Meat on Ash Wednesday & Good Friday

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I know were called to fast and abstain on Ash Wednesday, and Good Friday.

Though I have a bit of a problem. My family are non practicing (except me) and they may forget it’s Ash Wednesday, or Good Friday. And my mom may cook something for supper on Ash Wednesday or Good Friday that has meat in it.

I’m 100% capable of the fasting and maybe the abstinence, if I have a choice in what I eat. Some nights I do, some I do not.

My question is, would it be a sin if I ate what my mom cooks if it had meat in it?

Also are animal byproducts allowed? (Milk, butter, eggs, cheese, beef, and chicken broth)
 
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Username7 said:
My question is, would it be a sin if I ate what my mom cooks if it had meat in it?
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No. You may eat meat if you are not in control of your own food and in order not to give offense.

Politely remind your mother you’d like to follow the abstinence disciplines of Lent on Ash Wednesday and all Fridays (or just Good Friday if you are in a country that doesn’t require all Fridays). But, do as she says and eat what she cooks. Most especially if you are a minor.
Username7 said:
Also are animal byproducts allowed?
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Yes.
 
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Ok, thanks for the reply. I live in Canada so I’m allowed to eat meat on Friday’s in lent, also I’m 19. But I still live at home. And my mom may get offended if I refuse meat.

Regarding telling my mom I’d like to follow the Ash Wednesday rules, I for some reason have this irrational anxiety of talking about religious stuff with my family. Even though I know my family supports it, and is very respectful.
 
Yeah, I just feel like I’m not trying as hard as I could.
In any case, thanks for your replies, God bless.
 
Perhaps you could give your mother the night off and offer to cook dinner on Ash Wednesday. Then you can choose some non-meat dish to serve.
 
It really isn’t that hard to go without meat and not give offense. In fact I can’t imagine a situation in normal life that someone would be offended at you not eating the flesh of an animal. But in this day and age of mass offense who knows?
 
I know it isn’t hard, I can and will go without meat on Good Friday, and Ash Wednesday if it’s 100% in my control. However the problem is my mom may get offended.

My main problem is my irrational dumbfounded anxiety in discussing religious stuff with my family members.
 
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Username7 said:
My main problem is my irrational dumbfounded amxiety I’d discussing religious stuff with my family members.
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Seek some counseling for your anxiety. Perhaps your college has a counselor students can see?

You can also ask your pastor for an alternate Friday penance, explaining that you may have an issue with no meat since your family is not Catholic.
 
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I think you also should decide if offended is the right word to use. If your mother would take offense if you don’t eat something then the issue might not be in the meatless observance but something else. You should be living in a situation in which you can politely decline something and not give offense. One need not even bring religion into the discussion.
 
I can. But it’s not normal for me to do, as I’ve recently returned to the church. Offended was the wrong word, so I apologize for the confusion.

I guess concerned would be the right word to use. Also given that a couple months back my family went through something pretty difficult, and my parents may think that’s what is causing me to act different.
 
Yeah, I have seen councillors before. But I guess it may be a social anxiety thing, maybe since I’m the only one it just seems a little harder to say things.

Just myself and my parents I don’t really have any problems discussing religion, it’s just getting the proper words out to not cause any confusion is the hard part.

Regarding the different Friday Penances, I live in Canada so I’m allowed to just abstain from something else, or perform and act of Charity, or Piety. Even on Fridays during Lent I’m still allowed to eat meat. My only problems are Ash Wednesday, and Good Friday. Though I know everything will be alright.
 
Concern for you is something completely different. And if there was an event a while ago that caused anxiety in your family, take that concern to heart. And then if they notice you are observing a fast or abstaining then you can use that as an assurance to them that you are finding comfort and solace in your faith. Other than that I think you are making a bigger deal out of it than it needs to be. Are they monitoring your food intake every day?
 
I guess you’re right. I mean how hard can it be to tell them earlier in the day, “I can’t eat meat today.”
They may know why right off the start. But it also can’t be that hard to say “Ash Wednesday”

And no, they’re not monitoring my intake daily (at least that I know of)

Though I eat regularly, so if I say I can’t eat something they may be a little concerned.

I’d like them to be assured it’s a religious thing. just so they don’t assume it’s about the recent events.
  • Thanks for your helpful replies, by the way. God Bless you!
 
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And yes, I am certainly making a bigger deal out of it then need be. Though I’m not sure I can help it.
 
I mean, you could always take the cop out and volunteer to make dinner for the family that night. But can’t you just say, "Mom, I’ve decided to practice Lent this year, so I won’t be eating meat for dinner tomorrow. You don’t have to make me something special. If it has meat in it, I’ll just make myself a PBJ.
 
Username7 said:
Regarding telling my mom I’d like to follow the Ash Wednesday rules, I for some reason have this irrational anxiety of talking about religious stuff with my family. Even though I know my family supports it, and is very respectful.
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Well, there’s your answer. Go ahead and tell your mom you’d like a meatless meal. If they support you and are respectful then there shouldn’t be a problem or offense. Usually the best way to get over irrational anxiety is just to confront and plow through whatever is causing it.
 
Grizzly1 said:
Usually the best way to get over irrational anxiety is just to confront and plow through whatever is causing it.
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Very true. Dont dwell on it, and allow the mind to work against us. Dont worry about psychological intimidation. Let faith guide, not the mind. Just believe in Jesus, give Him thanks, and respect others. Anxiety builds on itself. Break the cycle.
 
Yeah that’s good advice. Thank you!

By the way, it did work out I did not eat meat on Ash Wednesday, and don’t intend to on Fridays, or Good Friday.
 
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