Fasting and Abstinence

Why Fast and Abstain?

Fast and Abstinence is one of the 3 essential tools that the Church invites us to consider during Lent particularly, and on a Penitential day (every Friday during the year). In a previous post in this series called Lenten Customs and Traditions, I discussed what fast and abstinence entailed according to the Church's decree (Ash Wednesday and Good Friday).  If you missed this post, why not refer to it.

Why does the Church encourage us to fast during Lent specifically?  Fasting and Abstinence are hallmarks of Lent. Fasting and Abstinence discipline the body to rely less on the things of the world, in order to create within us a clear-headed dependence on God, whose love fulfils every need. There are 2 aspects of fasting and abstinence. 

1. By fasting in a spirit of penance, we can fast from what is essentially good to demonstrate our preference for the higher good of an uncluttered relationship with God. For example, we may not watch our favourite TV programme in order to use that time to pray personally, or to worship in our parish community ( eg Attend weekday Mass, Stations of the Cross)
2. By abstaining in a spirit of penance from habits that hinder us, and excesses that we struggle to withdraw from, we grow in holiness through God's grace.

PURPOSE OF FASTING AND ABSTINENCE

We do not fast or abstain just because it is Lent, or just because the Church decrees.  Fasting and Abstinence has the following purpose:

• Removes the distractions that keeps us from the presence of God 
• Helps us deepen our prayer.
• Opens our hearts for charity.
• Makes us aware of our body and its cravings.
• Identifies us with the poor and hungry.
• Strengthens our resolve.
• Clears our head to make us more attentive in prayer and more thoughtful of others.
• Gives us more energy for service to others.

The third verse of ' May this Lenten Discipline' by James Phillip McAuley (1917-1976) sum up the purpose of fasting and abstinence succinctly as follows:

'As we keep this Lent with Prayer

and from pleasures are withdrawn,

minds and bodies we prepare

for the joy of Easter dawn'.

WHAT IS FAST AND ABSTINENCE.

Fasting and abstinence is not about show or putting someone else down because they do not fast according to your standards. This is not what God desires, nor what the Church approves.  Fasting from food/drink would be foolish for some people as it would place their health in jeopardy.  Matthew 6:16-18 is quite specific about what is appropriate behaviour.  

Fasting and abstinence, therefore is essentially a personal commitment with God, although it can be achieved in a communal setting. I had this experience at World Youth Day in August 2000. I did not intend to fast or abstain from food, but due to administrative problems on the pilgrim walk, I missed out on my food rations.  I have to say that my desire to see Pope John Paul 11 and to complete the 19km walk in 47 degree heat far outweighed my hunger.

Let us make our Lenten commitment with Father God and allow Him who sees all that we do in secret reward us. 

May we journey through Lent singing in our hearts the refrain of this above mentioned hymn:

'May this Lenten discipline

which we undertake with love

turn our minds to things above.'

Support: The Year of the Priest

THE YEAR OF THE PRIEST.

MASS  BEING OFFERED

Support: The Year of the Priest

Welcome to my sixth post on 'The Year of the Priest' Series. Each week until end of June 2010, this series will provide food for thought on the Year of the Priest', examine how we, as laity, can appreciate the gift of Priesthood in the Sacrament of Holy Orders, and encourage our priests in this special year. If you missed my last four posts on this series, why not take a look.

I wish to focus our attention on how we might actively help our priests. I will use the acrostic form P-R-I-E-S-T

 PRAY...REFLECT...IMAGINE...ESTEEM...SUPPORT ...THANK  

Last week I wrote about ESTEEM

SUPPORT 

 Let us continue with SUPPORT.

To be supportive of our priests means putting a new heart into him especially as he spends himself, frequently thanklessly, for the good of the people God has entrusted to Him.  To give your priest support means to give him your gift wrapped in psychological, and spiritual covering tied with a financial ribbon.

Obviously, every priest is unique with different gifts God has endowed. Get to know your priest well, so that you can give him the support he needs. Suggested means of support include:

·                     Giving cash: for church and personal expenses.  We all know what it takes to run a home- gas, electricity, rates, medical expenses, car and the like. Is our thanksgiving contribution adequate to support the parish?  Is our priestly contribution appropriate for his 2010 expenses? Could you live on what you give to your priest in the collections?

·                     Giving cash for a holiday: Are you able to provide him with cash or holiday accommodation, or when you know his holidays are approaching, are you able to find some cash for spending money for him. He cannot write cheques on the bank of Heaven.

·                     Giving verbal credit: for what he does and what he hopes to do in the parish.

·                     Giving support by answering the call to service: Are you able to support him when he calls for volunteers for a particular project or stand for the parish council? Giving our time and enthusiasm shows him that he is supported and loved by those whom he is serving.

·                     Giving moral support: Give your priest credit for his hopes, plans, desires, faithfulness and praiseworthy qualities. If you view life from a half full perspective, you will find it easier to support your priest sincerely and with enthusiasm.  If you view life from a half empty perspective, your feedback, even though it may be correct, may not be initially appreciated. Give him support and encouragement first before constructive criticism.

