SC - Lenten fasting...

[Ted Eisenstein]

>"St Chryosostom tells us there are definitive rules and laws which we are to
>learn of this Lenten fast.  First, and foremost that "our fasting be as the
>Church at first defined it,  a great instrument of our great work of
>repentance.  Secondly, that our fast be truly fasting, not a commutation
>only of our usual diet."   (Gunning, p 130)
>
>And so, from this admonition, and the Roman Penitential, we learn how to
>fast without losing strength that we may keep at our daily work:  "Fast
>three days in each week, namely, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, on bread and
>water.  And on three days, namely Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday,  . . .
>(we) may eat beans,  and grains, and  vegetables, and apples, and drink
>beer."  (McNeill and Gamer,   p 343)"
>
>Gunning, Petler, D.D.: The Paschal or Lent Fast  Oxford   (MDCCCXLV)
>McNeill, John and Gamer, Helena:  Medieval Handbooks of Penance  New York
>1965

>From several long conversations with a good friend who's Eastern Orthodox
(which has very strong Lenten dietary traditions), I should note that there
are exceptions made, of course - pregnant women, those who are sick and
require a normal diet, and the like.  . . 

"drink beer"? During Lent? Heavens!

Alban