Fasting

[nyj]

I seem to remember after Vatican II that the rules regarding fasting were changed.

I have only lived post Vatican II, so I cannot compare "the way it was" as opposed to "how it is now"... However, as you can see from the quote I provided from the Code of Canon Law (1983), which was written well post-Vatican II, I believe this "It all changed after Vatican II" stuff is a myth. If Episcopal Conferences have been given leniency as to what constitutes a proper fast or form of penance, I cannot see how any member of the Orthodox Church can complain, since this fits directly into their model of governance.

I remember our Parish Priest saying that because of the changes in rules you only had to fast on Friday's during Lent.

According to the Code of Canon Law, that would incorrect.

 

[ChoirDir]

NYJ
Thanks again for your insight. Being someone who grew up pre-Vatican II, it used to be that during Lent no meat was partaken at all. In addition on the eve's of major feast days were also strict fasts. I am sure many Italians can remember the traditional all fish served on Christmas Eve.
And while you state "since when was it mandatory" fasting was back then.

 

[Dominus Fidelis]

Is it dangerous to fast if you have anxiety disorders?

 

[Michelina]

Is it dangerous to fast if you have anxiety disorders?

If fasting or abstaining affect you adversely, speak to your Pastor, who has the authority to dispense you. If you can't contact him -without serious inconvenience- you can presume the dispensation until you get a chance to see him. Our Holy Mother the Church prescribes these disciplines for our Benefit, not to harm us in any way. The prescriptions/proscriptions must be taken in the context of the law, which is beneficent in purpose.

The Church is never opposed to our mature use of common sense.

 

[John the Engineer]

The Church is never opposed to our mature use of common sense.

AMEN! I think some people all too easily forget this one, the Church is here to love and nurture, not try to ruin lives!

 

[BAChristian]

AMEN! I think some people all too easily forget this one, the Church is here to love and nurture, not try to ruin lives!

Which, unfortunately, is where you get a lot of anti-Catholic rhetoric from cradle Catholics turned <insert faith here>...

"The Church said if I didn't do this, I'm going to hell", or, "I have to do all of these things because the Church says I have to. I feel like I'm in bondage!!"

In order to not offend any of our lurkers or members who were once Catholic, I will refrain from "speaking my mind" any further...

Off soapbox: It's just the convert in me...7 days and counting...

 

[MariaRegina]

Spiritually it's good to fast -- we learn to say "no" to small things so that we can say "no" to sin and "yes" to God.

Here's another good reason to fast and abstain from meat:

http://www.missoulian.com/articles/2004/01/25/news/top/news01.txt