Understanding the Lenten Fast and Abstinence
FASTING: Catholics age 18-59 are obliged to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday - only partaking in one full meal. Two other smaller meals (not equaling a full meal) and liquids are permitted.
ABSTINENCE: Catholics over 14 years old must abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, and all other Fridays of Lent. Abstinence forbids the use of meat, but not eggs, milk, or condiments made from animal fat. We are reminded each year that the obligation to do this penance is a serious one, but no one should be scrupulous in this regard; if health reasons or the ability to do one's work is seriously affected, these regulations do not apply.
| 
It seems that no matter how early or late Lent starts, it always catches me by surprise. It dawned on me this week that this Wednesday is already Ash Wednesday! And I really haven’t given much thought as to how I want to approach this privileged season. Fortunately, the readings for this Sunday offer some good pre-Lent food for thought. The first reading, from Sirach, offers this: “When a sieve is shaken, the husks appear; so do one’s faults when one speaks.” How might we better use the gift of speech this Lent? Am I generous with kind words, with thanks and encouragement? Do I speak charitably of others? Do I speak out when I should? Am I silent when I should speak out? Jesus then asks his disciples in the Gospel, “Why do you notice the splinter in your brother’s eyes, but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own?” Am I quick to find fault in others, to externalize my own problems? Am I afraid to take a good, honest look at myself? Lent once again offers us the opportunity to look within, not out of some sense of “Catholic guilt,” but in order to find healing, peace and confidence in Christ. Please be assured of my prayers for you as we begin this sacred time of Lent. Fr. Thom
