History of Fasting

[Fr. Antony Maria OSB]

What is the history of fasting, specifically abstaining from meat on Fridays? In my theology class this topic was brought up during a discussion of what is and what isn't essential to our Catholic beliefs, and fasting was one that was brought up as non-essential. While in the midst of this debate, the bell rang, so our teacher asked me to look up the history of fasting on Fridays, and so far I am not having much luck. What I specifically need to find out it why meat? Any and all input is greatly appreciated, and please note that this is for a Junior theology class where most of the students in the class believe that women should be priests, abortion should not be illegalized, etc., so I really need to find out an answer to this by Tuesday when we go back. Thank you very much!

May God bless and protect you always in all of your endeavors!

Your Brother in Christ,

Joe

[Resurrexi]

Fasting on Fridays was a tradition started by the apostles to commemorate the Passion, Death and Burial of God, which, of course, took place on a Friday. It is still kept in the Universal Church, up to this day, except in a few countires where the Bishops have given and indult to do some other form of penance instead of abstaining from meat, which is still highly reccomended in those countries.

[Guest bribean]

I won't go into the history as the previous post did it...

My understanding is that it's not just recommended, it is expected by the Roman Catholic church that a personal penance of sacrifice is still to be done on Fridays. Traditionally, it has been to not eat meat, which doesn't mean you go out for a fine sushi dinner, but choose to eat plainly that day and abstain from meat.

When the Vatican changed the option from abstaining from eating meat on Fridays to any act of sacrifice for penance Many interpreted it that it only meant they can eat meat on Fridays and forgot the second part - that there still has to be an act of penance and personal sacrifice on Fridays.

Any act of penance or sacrifice can be chosen in lieu of abstaining from meat on Fridays.

At least that's how the Monsignor explained it to me... I could be off somewhat.

[Fides_et_Ratio]

As for specifically "why meat?"... I've always heard it was because meat is more expensive than fish and one was supposed to take the extra money saved and give it as alms for the poor.

New Advent has lots to say: [url="http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/05789c.htm"]http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/05789c.htm[/url]

[Resurrexi]

[quote] My understanding is that it's not just recommended, it is expected by the Roman Catholic church that a personal penance of sacrifice is still to be done on Fridays. [/quote]

Yes, that's correct.

[quote]
When the Vatican changed the option from abstaining from eating meat on Fridays to any act of sacrifice for penance Many interpreted it that it only meant they can eat meat on Fridays and forgot the second part - that there still has to be an act of penance and personal sacrifice on Fridays.
[/quote]

The Holy See never changed the law of Friday Abstainance. It is still required in the Universal Church except in a few countires where an indult has been given for doing some other form of penance.

[DAF]

In countries where it's still mandatory, what are the penalties for not abstaining? Is it considered a mortal sin? I wouldn't think so, but

[Fr. Antony Maria OSB]

Thank you all very much for your input. Do you know by any chance where I could find documentation that states why we should abstain from meat on Friday's? Again, thank you!

May God bless and protect you always in all of your endeavors!

Your Brother in Christ,

Joe

[PadrePioOfPietrelcino]

[quote]
Canon 1250 All Fridays through the year and the time of Lent are penitential days and times throughout the entire Church.
Canon 1251 Abstinence from eating meat or another food according to the prescriptions of the conference of bishops is to be observed on Fridays throughout the year unless they are solemnities; abstinence and fast are to be observed on Ash Wednesday and on the Friday of the Passion and Death of Our Lord Jesus Christ.
Canon 1252 All persons who have completed their fourteenth year are bound by the law of abstinence; all adults are bound by the law of fast up to the beginning of their sixtieth year. Nevertheless, pastors and parents are to see to it that minors who are not bound by the law of fast and abstinence are educated in an authentic sense of penance.
Can. 1253 It is for the conference of bishops to determine more precisely the observance of fast and abstinence and to substitute in whole or in part for fast and abstinence other forms of penance, especially works of charity and exercises of piety. [/quote]
It seems pretty clear to me the Code of Canon Law says we fast.Canon 1250 All Fridays through the year and the time of Lent are penitential days and times throughout the entire Church.

[Resurrexi]

[quote] In countries where it's still mandatory, what are the penalties for not abstaining? Is it considered a mortal sin? I wouldn't think so, but unsure.gif [/quote]

yeah, of course its a mortal sin, just like it's a mortal sin to eat meat in the US on Fridays in lent.