Michael Brooks
Abstinence from meat on Fridays is a Christian practice that has been traditionally observed by Catholics. The tradition is based on the belief that Jesus sacrificed his flesh for humanity on Good Friday, and abstaining from meat is a way to commemorate this sacrifice. While the practice of abstinence has evolved over time, there have been questions about when the obligation to abstain from meat on Fridays ended for Catholics. In 1966, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops passed Norms II and IV, which abolished the requirement for Catholics to abstain from meat on Fridays outside of Lent. However, the bishops expressed their hope that Catholics would continue to voluntarily abstain from meat as a form of penance. Today, it is generally accepted among American Catholics that abstinence from meat on Fridays outside of Lent is optional, as long as they substitute another form of penance.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year | 1966 |
| Location | United States |
| Law | Norms II and IV |
| Age Limit | 14 |
| Obligation | Abstain from meat on Fridays of Lent |
| Bishops' Expectation | Catholics would continue to abstain from meat by free choice |
| Current Practice | Abstention from meat on Fridays outside of Lent is optional |
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What You'll Learn
The Friday fast is a Christian practice
The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles, written in the first century AD, directed Christians to fast on both Wednesdays and Fridays. The Wednesday fast is observed because on this day, the council of the Jews was gathered to betray Jesus Christ, while the Friday fast is observed because this was the day of his death. In the past, abstaining from meat was a way to eschew something special, whereas today, meat is no longer a luxury for most Westerners.
In the Catholic Church, the bishops of the United States have determined that outside of Lent, Catholics may choose to substitute another penance that is particularly meaningful to them, although they continue to recommend abstinence on all Fridays for Catholics. Abstaining from meat is required for Catholics aged 14 and older and has no upper age limit. During Lent, Catholics may eat only one full meal on a fast day, with up to two additional small meals or snacks, known as collations.
In the Eastern Orthodox Church, in addition to fasting from food until sundown, the faithful are enjoined to abstain from sexual relations on Fridays as well. In the Lutheran tradition, it is common to abstain from alcohol and meat on Fridays during Lent, with a Black Fast observed on Good Friday. The Anglican tradition also designates "All the Fridays in the Year, except Christmas Day" as "days of fasting or abstinence".
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Catholics abstain from meat on Fridays during Lent
Abstaining from meat on Fridays during Lent is a practice that has been observed by Catholics for centuries. This tradition is rooted in the belief that on Good Friday, Jesus sacrificed his flesh for humanity, and by abstaining from meat, Catholics commemorate Christ's sacrifice and honour his offering.
Historically, the practice of abstaining from meat on Fridays during Lent has undergone changes. In the past, Catholics would follow a strict fast during Lent, consuming only one meal a day, usually consisting of bread and vegetables, and abstaining from meat altogether. Over time, the Church relaxed these rules, allowing for additional meals and the reintroduction of white meat during Lent.
Today, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops sets the guidelines for abstinence during Lent. According to these guidelines, individuals aged 14 and above must abstain from consuming meat on Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, and all Fridays during Lent. Those aged 18 to 59 are also required to fast, unless exempt due to medical or other specific reasons.
While the obligation to abstain from meat on Fridays outside of Lent has been relaxed in some Catholic jurisdictions, many Catholics continue to observe this practice voluntarily. They may choose to substitute another form of penance that is meaningful to them, such as abstaining from a favourite activity or engaging in additional prayer and devotional practices during Lent.
The practice of abstaining from meat on Fridays during Lent is a form of asceticism, or self-denial, aimed at growing in holiness and honouring Jesus' sacrifice. It is a way for Catholics to connect with the sufferings of Christ and to prepare themselves spiritually for the celebration of Easter.
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Abstinence is a form of asceticism
Abstinence from meat on Fridays is a form of asceticism practiced by many Christians, including Catholics. They believe that on Good Friday, Jesus sacrificed his flesh for humanity, so they abstain from eating meat every Friday. This practice has been in place since the first century AD, as directed by the Teaching of the Twelve Apostles.
In 1966, the U.S. bishops abolished the law of Friday abstinence in their jurisdiction, expressing their hope that Catholics would continue to abstain from meat by choice. However, this message did not reach many Catholics, and year-round Friday abstinence is not widely practiced today. Despite this, some Catholics still choose to abstain from meat or practice other forms of penance on Fridays, especially during Lent.
