St. Gertrude Keeps Lent
Pray * Fast * Do Justice
Lent is a time of spiritual rededication, and fasting is one way to create space in ourselves for God to work within us. Fasting can also heighten our sense of solidarity with the hungry half of the world, reminding us of our total dependence upon God’s generous mercy and inspiring our own acts of compassion.Our most common fast is from food, as we intentionally attempt to quiet our hunger pangs with prayer instead of pastrami. This year, the guidelines for fasting are:
Abstinence from meat by all Catholics 14 years old and older on Ash Wednesday and on all Fridays of Lent. Abstinence from all festive foods is encouraged on every day of Lent as part of the common discipline of this holy season.
Fasting is to be observed on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday by all Catholics who are at least 18 years of age but not yet 60. The fast allows only one full meal per day and two smaller meals if necessary to maintain strength according to one’s needs. Eating solid
foods between meals should be avoided.
Solidarity: We invite you to fast from at least one meal each Wednesday for world harmony (and if you are able, to break-fast together at the simple supper that evening).
Make time for prayer in your daily routine by fasting from other activities, such as an evening TV program, non-essential meetings, the car radio, or cds…
Give up grudges and gossip, deceit and procrastination ¦
May our Lenten discipline form us in the fasting that God desires: releasing those bound unjustly, setting free the oppressed, breaking every yoke; sharing your bread with the hungry, sheltering the oppressed and the homeless; clothing the naked when you see them, and not turning your back on your own. — Isaiah 58
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