Meat on Fridays of Lent if Someone Else Accidentally Fixes It For You

[HeDa]

When I have been invited to dinner on Fridays during Lent I have sometimes asked that they cook “the fish/veggie dish that is so delicious, that they served X time ago and I haven’t had since anywhere”. Never had a problem when going to dinner anywhere Starting with a compliment to the host or hosts and they feel appreciated and I can follow the fast/abstinence without a problem. The pressure of finding a new dish to cook and serve it taken away as well. I live in a culture where only one main course is served and you eat it whether you like it or not. (People with allergies are required to let the hosts know of course.)

Only once in 45 years has my mom cooked a second dish and that was when tears were running down my cheeks as the “Dutch Lentils soup” from a can tasted horribly. Mom never said a word when she tasted it but just took our plates, rinced them and cooked something else.

 

[Reuben_J]

If you really cannot avoid it, then it is alright to eat the meat. Being polite and not making a big deal of our fast take precedence in our fasting. In fact we are exhorted not to flaunt that we fast. What you can do, as normally done when we have to eat meat on Friday, is to replace it with another day and perhaps raise up your prayer level.

Have a blessed Lent.

God bless,

 

[lilypadrees]

In that situation, I would explain that during Fridays of Lent, I can’t eat meat. And then I would ask if they minded if I took it home with me to eat the next day. If it was in a dish where it couldn’t be separated, that would definitely be the perfect solution.

 

[paperwight]

In that situation, I would explain that during Fridays of Lent, I can’t eat meat. And then I would ask if they minded if I took it home with me to eat the next day. If it was in a dish where it couldn’t be separated, that would definitely be the perfect solution.

They would still feel embarrassed though, and a bit put out as well, perhaps, if they had gone to special trouble to cook something nice.

Personally, I think charity and not hurting other people’s feelings should be our priority.

 

[lilypadrees]

I’ve never had that problem when explaining my dietary requirements. In fact, I’ve found those I’ve explained them to to be very understanding. They know I take my Catholic faith very seriously.

 

[twf]

Do Muslims hesitate to express their Halal requirements or Orthodox Jews their kosher requirements?

 

[1ke]

Perhaps if you are invited as the only couple to visit for dinner on a Friday you can mention your preference for no meat due to Lent.

But, really, it’s not realistic to think that you can be a good guest while demanding the host cook what you prefer in a party situation such as birthday, anniversary, a dinner party with multiple couples, or whatever. if you are invited, go or don’t go. Be gracious if you go. Don’t be scrupulous as the Church doesn’t require that you insist your hosts cook meatless options for you.

 

[dochawk]

I’ve never had that problem when explaining my dietary requirements. In fact, I’ve found those I’ve explained them to to be very understanding. They know I take my Catholic faith very seriously.

Yes–but I think those discussions are fart better received outside of the context of making requests when invited, or not eating what is served.

If I order something I normally wouldn’t (people kind of expect me to order the “carnivore special”, whatever that mansion the context), and am asked, I explain. Announcing that I’m ordering the fish because I can’t have meat on Friday would be another matter, akin to going unwashed with uncombed hair (and my hair is enough trouble to keep combed already! A friend was assigned dumped an entire can of hairspray in it to keep it in place for my wedding. When I showered, the water simply rolled off that hard surface. but anyway . . .)

If we’re planning something with someone I know well, I’ll point out that I can’t do the prime rib special on Fridays; if I’m being invited to join a group with plans, I don’t ask them to change.

As for kosher and halal, much of those aren’t fasting but sin (e.g., pork). A Jew and a Catholic offered the same BLT at the same time and place on a Lenten Friday are two entirely different situations. Roughly analogize the to the difference between staying for dinner when meat is served, and staying once you discover it’s an orgy . . .

hawk

 

[jim1130]

Many years ago, I stopped eating meat on all Fridays, not just Lenten Fridays.

If I am a guest at someone’s home on a Friday and meat is served, I just politely decline and eat whatever non-meat items are available. More often than not they think I am a vegetarian, but if asked to explain then I explain that I make the sacrifice to honor God and for special intentions.

I really try not to make a big deal out of it. And I never ask anyone to make any special concessions for me. I eat whatever else is provided (provided I like it ), but not the meat.

 

[starlady]

She said she observed the rules of Ash Wednesday. Are you sure that meat abstinence was obligatory on the Fridays of Lent during that time in Spain? It’s not in Canada… only on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. For other Fridays of Lent, like Fridays throughout the year, we can substitute some other form of penance.

Oh interesting. I had never considered that…and that very well may have been the case. I have no idea what Spain’s bishops say about the matter, I thought that those rules applied everywhere, but obviously I am mistaken. Thanks!