Joshua Bennett
There is some debate among Catholics about whether drinking coffee breaks the Eucharistic fast. The 1983 Code of Canon Law, No. 919, states that those receiving the Holy Eucharist must abstain from all food and drink, with the sole exception of water and medicine, for at least one hour before Holy Communion. While some interpret this to mean that coffee, which is not water or medicine, breaks the fast, others argue that coffee could be considered medicinal or refer to it as brown water. Ultimately, the decision of whether to abstain from coffee during the Eucharistic fast is left to individual judgment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Beverages allowed during fasting | Water, Medicine |
| Coffee allowed during fasting | No |
| Exceptions | Elderly, Infirm, Caretakers |
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What You'll Learn
Coffee is not water, even if it's mostly water
There is some debate among Catholics about whether coffee breaks a fast. While the Catholic Church does not explicitly forbid any beverages besides water and medicine during fasting, coffee is not water, even if it is mostly water.
The 1983 Code of Canon Law, No. 919, states that "whoever is to receive the blessed Eucharist is to abstain for at least one hour before Holy Communion from all food and drink, with the sole exception of water and medicine." This law uses the word "abstain" rather than "fast," but the meaning is the same. The canon stipulates "at least one hour," encouraging Catholics to fast for longer periods.
Some people interpret this law to mean that coffee, being a beverage, is permissible during fasting. However, others argue that coffee is not equivalent to water and, therefore, breaks the fast. One argument against drinking coffee during fasting is that it can leave an unpleasant taste in the mouth, which may not be considered respectful when receiving the Body and Blood of Christ.
Additionally, the purpose of fasting is to foster piety and increase holiness. Fasting allows the mind to more easily meditate upon transcendent mysteries and prepare for receiving Christ into the body and soul. Drinking coffee, especially strong coffee, may not align with this intention.
Ultimately, the decision to interpret the fasting rules liberally or conservatively is a personal one. Some Catholics may choose to abstain from coffee during fasting, while others may consider it permissible. However, it is essential to respect the differing interpretations and not judge others for their choices.
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Coffee as medicine
Coffee has been used as a medicine for centuries, dating back to Ancient Greece and the humoral medical theory of Hippocrates and Galen. This theory suggested that health issues arose when the body's four "humors"—black bile, yellow bile, blood, and phlegm—became imbalanced. Coffee was introduced to Europe as a medicine, with physicians divided over whether it had a heating or cooling effect on the body.
In Chinese medicine, the Rubiaceae plant family, to which coffee belongs, has long been documented for its medicinal properties. Dr. Paige Yang, a doctor of acupuncture and Chinese medicine, explains that unroasted and green coffee beans are used to "move constrained liver qi and have a cooling property." When roasted, coffee beans become a warming herb that adds heat to the body. In Chinese medicine, coffee is used in small quantities alongside other herbs to treat specific disease patterns.
The Oromo people of Ethiopia also have a long history of using coffee as medicine, as well as in religious ceremonies and cultural practices. Coffee is used to treat discomfort and illness, such as headaches, and is carried on long journeys to prevent illness. Sufi mystics also used coffee to energize themselves for evening prayers.
Today, coffee is still recognized for its potential health benefits beyond its caffeine content. Coffee contains antioxidants and other active substances that may reduce internal inflammation and protect against diseases such as coronary heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and kidney disease. Drinking one to two cups of coffee per day may help ward off heart failure and lower the risk of developing Parkinson's disease. However, excessive intake of caffeinated coffee can lead to negative side effects, so it's important to consume coffee in moderation as part of a balanced and healthy lifestyle.
Regarding the question of whether coffee breaks a fast in the Catholic faith, the answer depends on the specific fasting guidelines. When fasting before communion, only water is permitted. However, during other fasting periods, such as Fridays in Lent, the Church does not explicitly forbid any beverages, so coffee is permissible.
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Coffee as brown water
According to Catholic Answers Q&A, when fasting before communion, only water is allowed. However, during other fasting periods, such as Fridays in Lent, the Church does not explicitly prohibit any beverages, so coffee is permissible.
Now, onto the topic of "Coffee as Brown Water."
Coffee is a beloved beverage for many, and its colour can vary from dark brown to light brown, with some coffee enthusiasts even referring to their brew as "brown water." The colour of coffee is influenced by various factors, including the roast level, brew time, origin of the beans, and the ratio of coffee to water.
Lighter roasts tend to result in a lighter brown colour, while darker roasts produce a darker brew. The complexity of flavours is also affected by the roast, with lighter roasts offering a smoother, more intricate taste profile. The origin and type of bean can also play a role, as different beans have varying characteristics that affect the final colour and flavour.
