Friday Abstinence from Meat

[MartyLeo]

Dear all,

This is related to Friday Abstinence.
Sometimes small pieces of meat stayed in my teeth and then I swallowed them later.

If, on any Friday, I happen to swallow some pieces of meat which have been staying in my teeth, does that violate the Friday Abstinence Rule??

Thank you very much in advance.

Marty

 

[Newhills]

I don’t think it would. But maybe practice your flossing skills.

 

[Montrose]

Dear all,

This is related to Friday Abstinence.
Sometimes small pieces of meat stayed in my teeth and then I swallowed them later.

If, on any Friday, I happen to swallow some pieces of meat which have been staying in my teeth, does that violate the Friday Abstinence Rule ??

Thank you very much in advance.

Marty

Which country do you live in. In most countries you are not required to abstain from meat on Fridays outside Lent but may choose another penance. If you live in the US you may choose another penance.

 

[paperwight]

No, of course not. It was your intention to abstain. It’s not like you saved the pieces for later.

I certainly agree with a previous poster about flossing! Still having meat between your teeth from the day before is just gross.

 

[Aulef]

You’re fine. You didn’t do it on purpose. But if want you want, you can do another penance to repair. Almsgiving works too.

As stated above, some bishops allow the faithful to do something other than abstinence on Fridays. However, the latter is part of a very long Tradition of the Church, so it is absolutely good to keep it.

 

[Tommy999]

If, on any Friday, I happen to swallow some pieces of meat which have been staying in my teeth, does that violate the Friday Abstinence Rule ??

You might want to consult with your priest or a good Catholic counselor if you are concerned about such things on a regular basis because it sounds like you might have scruples if this kind of issue is a normal struggle for you.

In this particular case, flossing after eating food that remains lodged in your teeth should help. Plus, it’s overall good hygiene.