The Lenten Fast: 12 newspaper articles on the lenten fast 1896-1967

The Lenten Fast: 12 newspaper articles on the lenten fast 1896-1967

This small publication of 12 newspaper articles was written by various US newspapers from across the country between 1896 and 1967. They focus on the history, rules, and regulations of Lent. This small sampling is not exhaustive, but I have found it interesting to see the general reduction of Lenten fasting through the centuries, specifically the decades leading to its current form. Changes to the discipline of fasting are common as there are often dispensations, revisions, and exceptions. However, there was a dramatic shift in the wake of the Vatican II council. The discipline of fasting each day during Lent was reduced to Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. St. Thomas Aquinas gives three reasons for the importance of fasting. For St. Thomas, fasting is a virtuous act practiced with a threefold purpose. The first is to conquer lust. Fasting is the guardian of chastity. By denying food and drink, we are strengthened in the control of our other appetites and passions. Self-denial in one area helps us practice temperance in all areas. The second is to help our minds rise above material things and contemplate heavenly realities. We can use our hunger and thirst for a desire for God. Fasting also calms the body and mind and helps develop an interiority to better listen to the Lord. The third is to atone for our sins. We can offer hunger pains and discomfort to our Lord and His Blessed Mother. I hope by reading these articles, we will be inspired to have a sincere bodily fast. Today, the world today is overcome by lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and the exaltation of material goods. Fasting is a readily available countermeasure that has so many benefits!