Don’t worry no flaming...that is certainly not christian, especially when discussing the death and resurrection of Christ.
lent is a period of 40 days to contemplate the sacrifice of Christ on the cross in preparation for Easter. Fridays are particularly important because this is the day Christ died and fasting and prayer are ways to remember His sacrifice for humanity. Special emphasis is also in penance and recognizing that all of our sins have been paid for by Christ’s blood.
God’s desire to have us walk with him on HIs way to the cross can be seen biblically in the garden of Gethsemane when Christ chastises his apostles who fall asleep despite his agony.
There is no mandate (with the exception of meat on Fridays and Ash Wednesday) from the catholic church that one “gives up” anything. It is a suggestion as a way to draw closer to Christ preceding easter. Daily prayer and reflection can be more meaningful than giving up chocolate or alcohol for instance. Incidentally the reason why meat was chosen is because it is a symbol of wealth and status in the world...it is not so much the “meat” itself but the idea of sacrifice. Substituting a lobster dinner for a hamburger for instance would not be in keeping with the spirit of the sacrifice.
Certainly being a practicing catholic is a free will choice, and many people can and do disagree with the dogma of Rome. There are however sound theological reasons why the Catholic Church celebrates the liturgical seasons in specific manners.
Bravo! well-said.
Thank you and have a blessed Lent.
I love Lent and find it an enrichment of faith and self sacrifice. Others may not agree but that's ok. For me its a time of reflection, fasting and the preparation for the holiest week of the year.