Additionally, the ratio of coffee to water is crucial. A higher ratio of water to coffee beans may result in a lighter brown colour, which some coffee shops utilise to create a unique taste experience. However, it's important to note that a lighter colour does not necessarily indicate a watered-down beverage, as the taste can still be robust and complex.
In some cases, the colour of coffee can be affected by external factors, such as residue and blockages in espresso machines. This can result in light brown water being dispensed, even when no coffee grounds are present. Proper cleaning and maintenance of coffee equipment are essential to ensure the desired colour and flavour of the brewed coffee.
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Coffee breath
According to Catholic Answers Q&A, fasting before communion rules out all beverages besides water. However, when fasting at other times, such as Fridays in Lent, the Church does not explicitly forbid any beverages, so coffee would be permissible.
Now, if you're a coffee lover, you might have noticed that coffee makes your mouth feel dry and parched after a cup. This sensation is called astringency, which is caused by tannins, a molecule found in coffee. Tannins bind to proteins in saliva, inhibiting its production. This leads to a dry mouth, which can worsen bad breath.
Additionally, coffee contains sulfur-containing aroma compounds that form when coffee beans are roasted. Along with the acid content in coffee, these compounds can produce "coffee breath." The sulfuric and acidic compounds in coffee, as well as the tannins, are the main culprits behind its effect on your breath.
So, what can you do to eliminate coffee breath? Here are some strategies:
- Brush your teeth immediately after drinking coffee.
- Use toothpaste containing clove oil, which has antibacterial properties.
- Chew sugarless gum or pop a sugar-free breath mint.
- Drink a large glass of water to counteract the drying effect of coffee.
- If you add milk or sugar to your coffee, consider reducing or eliminating these add-ins. Bacteria feed on sugar, so sweeteners may worsen breath.
- Try stirring your coffee with a cinnamon stick or vanilla bean instead of sugar.
- If you must use dairy, opt for whole milk or half-and-half, as they contain less sugar than skim milk.
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The fast is an hour before receiving communion, not the start of Mass
The Catholic Church requires its members to fast from food and drink in preparation for Holy Communion. According to the 1983 Code of Canon Law, "Whoever is to receive the blessed Eucharist is to abstain for at least one hour before Holy Communion from all food and drink, with the sole exception of water and medicine." This law uses the word "abstain" rather than "fast," but the meaning is the same.
The key point to note is that the one-hour fast begins one hour before receiving Communion, not at the start of Mass. This distinction is important because Communion may not take place until some time into the Mass. As one source points out, "On Sundays, we probably don't receive till about 40-50 minutes into the mass. Assuming you take 10 minutes to walk/drive to church, it means you can't have coffee for the 10 minutes before you leave."
Therefore, if one were to consume coffee before Mass but more than one hour before receiving Communion, it would not technically break the fast. However, some Catholics may choose to abstain from coffee during this time out of personal preference or to avoid any potential conflict with the fast. As one source notes, "I would consider it breaking the fast, personally, but I'm not sure I am prepared to say that's the same for anyone. Use your best judgment."
It is worth mentioning that the canon stipulates "at least one hour," implying that Catholics are encouraged to fast for longer periods if possible. Additionally, while coffee is not explicitly forbidden, some may view it as incompatible with the spirit of fasting, which is meant to foster piety and increase holiness. As one source states, "it seems gross to receive the Body and Blood of Christ with a full belly (a fry-up right before you leave for Mass is legal!) and coffee breath." Light hunger during Mass can serve as a reminder of our hunger for God.
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Frequently asked questions
The Catholic Church requires adherents to fast from food and drink in preparation for Holy Communion, with the exception of water and medicine. Coffee is not considered to be water, so it is generally believed that coffee breaks the fast. However, there is some debate, with some priests referring to coffee as "brown water" and others considering it medicinal.
The Eucharistic Fast is the period before receiving Holy Communion during Mass when Catholics abstain from food and drink, with the exception of water and medicine.
The current discipline is a one-hour fast before receiving Holy Communion. However, in the past, the fast was longer, with Pope Pius XII reducing the fast from three hours to one hour in 1957, and Pope Paul VI further reducing it to one hour in 1964.
Fasting before receiving Holy Communion is a way to pay "due honor to our Divine Redeemer" and increase "salutary fruits of holiness." It also helps to foster piety and create a sense of hunger for God, reminding Catholics of their spiritual hunger.
Yes, the elderly, the infirm, and those who care for them are exempt from the Eucharistic Fast and can receive the Most Holy Eucharist even if they have consumed something within the previous hour.
