Jesus gave the Eucharist after a meal, so why must Catholics fast before Mass?
The short answer
We don't know exactly when in the Last Supper Jesus gave the Eucharist. In any case, the eucharistic fast is a discipline, not a doctrine: it helps Catholics prepare to receive Christ, and the Church can change it — as she did when she shortened it to one hour. Paul's instructions to the Corinthians suggest an early form of the practice.
The Last Supper
It isn't known precisely when during the Last Supper Jesus gave the disciples Communion; it may have been before the Seder meal.
A discipline
Even supposing it was afterward, the eucharistic fast is a discipline of the Church, not a doctrine. It helps Catholics prepare for the privilege of receiving Christ's body, blood, soul and divinity. As a discipline it can be changed or abolished; in the last century it was reduced from several hours to one.
Scriptural hints
Paul rebuked the Corinthians for eating and drinking at the liturgy — "Do you not have houses in which you can eat and drink?" (1 Corinthians 11:22) — and told them that anyone hungry should eat at home before they gathered (1 Corinthians 11:33-34). This suggests that a eucharistic fast may have been an early discipline.
Continue exploring
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- The Eucharist: Source and Summit of the Christian LifeArticle
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- Do we "receive" the Eucharist or "take" it?Q&A
- I didn't arrive at Mass until the consecration. Was I right not to receive Communion?Q&A
- Is making the sign of the cross after Communion improper?Q&A