·                     Giving support through knowledge of him: Know his strengths and limitations- encourage his strengths and be patient with his limitations, know his birthday and priestly anniversaries and send a card. He may be thinking of quitting and your card might give him the courage and support to persevere.  Encourage him to hold fast to the vocation and to the call of Christ.

 Priests and parish support give us as laity, a consciousness of the Church as a community. It provides us with a sense of our Catholic identity, building up mutual understanding and appreciation, since we are our priest's collaborators and co-workers. we give him support by walking the journey alongside him. He too will walk alongside us to support us.

During this Year of the Priest, be challenged to support your priest.

Ash Wednesday-Fast and Abstinence

Ash Wednesday-Fast and Abstinence

Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent. The Church decrees that Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are days of fasting and abstinence for all adult Catholics from 14-65 years.  It is only a minimum requirement laid down by the Church, but fasting, prayer and almsgiving are essential tools in our journey of conversion of heart in this season of penance. For health reasons, the Church does not expect the sick and infirm to fast and abstain.

What does the Church mean by fasting?   The Church's expectation of fasting means to eat much less than would normally be eaten on these 2 days specifically, by eating one main meal and two light snacks. A traditional main meal dish on Ash Wednesday is either fish pie or vegetable casserole. It is highly recommended that we maintain fasting by not eating between these snacks and main meal on these two days.  Abstinence requires that we abstain from all meat and meat products.

We are entering into a holy season, a season of repentance and a season which provides us with the opportunity to have a conversion of heart.  We need therefore to not just obey the Church's decree in order to fulfil our obligation, but rather enter into it enthusiastically in the right spirit of mind and heart.

Ash Wednesday- Sackcloth and Ashes

ASH WEDNESDAY- SACKCLOTH AND ASHES.

Ashes on Ash Wednesday.

Sackcloth was originally a coarse hessian style of cloth used to make sacks or a coarse cloth resembling sacking.

Sackcloth is mentioned in scripture at least 60 times in both Old and New Testament   It was a physical and visual reminder to all the community of an interior disposition of mourning. Repentance and remorse.

A few Lents ago, I decided to buy my own 'sackcloth' -something simple to wear in Lent.  The simple purple twinset purchased from an opportunity, shop which I wore mainly at home, was a physical reminder of my Lenten observances. I felt I was wearing my Lenten armoury to fight the temptation of the fridge and pantry, and wearing it was physical reminder of the Lenten season.

ASHES: Do you know what Ash Wednesday is?

In a Religious Education class some years ago, the teacher asked the question 'what is Ash Wednesday about?'  The replies from these primary children included  (a) Ash Wednesday fires of 1983 in South Australia and (b) Test Cricket series between England and Australia.

This teacher certainly had her work ahead of her that Lent!!!

The ashes are made from the blessed palms used in the Palm Sunday celebration of the previous year. The ashes are christened with Holy Water and are scented by exposure to incense.  It is not only the Church being 'green and environmentally friendly', but it links us to our past Lenten Season and reminds us of the ongoing pilgrim journey of repentance. 

On Ash Wednesday, the priest or extraordinary minsters of the Eucharist distribute the ashes on our foreheads saying ' Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return' or Repent and believe the Good News'. At Baptism we are sealed on our foreheads. The ashes sign of the cross connects us again to our Baptism, and the words remind us to that we are a pilgrim people- our homeland is with God in Heaven. 

This simple ceremony to mark the beginning of Lent occurs in every Catholic Church throughout the world including St Peter's Basilica where the Pope both distributes and receives the ashes. As we receive the ashes, we are unity with the whole Catholic Church throughout the world. Everyone is following this same Lenten journey of repentance 'from the greatest to the least' as scripture tells us.

As part of my liturgical role, I used to prepare the ashes. Getting the right consistency to ensure the ashes were damp but not lumpy was vital. for the creation of a clear cross on the forehead. Depending on the weather, I used to prepare them the day before, by giving them a good soaking of water and allowing them to dry. A further light soaking on Ash Wednesday a hour before Mass was usually necessary. 

Preparing the ashes was something that I found spiritually fulfilling, as I was able to reflect on my Lenten journey the previous year, review my goals for the forthcoming one, and pray for my fellow parishioners, who would, like myself, receive the ashes.

May your Ash Wednesday be blessed.

Shrove Tuesday Traditions

Shrove Tuesday Traditions

 

Shrovetide refers to the name given in the past to the few days before Ash Wednesday. It derived its name from the verb to 'shrive' with its root of scribe and scrape. Scraping was associated with quill pens being dipped in dark ink and scraping was also linked to fine parchment as it was made from animal skin.  

·                     In medieval times, people listened for the church bell known as the 'shriving' bell to announce that the priest was hearing confessions. When we are cleansed from our sins, it is as though we are scraped clean.

