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From
The USCCB:
In the early Church and, to a
lesser extent still today, there were two fasts. There was the "total fast" that preceded all
major feasts or sacramental events. The
ancient name for this fast was "statio" from the verb "sto, stare" to stand
watch, on guard or in vigil. The second
fast was a fast of abstinence from certain foods, e.g., meats or fats. This was more an act of self-discipline and
self-control. The statio fast was total and a means of watching and waiting…i.e. for something. The fast of abstinence was more general and
personal, to help oneself be more disciplined or self-controlled. The total fast is still kept today prior to
reception of Holy Communion. Following
Holy Communion, the total fast ceases because Jesus had explicitly stated that
we don't fast when the bridegroom is here, in other words, what we're keeping
vigil for has arrived, the wait is over. On the other hand, the fast of abstinence was allowed on Sundays because
the continuity of abstinence can be important for it to be effective.
These initial
observations, then, teach us that the Eucharist is always the end of a
preparation. It is always the
fulfillment of an expectation. In the
Orthodox Church during Lent, they have Eucharist only on Saturday and
Sunday. But because Wednesdays and
Fridays are total fast days, those two days are also days for the Communion
service (Liturgy of the PreSanctified) which are held in the evening, i.e.,
after the day of preparation. Fasting is
always preparatory. (Read more.)
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