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**9mm_fan** · 11-02-2008, 04:54 PM

Fr. David,

If you please, I gladely accept what you say here as I love a good t-bone any day of the week, but how does breaking our fast to those who are "watching" us show to them we are serious about our faith? If something as simple as food is set aside just beause it is put in front of us, how more easily are all the other faith practises we have put aside? How do I tell them I can eat your steak, but I can't take your communion? This seems contradictory.

It is pretty simple, but not always easy. Fasting is exercise. Sometimes it is hard to maintain an exercise regime when you are traveling. We must maintain a balance. Some people are better at maintaining their exercise than others. If you can tell your relatives that you are not eating any meat and they have to prepare an entirely different meal for me and are willing to do so that is one thing. But it may mean that they have to go out and buy things they don't normally buy. If you can choose to avoid meat and only eat the vegetables and side dishes, then by all means do so. But if everything on the table has either meat or dairy in it, in some situations saying 'I can't eat your food" can be insulting. And saying "you must accommodate me and my needs" has its own issues. You deal with it as best you can given the situation, and this is merely an acknowledgement that we all deal with situations somewhat differently. Don't be confused. Don't be demanding of anyone except yourself. If accommodations can be made beforehand then by all means make them. If if you find yourself in a situation where there are few choices, make the one that involves mercy and not giving needless offense, letting your conscience and not your pride be your guide.

Does that help?

Herman

11-02-2008, 04:54 PM	#25
9mm_fan Join Date May 2007 Age 53 Posts 5,191 Senior Member	Fr. David, If you please, I gladely accept what you say here as I love a good t-bone any day of the week, but how does breaking our fast to those who are "watching" us show to them we are serious about our faith? If something as simple as food is set aside just beause it is put in front of us, how more easily are all the other faith practises we have put aside? How do I tell them I can eat your steak, but I can't take your communion? This seems contradictory. It is pretty simple, but not always easy. Fasting is exercise. Sometimes it is hard to maintain an exercise regime when you are traveling. We must maintain a balance. Some people are better at maintaining their exercise than others. If you can tell your relatives that you are not eating any meat and they have to prepare an entirely different meal for me and are willing to do so that is one thing. But it may mean that they have to go out and buy things they don't normally buy. If you can choose to avoid meat and only eat the vegetables and side dishes, then by all means do so. But if everything on the table has either meat or dairy in it, in some situations saying 'I can't eat your food" can be insulting. And saying "you must accommodate me and my needs" has its own issues. You deal with it as best you can given the situation, and this is merely an acknowledgement that we all deal with situations somewhat differently. Don't be confused. Don't be demanding of anyone except yourself. If accommodations can be made beforehand then by all means make them. If if you find yourself in a situation where there are few choices, make the one that involves mercy and not giving needless offense, letting your conscience and not your pride be your guide. Does that help? Herman
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