The Forgotten History of the Eucharistic Fast

In today’s special episode, I address the forgotten history of the Eucharistic Fast based on a talk I gave to the Young Adults of St. John Cantius Church in Chicago, IL

Fasting before receiving our Lord in Holy Communion, although the specifics have changed over time, is of apostolic origin. Hippolytus (c. 170 – 235 AD) in the Apostolic Tradition writes, "The faithful shall be careful to partake of the eucharist before eating anything else." At the Synod of Hippo in 393, the Eucharistic Fast was codified in Canon 29, and again a few years later it was likewise codified at the Synod of Carthage in Canon 28.

St. Augustine bears witness to the universality of the fast before Holy Communion in his writings: “Must we therefore censure the universal Church because the sacrament is everywhere partaken of by persons fasting? Nay, verily, for from that time it pleased the Holy Spirit to appoint, for the honour of so great a sacrament, that the body of the Lord should take the precedence of all other food entering the mouth of a Christian; and it is for this reason that the custom referred to is universally observed.”

For more information, pick up a copy of "The Definitive Guide to Catholic Fasting and Abstinence," of which even many Catholic priests said that 95% of it was new to them. And check out the article "What is the Eucharistic Fast" for more basic information.

Prayer: Sweet Jesus, I love Thee, I desire with all my heart to receive Thee. My most sweet Jesus, come into my poor soul, and give me Thy flesh to eat and Thy Blood to drink. Give me Thy whole Self, Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity, that I may live for ever with Thee.