Course 4, Chapter 32: Christianity visible. — Lent

1. Why are fasts and abstinence commanded?

They are commanded: 1st, to strengthen our soul and restore its dominion over the senses; 2d, to expiate our sins; 3d, to render homage to God for the benefits he confers on us. The fast of Lent is established also in imitation of the forty days' fast of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to prepare us for the paschal communion.

2. Is Lent of great antiquity?

It is derived from the apostles, and has always been observed in every portion of the church. The first Christians kept a very severe fast, and gave in alms what they retrenched from their table.

3. In what does the fast consist?

The fast consists in eating only one meal a day, to which the church, ever indulgent, permits us to add a light collation.

4. Who are obliged to fast?

All who have completed their twenty-first year are bound to fast by the law of the church. But all who are sinners, of whatever age, are obliged to do penance.

5. What reasons dispense from fasting?

Sickness, hard labor, poverty, are reasons which dispense us from fasting.

6. In case of doubt what must we do?

When we doubt as to the obligation of fasting, we must consult our confessor or a pious and experienced physician. When we cannot fast we must perform some other good works, watch more carefully over our senses, and support our labor and sufferings with more resignation.

7. What dispositions must we bring to the fast of Lent?

To fast with profit during Lent, we must consider it as a means to sanctify ourselves, and do all that is necessary for that purpose; we must renounce sin, assist at the instructions and live in recollection.