Why Catholics Have "Fish Fridays"

Why Do Catholics Abstain from Eating Meat on Fridays during Lent?

Jan 23, 2009

The tradition of abstaining from meat on Fridays dates back to the time of Christ. Where did this tradition come from and how is it practiced today?

The practice of abstinence, refraining from eating certain foods on specific days, applies to all Catholics age 14 and older. The rule of abstinence requires that Catholics must not eat meat on Ash Wednesday or on Fridays during Lent. This is not to be confused with the practice of fasting which applies to Catholics aged 18 to 59 and requires that they only eat one full meal and two smaller meals (which, if added together, don’t equal the amount of the one full meal) on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.

Must Modern Catholics Abstain from Eating Meat on Fridays?

Before Vatican II every Friday of the year – Lent or not – was a day of abstinence, but post-Vatican II Catholics received a dispensation, or a relaxation of the rules regarding Fridays. Although modern Catholics are not required to follow the pre-Vatican II rules, they are encouraged to either voluntarily abstain from eating meat or to do some form of penance or act of mercy on Fridays in order to show respect for and give honor to the Lord.

Where Did the Customs of Fasting and Abstaining Originate?

Before Jesus’ arrival, the Jewish rabbis had always had the power to make rules of conduct for their community of faithful followers. Some of these rules included setting aside certain days for fasting and repentance. Just as it was appropriate for the Jewish leaders to declare days of fasting, it was also appropriate (and probably expected) for Jesus’ followers to also fast and repent. The leaders of the new covenant of Christianity declared days of fasting and repentance. They fasted together as a community, and this cooperative fasting helped connect and unite these early Christians.

Why Do Catholics Fast and Abstain During Lent?

Lent is the period of time leading up to the crucifixion (when Christ paid for the world’s sins) and the resurrection (when he defeated death and promised to help his followers do the same). Lent was chosen as an appropriate time for fasting because it is the ideal time for repentance (being sorry for your sins) and penance (doing something to right the wrongs you’ve done).

Why Do Catholics Abstain from Meat on Fridays?

Friday is the day that Jesus died, so Catholics abstain from eating meat (flesh) on Fridays during Lent out of respect for Jesus who gave up his own flesh to pay for the world’s sins. Before Jesus, sins were “paid for” by animal sacrifice (see Leviticus 1:4, Romans 6:23). The death required to atone for sin was the death of a sacrificial animal. When Jesus died on the cross to pay the price of humanity’s sin he personally became the last sin sacrifice. After Christ’s death, no animal sacrifice was necessary to pay for sin, because his death paid the price of sin in full for all future generations. Today, Catholics thank and honor Jesus for his sacrifice by not sacrificing (eating) animal flesh on Fridays during Lent.

The copyright of the article Why Catholics Have "Fish Fridays" in Catholic Practices is owned by Francine Morrissette. Permission to republish Why Catholics Have "Fish Fridays" in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.