Posted on 03/02/2017 7:28:42 PM PST by NYer
You know you are in a Catholic town when, only during Lent, every single restaurant advertises one item on their menu: fish! I have even noticed how major fast-food chains point out on their fliers the date of Ash Wednesday! Suddenly everyone cares about the liturgical seasons of the Church!
So why is it that the Church instructs Catholics to abstain from meat on Fridays (as well as Ash Wednesday and Good Friday), but gives the “thumbs-up” for Catholics to eat fish? Sounds fishy to me!
First of all we must ask the question, “why Friday?” The USCCB gives a succinct explanation:
Catholic peoples from time immemorial have set apart Friday for special penitential observance by which they gladly suffer with Christ that they may one day be glorified with Him. This is the heart of the tradition of abstinence from meat on Friday where that tradition has been observed in the holy Catholic Church.
Since it is believed Jesus Christ suffered and died on the cross on a Friday, Christians from the very beginning have set aside that day to unite their sufferings to Jesus. This led the Church to recognize every Friday as a “Good Friday” where Christians can remember Christ’s passion by offering up a specific type of penance. For much of the Church’s history meat was singled out as a worthy sacrifice on account of its association with feasts and celebrations. In most ancient cultures meat was considered a delicacy and the “fattened calf” was not slaughtered unless there was something to celebrate. Since Fridays were thought of as a day of penance and mortification, eating meat on a Friday to “celebrate” the death of Christ didn’t seem right. (As an aside, some bishops have chosen to lift the ban when Saint Patrick’s Day falls on a Friday during Lent, as it is considered a “solemnity” for many Irish Catholics.)
Read more: 6 Good Reasons to Abstain from Meat on Fridays, Even Beyond Lent
But why is fish not considered “meat”?
According to the USCCB, the laws of the Church classify the abstinence from “land animals.”
Abstinence laws consider that meat comes only from animals such as chickens, cows, sheep or pigs — all of which live on land. Birds are also considered meat.
Fish, on the other hand, are not in that same classification.
Fish are a different category of animal. Salt and freshwater species of fish, amphibians, reptiles (cold-blooded animals) and shellfish are permitted.
In Latin the word used to describe what kind of “meat” is not permitted on Fridays is carnis, and specifically relates to “animal flesh” and never included fish as part of the definition. Additionally, fish in these cultures was not considered a “celebratory” meal and was more of a penance to eat.
Our current culture is much different as meat is generally considered the cheaper option on the menu and no longer has the cultural connection to celebrations. This is why many people are confused about the regulations, especially those who love to eat fish and do not consider it a penance.
In the end, the Church’s intention is to encourage the faithful to offer up a sacrifice to God that comes from the heart and unites one’s suffering to that of Christ on the cross. Meat is given as the very basic penance, while the purpose of the regulation should always be kept in mind. For example, it does not necessarily give a person the license to eat a lobster dinner every Friday in Lent. The whole point is to make a sacrifice that draws a person closer to Christ, who out of love for us made the ultimate sacrifice a person can make.
Just for fun: here is a “Gallery of Regrettable Lenten Food” to show you what not to cook during those Fridays of Lent
No. It is an act of love and thanksgiving for what the savior did on that very first Good Friday.
Please in a very way caucus any Catholic threads. Thank-you and God Bless.
There was talk that the bishops in England might try to re-impose the ban on meat on Fridays year-round, but as far as I know they have not implemented it.
It is called “Good Friday” because of what the savior did for the love of our souls.
A Baptist moved to a Catholic town and converted after years. He was baptized, and the priest told him, “you were born a Baptist, raised a Baptist; but now you’re a Catholic.”
His new Catholic friends were appalled when he ordered a huge steak on a Friday during Lent. When they approached the table, they overheard his unique grace: “you were born a cow, raised a cow; but now you’re a fish...”
Checkers makes a double decker fish sandwich. It’s huge.
We fast because Jesus told us to fast.
Matt 9:14 At that time, John’s disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Why is it that we and the Pharisees fast so often, but Your disciples do not fast?” 15 Jesus replied, “How can the attendants of the bridegroom mourn while He is with them? But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them; then they will fast.
Jesus also told us how to fast in Matt 6:16. It is not Old Testament legalism because that legalism came from the chastisement of Israel for following foreign gods. This is about enduring the temptations of the world. See here for more.
2000 years is "time immemorial"?
But if we don’t “fast”— is that a sin? Are not our sins forgiven and did Christ later die as an atonement for our sins after he said those reported statement? Just Say’n. The issue is did Jesus sacrifice for nothing or are our sins not forgiven ( what ever sin is)?
But if you don’t fast- you are still forgiven if you accept Christ in your heart as savior? ( past tense) . Right?
We have a Cladaugh Irish Pub. It is packed every Friday year round because they have very good fish-n-chips. Apparently our Catholics eat fish every Friday.
Good Post. These rituals are fine to remind us that we are totally saved already.
Why? I don't see it in God's word. It is a tradition but I really can't see it as biblically supported.
Christians outside of Roman Catholicism accept the teachings of the Apostle Paul upon the matter in Romans 14. In a nutshell: if there are those who need to observe these dietary rituals then fine, observe them if it strengthens your faith, just give thanks to the Lord. If you don't, that's fine too, just give thanks to the Lord.
You didn't read the link. Just say'n.
Way Way Way back in the Day.... Our Parrish Priest in charge of the Alter-boys took us (about 30 or so) to a Major League ball game.
Every one was excited to be there and was having a great time. In the spirit of the game Father Foster, stood up and yelled for the Hot dog vendor, he ordered hotdogs and cokes for all.
After eating about half the meal, FR. Foster stood up as if he was sitting on a live wire , and Exclaimed “Holy Mother Of God, it’s Friday!!!!!
Without a pause he turned around, gave everyone absolution and blessed us. (No penance required) and sat back down foe the rest of the game.
I still can see the look on his face !!
Romans Chapter 14.
Correction: Very kind way.
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