For the answer, let us look to the several collects for this Ember Saturday in September.
First Collect:
“Almighty and everlasting God, Who by means of healthful abstinence dost heal both minds and bodies, very humbly we entreat Thy Majesty: be appeased by the devout prayers of those who fast, and give us help both now and for time to come. Per Dóminum Nostrum…”
Second Collect:
“Grant unto us, we beseech Thee, Almighty God, that fasting from food we may be filled with Thy grace, and by abstinence may become stronger than all our enemies. Per Dóminum Nostrum…”
Third Collect:
“Protect, we beseech Thee, O Lord, Thy family, that by Thy bounty we may receive those life-giving helps which Thou Thyself dost inspire us to seek. Per Dóminum Nostrum…”
Fourth Collect:
Grant us, we beseech Thee, O Lord, that we may so abstain from bodily eating, that we may also fast from the evil desires that assail us. Per Dóminum Nostrum…”
Fifth Collect:
“As Thou dost permit us, O Lord, to offer Thee this solemn fast, so in Thy mercy vouchsafe to us, we beseech Thee, the help of Thy forgiveness. Per Dóminum Nostrum…”
And finally, the actual collect of the Mass or sixth collect if you’re counting, which follows the Lesson from Daniel about the three young men in the furnace:
“O God, Who didst deaden the flames of fire for the thee children; mercifully grant that the flames of vice may not consume us Thy servants. Per Dóminum Nostrum…”
So, I think it’s pretty obvious.
Should I fast?
Only if you want health of mind and body, the merciful forgiveness of Almighty God, and not to be consumed by your vices.
But what do I know? It might just be so much “solemn nonsense” that was papered over by Vatican II. I couldn’t even type that with a straight face. Ask yourself why the modernists got rid of all of this beauty and then ask yourself again if you should fast. You know the answer.
God be praised!
Harvey Millican's Blog: Musings of a Trad Dad 