·                     Shrove Tuesday, is also referred to as Pancake day, Mardi gras (Fat Tuesday). Shrovetide was also associated with Carnival coming from the latin ’carni' meaning meat and 'vale' meaning goodbye, that is, goodbye to meat for Lent. Carnivals are passing and the celebration of Shrovetide with its merriment and feasting ends as Ash Wednesday is ushered in at midnight.

·                     Shrove Tuesday was associated with eating pancakes, traditionally with lemon juice and brown sugar. This tradition developed because people used their dairy products (particularly eggs, milk and cream) before Lent began.  Pancakes were usually tossed three times in honour of the Trinity.

The beauty of Shrovetide for our own life is that it provides an opportunity of us to enjoy the tradition of pancakes (traditional, sweet and savoury fillings), but more importantly help us to physically, mentally and spiritually prepare for Lent.

May you enjoy your Shrovetide.

Historical perspective part 2 -Exploring Genesis

Scripture Old Testament- Exploring Genesis.

Historical perspective part 2 

 

THE BIBLE: EXPLORING GENESIS.

Genesis, the story of origins, sets the scene for the whole Bible. The very first episode shows that God is the all-powerful creator of the universe, and that he chose Adam to administer it. 

The second episode already shows human failure and God's forgiveness, themes woven together especially in Gn 1-11, through stories couched in the remote past, but relevant to every phase of human history. 

Much of the imagery is similar to that of other ancient religions, but the conception of God and the world is wholly different. Instead of the fantastic world of qua human beings as mere pawns, God is a loving creator who repeatedly acts to save the human race even when it fails him.

The stories of the ancestors which follow represent the oldest traditions of Israel. Their world is that of the Hebrews, pastoral nomads on the fringes of civilisation. Abraham stands out as the friend of God at the origin of faith, reckless in his trust in Yahweh, and a partner in the first of the series of covenants which lead up to the great covenant on Sinai. Isaac receives a confirmation of this covenant, and so does Jacob, that figure of cunning and intrigue. Finally, the extended story of Joseph shows that God is able to save his people in Egypt through the very man they had rejected and sold into slavery.

The origin of these traditions is diverse. Many of the stories explain customs such as circumcision or abstention from eating blood; some comment on features of the landscape or the existence of shrines; others explain the origin of names. Although identification of persons is not always certain, details of legal observances often show a striking correspondence with ancient codes of Law, e.g. on ownership of land or on marital customs. Through it all shines the faith of these ancestors and their certainty that they are chosen and protected by their God.

  PLAN OF THE BOOK                                                                                                 

 I The Origin of the World and of the Human Race 1:1-11:32

 A The Creation and the Fall 1:1-6:4

 B The Flood 6:5-9:17

 C From the Flood to Abraham 9:18-11:32

 II The Story of Abraham 12:1-25:18

 III The Story of Isaac and Jacob 25:19-37:1

 IV The Story of Joseph 37:2-50:26

                                                                                                            

So what do we believe in our relationship with God?

Do we, like our ancestors in faith truly believe that God is in our own personal story, and despite the difficulties that come our way, that we have that certainty too, that we are chosen and protected by God? 

                                                                                                

Tradtion of Collop Monday.

Lenten Customs and Traditions 

Tradition of Collop Monday:  COLLOP MONDAY? 

Many customs, traditions, signs and symbols have been connected with the seasons of Lent and Eastertide. As Catholics, it is valuable to be aware and appreciate our heritage, since they have had strong Christian roots.  We can learn from our heritage and adjust some of these to our personal and community Lenten journey.

The season of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday. Many years ago, meat had to be preserved through the winter by salting it. Lent in the northern hemisphere occurred as the season of spring arrived. 

On Collop Monday, the last pieces of ham (and bacon) referred to as 'collops' were eaten. This tradition was practical in nature, since fasting from all meat and dairy products at that time was mandatory during Lent. In the tradition of Collop Monday, did you enjoy bacon and eggs for breakfast, or are you going to have a dish which includes ham for lunch or dinner?

COLLOP MONDAY AND ITS RELEVANCE TODAY.

So how is this tradition on Collop Monday relevant for our Lenten journey for 2010?  It may be impractical for us to fast from all dairy products and all meats in Lent. However, fasting from some or all of these products might be considered as we plan our Lenten menus. This might be achieved by:

1. · Restricting the number of cappuccinos, lattes, short black and the like, drunk during the week. For someone like myself who loves a cappuccino, it is not a trivial penance!!!!
2. Refraining from butter/margarine on either one or two pieces of toast at breakfast or on the sandwich at lunchtime.
3. ·Refraining from ice-cream and/or sweets during weekdays. In this warm climate, refraining from ice-cream can be challenging.

As we consider all of our Lenten options in prayer, fasting and almsgivings, let us take the Church's call to repent and do penance on a personal and community level seriously.  Let us embrace our choices of penance with enthusiasm and right spirit of heart.