No Meat Friday

[pianistclare]

Tend to your Sunday obligation first.

It’s a must-do.
The other is a pious option.

Tend to the must haves FIRST.

 

[St_Francis]

I have decided to give up meat every Friday for the rest of my life…God Willing…as a means to honor the sacrifice of our Lord and Savior…Jesus…who was crucified on the 5th day only to rise on the 7th day. Considering that my Sunday Church attendance has been very low I figure I must at least do something to remain Catholic(and I want to get back to going to Church each Sunday…thats the next step)

I have read that traditional Christians(Jesus and his followers) gave up meat on Friday s… So I want to ask fellow Catholics what they think of giving up meat on each Friday?

Our family decided to do that many years ago. It took a whole year to learn to remember that it was Friday and that we shouldn’t eat meat on Fridays all on the same day In our favor, we did have small children to distract us! But I find it to be good. I am reminded of Our Lord and His sacrifice for us more frequently on Fridays, and I think it’s very helpful.

I hope that making this sacrifice will help prepare you for Confession on Saturday and Mass on Saturday evening or Sunday!!! I had the great experience of being able to go to Confession weekly for a while, and that helped me grow a lot spiritually, so I hope you’ll soon pick up Confession and Mass

 

[HolyCrusader007]

Why are you telling us? Fast between yourself and our Lord.

I’m not saying this to be mean. But, as your brother and friend, I think we Catholics need to just devote to Him how we are convicted to do so and allow others to do the same. Don’t ask and don’t tell.

What do you think?

That is a good point by you my fellow Christian…I have also read that if Christians fast that they should keep it to themselves. I suppose what I am trying to get at is the question of did Jesus and the early Christians give up meat on every Friday?

 

[HolyCrusader007]

I personally love fish so this wouldn’t be a great big sacrifice for me. In all actuality I was once told by a Priest that giving up meat on Fridays is more of a discipline. If it comes easy for you then you should give something else up as well on Fridays during Lent.

That being said it seems to me that getting to mass every Sunday would be the greater sacrifice for you at this time. So I would make that the first step and the meatless Fridays step 2.

I also enjoy seafood so this Friday fast thing has broadened my horizons when it comes to non meat food.

And Yes I am trying to get back to mass each Sunday.

You’re are not supposed to brag about how well you please the lord.

I was not intending to flaunt myself…but rather to get information on whether or not Jesus and the other early Christians did actually abstain from meat on Friday. But yes I have read that one who does abstain from meat each Friday or anyone who gives up something for Jesus should not brag about it. Thank you for the reminder.

Not attending Sunday Mass for no good reason is a mortal sin. Eating meat on Friday is not. So you figure out what is more pleasing to the Lord and should be your priority for the rest of your life.

That brings up a good point. In Catholic living would you say attending Church each Sunday is the most important aspect of being Catholic?

Is something preventing you attending Mass or Vigil Mass?

I do not have a legit excuse for not attending mass each Sunday. I suppose laziness is preventing me.

I advise that you focus first on getting your basic obligations, such as going to Mass every Sunday, in order. You actually cannot gain merit from good works such as abstinence if you are still in a state of sin. Willfully missing Mass on Sunday is a grave sin.

Please begin doing that, and let us know how you are doing.

__
To other posters in the thread: Those of you who are being unkind are not helping anyone. Don’t speak with haughtiness to those who come to these forums looking for helpful interaction.

Thank you for the response. And thank all for the responses itt. I will keep in mind what you have all had to say about the importance of mass each Sunday.

 

[HolyCrusader007]

Always abstained from meat during lent even at a very young age, and normal diet consists primarily of meat, so it’s a big deal for me not even eating it for one day.

Several years ago when I returned to the faith, I decided it was for life as well, and very happy with the decision because I’m very conscious of my reasons for abstaining on Fridays year around. At the same time, that does not take away how special Fridays are during the lenten season

Ah great to see you came back to the Church.

