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It's common knowledge that the Catholic practice of fasting is not as stringent as that of some other faiths. Orthodox Christians adopt a nearly vegan diet before Lent begins, while Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset during Ramadan. A Muslim friend of Elizabeth Scalia enjoys breaking her fast with dates stuffed with blue cheese for an "instant hit of sugar, salt, protein and fat."
Catholics aged 18-59 are required to fast only on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, though it's recommended to continue fasting through the Triduum. Catholics 14 and older must abstain from meat on these days and all Fridays in Lent. The fasting rules allow one full meal and two smaller meals that do not equal a full meal.
Scalia recalls her childhood experiences with Lenten meals prepared by her mother, who was known for her poor cooking skills. These meals included pancakes without butter or syrup but mixed with corn, tuna on burnt toast made gooey with cream of mushroom soup, potatoes with cheese and sauerkraut, or cheese and pickle sandwiches with mustard.
Despite their unappealing nature, these meals emphasized the seriousness of fasting and abstinence. They avoided technicalities like eating fine seafood while observing "abstinence." Scalia appreciates her mother's efforts for their creativity and penitential value.
In adulthood, she occasionally misses those unique dinners but acknowledges their peculiar taste. Her husband reacts with polite horror at the thought of recreating them.
Until Good Friday during Lent, Catholics must observe Friday abstinence from meat. Scalia hints at discussing the inadequacies in teaching this practice in another column.
Elizabeth Scalia is editor at large for OSV. Follow her on X @theanchoress.
