Too many Catholics do not fast or abstain. We are facing one of the greatest times of tribulation the Catholic Church has ever seen. This time can be shortened by fasting and abstinence.
In the past, through His prophets, God warned of punishment and purgation because of national sins. God also told His People that such tribulation could be ameliorated by prayer, fasting and abstinence.
And, yet, the vast majority of Catholics do not do any fasting or abstinence.
Why?
People fall into categories of those who are just plain lazy and those who are greedy. I wrote about the forgotten sin of gluttony in Advent.
As a reminder for abstinence, here is the Vatican rule found here.
http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/paul_vi/apost_constitutions/documents/hf_p-vi_apc_19660217_paenitemini_en.html
III. 1. The law of abstinence forbids the use of meat, but not of eggs, the products of milk or condiments made of animal fat.
2. The law of fasting allows only one full meal a day, but does not prohibit taking some food in the morning and evening, observing—as far as quantity and quality are concerned—approved local custom.
IV. To the law of abstinence those are bound who have completed their 14th year of age. To the law of fast those of the faithful are bound who have completed their 21st year and up until the beginning of their 60th year.
The evil of fast foods also interferes with people's sensitivity regarding eating.
Do you realize that your parishes could be fasting and abstaining to avoid persecution?
Do you know that your families could be fasting and abstaining?