When I was growing up, my father told me we were not allowed to eat anything for at least an hour before we received Holy Communion.
Why was this and is it still this way today?
2007-12-14 11:20:14 · 8 answers · asked by Angel Eyes 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Yes, this is still a requirement.
We observe the one hour fast to prepare for worthy reception of the Eucharist.
Canon Law 919 states:
A person who is to receive the Most Holy Eucharist is to abstain for at least one hour before holy communion from any food and drink, except for only water and medicine.
With love in Christ.
2007-12-14 16:31:11 · answer #1 · answered by imacatholic2 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The Ancient Practice of the Church, and of the Roman Catholic Church before Vatican II was to fast from the night before. Roman Catholics in recent times made this "from Midnight"
It was a fast of honor to Our Lord's Body ( for laypeople since the laity received in one Kind only in the RC Church). This would have been more difficult since the introduction of Evening Masses in the RC church.
I believe that it is mentioned by St. Augustine.
Eastern Orthodox still practice the full Eucharistic Fast, as do some Anglicans.
2007-12-14 19:57:23 · answer #2 · answered by mongoemperor 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I was raised in the same belief, and it was told repeatedly (i was a big eater, got the gut to prove it), that the time before accepting the communion was a time of fasting to purify the body. as to why an hour, and not two or more, i don't know, but since mass typically ran 45 minutes back then it just meant that I couldn't have a cookie in the car on the ride to mass.
I believe it is still official, I have strayed from the official dogma myself so I am not an expert
2007-12-14 19:32:33 · answer #3 · answered by janssen411 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are supposed to be ready to receive the Lord, not stuffed full of food, or just having had a snack. Your stomach should be empty and your mind, body and soul desiring the food of eternal life.
Yes, you are still required to fast 1 hour before receiving Eucharist.
2007-12-14 20:55:20 · answer #4 · answered by Misty 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am a former Catholic so I hope you don't mind, but yes it is still true today. My understanding is that it is supposed to be a time of fasting to get ready to receive the Lord in the Eucharist. Also as a spiritual exercise in self denial.
2007-12-14 19:26:49 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
I live like this, and taught my son to live like this. It's such a small sign of respect that I can follow. Some days I am serious enough to fast the prior night untill mass.
2007-12-14 22:09:24 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
because your body is supposed to be clean before receiving the holy communion...
i believe its up to you.. the priest is not gonna ask you if you ate or not.. its on a personal basis...
2007-12-14 19:25:15 · answer #7 · answered by liliana8199 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
because it is to clense the body of impurities, as you take in the body of christ.
2007-12-14 19:57:15 · answer #8 · answered by Adam of the wired 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