detach ourselves from matter, from earth, and from the physical things we need; we empty ourselves of material things so that we can fill ourselves with spiritual ones.

Christ, of course, fasted for forty days in the desert; John the Baptist fasted; the Didache, among the oldest Christian spiritual guides, prescribes fasting on Wednesdays and Fridays every week. Many of our Church fathers, most notably St. Basil and St. Ambrose, wrote treatises on fasting and its importance. No one can deny that fasting is a central part of Christian spirituality.

The traditional Roman Catholic fast has varied very little throughout the centuries, and consists at least minimally of the following:

• A fast of no food or drink whatsoever from the midnight previous to a Holy Communion
• Abstinence from meat. This included at least the flesh of animals; in some times and places, it included anything that was derived from animals, including milk, cheese, and eggs. In Holy Week, often only bread, salt, water, and vegetables were permitted (the black fast).
• Fasting, seperated from abstinence, meant having one non-repeated meal (unica seu non repetita corporis refectio). At this meal a little more food could be taken than would normally be taken, within the limits of temperance. It was permitted to drink some refreshment, even wine or beer, outside of the meal, if the purpose is to slake thirst and not hunger.
• The meal couldn't be lunch; it had to be the evening meal (non sit prandium, sed cœna). This essentially meant the third hour after noon or later. This was the only food allowed. A collation was permitted for the sick, or those with a few other problems, which was a small amount of bread or fruit; it had to be small enough not to turn into a meal (ne cœnula in cœnam transeat).

(The above is taken from R. P. Paul Laymann, S. J., Theologia Moralis, 1672, p. 703–707.)

The times of fasting were similarly consistent throughout the centuries:

• Fasting:
• All of Lent, typically except for Sundays.
• All of the Ember Days.
• Vigils of great feasts.
• Abstinence from meat
• All Fridays throughout the year.

This varied in details (some places required fasting during Advent, for example; and monks and other religious often had much stricter rules), but as a minimum the above was pretty consistent.

Our Roman rules now require abstinence only on Fridays during Lent, and fasting only on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday; in other words, a mere six days of abstinence and two days of fasting a year. This is ridiculous, flatly contrary to all of Christian history in all rites, and essentially legislates fasting out of existence.

The CCR recognizes that fasting is, and always has been, a central part of Christian spirituality. By fasting, we detach ourselves from matter; we empty ourselves of material things so that we can fill ourselves with spiritual ones. Therefore, the CCR seeks to practice fasting more thoroughly.

All members of the CCR commit to fasting at least on Fridays, throughout the year. Of course, those who are sick or otherwise unable to fast are exempt. During Lent especially, but also throughout the year, members are encouraged to do more; but this single day of fasting is the minimum, a small token of our devotion to Christ, and our weekly chance to give Him honor and to suffer, however mildly, along with him.

The CCR also recognizes, however, that fasting is also a matter of saving; we not only help detach ourselves from material things, but we also save material ones. This should not be wasted! The food not eaten, or the money not spent, due to our fasting should be given to the poor, or to some other worthy cause. In this way, our fasting supports not only our spiritual lives, but also serves the poor and needy around us.

Christians, fast! Join yourselves with Our Lord!

Christus vincit! Christus regnat! Christus imperat!