Abstinence from meat is not the only form of asceticism practiced by Christians. Christian ascetics may also practice fasting, sexual abstinence, humility, compassion, meditation, patience, and prayer. Notable Christian ascetics include Saint Antony the Great, Simeon Stylites, Theresa of Avila, Francis of Assisi, and Claire of Assisi.
Asceticism is found in many world religions, including Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, Islam, Judaism, and Zoroastrianism. It is most commonly associated with monks, yogis, or certain types of priests. However, any individual may choose to lead an ascetic life, and it is also found in secular contexts, such as artists or athletes who deprive themselves to focus on their work or training.
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The USCCB's authority to terminate Friday abstinence
The USCCB's statement emphasized that while the traditional law of abstinence was no longer binding under pain of sin, Catholics were still strongly urged to engage in some form of penance each Friday, such as prayer, self-denial, or acts of charity. This shift in focus aimed to give the spirit of penance greater vitality, especially on Fridays, the day Jesus died. The USCCB's decision was also influenced by the understanding that the practice of abstinence has evolved over time within the Catholic Church, with early Christians exhibiting greater austerity during Lent.
The USCCB's termination of the mandatory abstinence law aligns with the Catholic Church's history of adapting fasting and abstinence practices to changing circumstances. The Church has always allowed legitimate Church authorities to modify fasting disciplines, and the USCCB's decision reflects this flexibility. However, it is important to note that the USCCB's authority to terminate Friday abstinence does not extend to lifting the obligation for fasting and abstinence during Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, which remain obligatory days for Catholics.
The USCCB's decision to terminate the mandatory abstinence law outside of Lent acknowledges the changing nature of sacrifice and indulgence in modern times. While meat may no longer be considered a luxury, Catholics are still encouraged to find meaningful ways to observe Friday as a day of penance and remembrance of Christ's sacrifice. This flexibility in practice allows Catholics to voluntarily abstain from meat or engage in other forms of penance that hold personal significance, ensuring that the spirit of penance remains relevant and meaningful for believers.
Overall, the USCCB's authority to terminate Friday abstinence stems from a desire to adapt the practice of penance to the modern context while preserving the spirit of reverence and self-discipline inherent in Catholic tradition. By encouraging voluntary abstinence and emphasizing the significance of Good Friday, the USCCB aims to strike a balance between tradition and the evolving nature of sacrifice in contemporary society.
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Catholics substitute meat with fish or vegetarian meals
The substitution of meat with fish on Fridays during Lent is a common tradition among Catholics. Fish is allowed on days of abstinence because it is categorised as a different type of animal—cold-blooded and lacking feathers—and has been a source of protein for the rich and poor alike. However, indulging in lavish seafood buffets is considered contrary to the spirit of penance.
Historically, early Catholics practised a black fast during Lent, consuming only bread and vegetables or having just one meal a day after sunset. Over time, the Church relaxed these rules, allowing an extra meal and the reintroduction of white meats. In the past, abstaining from meat was a sacrifice as it was considered a special indulgence, whereas today, it is not as much of a staple, and many people can easily abstain without feeling deprived.
While fish is a popular substitute for meat among Catholics, there are other options as well. Vegetarian and vegan diets have gained popularity, providing alternative solutions for Catholics observing meatless Fridays. Some simple meatless dinner options include pancakes, waffles, macaroni and cheese, grilled cheese sandwiches, and cheese pizza.
Although the requirement to abstain from meat on Fridays was discontinued in 1984, Catholics in England and Wales are still expected to do so if they are able, and this practice was re-introduced in 2011. Similarly, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops states that individuals aged 14 and above must abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, and all Fridays during Lent. However, outside of Lent, Catholics may substitute another form of penance that is meaningful to them.
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Frequently asked questions
Abstinence from meat on Fridays is no longer required by law for Catholics, but it is still encouraged. Catholics are free to choose another form of penance instead.
The obligation to abstain from meat on Fridays was likely terminated in 1966 when the U.S. bishops issued a pastoral statement expressing their "hope" and "expectation" that Catholics would continue to abstain from meat voluntarily.
Abstaining from meat on Fridays is a form of penance and self-denial to honour the sacrifice Jesus made for humanity with his flesh on Good Friday.
Yes, Catholics are still required to abstain from meat on Fridays during Lent. This rule applies to Catholics aged 14 and above and has no upper age limit.
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