Majorly niche topic, but wondering if anybody considers taking the Eucharist as breaking a fast. At my church we take about a tablespoon of wine and the equivalent of an oyster cracker weekly. I’m not actually concerned about it… I’m not going to stop taking communion while fasting, but I’m curious if anybody else has thought about this.
Side note, my church puts a large emphasis on historic monastic practices, such as establishing rhythms of fasting and feasting, so I feel very supported in my fasting, even if it’s simply for health reasons! A group of us regularly fast then meet together to break fast in a communal meal. It’s a very special time!
Yes, I definitely take it regardless.
If you’re fasting for spiritual health, taking communion would seem to be in line with your goals. If you’re fasting for physical health, the communion wafer probably has close to zero caloric or sugar content. The wine likely has a bit more substance to it, but the half ounce of wine is probably 10-15 calories.
Yes
From a spiritual perspective, it converts to a different substance in your body anyway. The perfect flesh and blood of Jesus and I think that enhances the entire fasting experience.
Worship is online for me (most times) so I substitute the wine with water
I actually think about this in passing, every time I take communion. But like others mentioned, it actually seems to enhance the spiritual experience, so I don’t consider it breaking my fast. It’s enhancing it.
I always take it. It’s a negligible amount (I mean, a tiny bit of wafer dipped in wine at my church) and to me, my relationship and connection with God will always take the top priority in everything I do.
Side note: It’s lovely you found a group of people to break your fast with and share in a communal meal—a very wonderful Christian thing to do!
You’re still getting the benefits of a long fast , I wouldn’t listen to others here talk about technically this or technically that, you’re getting the benefits , end of story. In the days to come you’ll be just the same as the person who didn’t have the tiny wafer of bread.
I’m semi new to fasting so I never thought about it, plus my church does communion only on the first Sunday of the month. But I don’t think God would look down on you for not taking it. It’s symbolic and say you are fasting for a religious reason I don’t see the harm. God sees your sacrifice and knows your situation. However, if it makes you uncomfortable or guilty to not take it, then do so. Some churches allow individuals to bow in place of taking communion. Just let the holy spirit guide you