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corona2
Guest
hello
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C
corona2
Guest
the purpose for my visit is that my Goddaughter called yesterday(Friday),her and her boyfriend were at a resturant, inquring as to the reason why we have to be abstinence on Fridays? Of course I told her, it was church law and a form of penance and sacrafice. She then said but why meat? So here I am. Why meat? And not water or sugar?Any and all information will be appreciated? 
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cameron_lansing
Guest
There are a variety of reasons that have been given, and the practice has varied during the Christian centuries. At times, certain groups have also practiced abstinence from fish, eggs, cheeses, etc. and even from all eating for a certain period, and sometimes then also from drinking. The online Catholic encyclopedia at newadvent.org has an article on the topic.the purpose for my visit is that my Goddaughter called yesterday(Friday),her and her boyfriend were at a resturant, inquring as to the reason why we have to be abstinence on Fridays? Of course I told her, it was church law and a form of penance and sacrafice. She then said but why meat? So here I am. Why meat? And not water or sugar?Any and all information will be appreciated?
Of all the reasons I have heard of for the origins of singling out meat, the one that I am inclined to accept comes from a two fold reason.
Old Testament practice was to sacrifice certain warm blooded animals as part of the worship of God, such as lambs, goats, heifers, pigeons, etc. This was often connected with propitiation for sin or done as an act of thanksgiving.
These animals not only clearly contained blood, understood as the life force (coming from God), but as foods, with meat being most prominent, these were also associated with affluence and were the customary fare for feasting and rejoicing. So they acquired a certain status as being the choicest of foods. Abstaining from them possessed a form of sacrificial quality.
Fish were not sacrificed to my knowledge, and of course, sugar is a recent historical phenomenon.
Pehaps this will get you started, and others will add additional response.
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