I read somewhere that fasting is only meritorious when done as a penance, not when done for other reasons (health). I can't remember where I read it. (Could have been in the Catechism?) So my question is, how do you know for sure your fast or abstinence is meritorious?
Also, should I feel guilty if there was a bit of leftover butter in the bottom of yesterday's bowl of spinach?
You will have to explain the concept of leftover butter to me... that is like when I hear a tv chef say to use some leftover wine... WHAT?!
But seriously, fasting is meritorious when you offer it up for a specific intention. If it is penance, pray earnestly for forgiveness during your fast, and if possible donate the money you would have spent on food during that period to the church, a worthy charity or to someone in need. You can also ask the priest to assign you fasting as penance when you go to confession, and he will give you guidance. If you are fasting for another person's intentions or conversion, or the corporate sins of our nation, etc., pray that as your intention.
I read somewhere that fasting is only meritorious when done as a penance, not when done for other reasons (health). I can't remember where I read it. (Could have been in the Catechism?) So my question is, how do you know for sure your fast or abstinence is meritorious?
Also, should I feel guilty if there was a bit of leftover butter in the bottom of yesterday's bowl of spinach?
You will have to explain the concept of leftover butter to me... that is like when I hear a tv chef say to use some leftover wine... WHAT?!
But seriously, fasting is meritorious when you offer it up for a specific intention. If it is penance, pray earnestly for forgiveness during your fast, and if possible donate the money you would have spent on food during that period to the church, a worthy charity or to someone in need. You can also ask the priest to assign you fasting as penance when you go to confession, and he will give you guidance. If you are fasting for another person's intentions or conversion, or the corporate sins of our nation, etc., pray that as your intention.
Oh it was just drippings from my eggs and sausage. I'll try to get into the confessional tomorrow morning. Thank you.