Are you saying you are now a vegetarian or that you are abstaining from meat each Friday. Either way good on you. I also agree on the lent point.

Fwiw I think as the others point out for me the bigger deal would be attending Church each Sunday. I have not been to Church in some time.

 

[HolyCrusader007]

Maybe you all know HolyCrusader007 better than I, but (s)he didn’t seem to be bragging to me. It seemed to me that HC7 is trying to rededicate their life to God. Sometimes writing about it in a public forum or talking about it among friends who share that devotion makes it more firm in one’s mind and heart. It’s also alright to seek encouragement, and hear from others who share that devotion. I thought HC7’s question was fair too.

I agreed that regular mass attendance should be a priority, but I don’t know the details of their life. I’ll pray for God to guide HC7 because they brought their journey to our attention.

As to the question in the original post, I think it is a good devotion if it is meaningful to you; that is, if it is a genuine sacrifice and not too easy. In the United States, the bishops (USCCB) have said that meatless Fridays are not necessary except during Lent. However, they also said that we should do some meaningful devotion on Friday, and I believe they said that meatless Fridays are still encouraged. I didn’t catch what country you’re in, and the rules are different in other countries. Anyway, it was a longstanding tradition, and I think it’s a good thing. May God guide you in your endeavor to walk closer with Him.

Thanks very much for the kind words. I would say I brought this thread to CA because as you talk about I wanted to hear from others who might also abstain from meat on Fridays or perhaps give something else up on Fridays. Yes I am living in the USA. And I appreciate the information from the USCCB.

 

[HolyCrusader007]

It is good to give up meat on Friday if it is a sacrifice for you and you do it for the Lord.

Please remember that it is most important that your first priority be the Sacrament of Reconciliation (confession), and the receiving of Our Lord Jesus Christ in the Eucharist. Attendance at Sunday Mass (or the Saturday vigil) is also necessary.

God bless you on your spiritual journey!

Dorothy

Thanks alot Dorothy and I will keep in mind your tip about going to Church again.

Our family decided to do that many years ago. It took a whole year to learn to remember that it was Friday and that we shouldn’t eat meat on Fridays all on the same day In our favor, we did have small children to distract us! But I find it to be good. I am reminded of Our Lord and His sacrifice for us more frequently on Fridays, and I think it’s very helpful.

I hope that making this sacrifice will help prepare you for Confession on Saturday and Mass on Saturday evening or Sunday!!! I had the great experience of being able to go to Confession weekly for a while, and that helped me grow a lot spiritually, so I hope you’ll soon pick up Confession and Mass

That is a great story to hear…Good on you.

And yes I am due for a Confession. Your saying you do a Confession and Church session once every week…that is impressive.

I think sometimes I will say to myself Sunday is my day off…why should I attend mass…but I can see based on your post and other posts itt how important it is to attend mass each Sunday and now as you bring up attending Confession daily. Lets hope I can get to Church/Confession like you do.

 

[HolyCrusader007]

Our family decided to do that many years ago. It took a whole year to learn to remember that it was Friday and that we shouldn’t eat meat on Fridays all on the same day In our favor, we did have small children to distract us! But I find it to be good. I am reminded of Our Lord and His sacrifice for us more frequently on Fridays, and I think it’s very helpful.

I hope that making this sacrifice will help prepare you for Confession on Saturday and Mass on Saturday evening or Sunday!!! I had the great experience of being able to go to Confession weekly for a while, and that helped me grow a lot spiritually, so I hope you’ll soon pick up Confession and Mass

That is a great story to hear…Good on you.m

And yes I am due for a Confession. Your saying you do a Confession and Church session once every week…that is impressive.

I think sometimes I will say to myself Sunday is my day off…why should I attend mass…but I can see based on your post and other posts itt how important it is to attend mass each Sunday and now as you bring up attending Confession daily. Lets hope I can get to Church/Confession like you do.

 

[Bonnie]

I suppose what I am trying to get at is the question of did Jesus and the early Christians give up meat on every Friday?

No, they did not. In fact, they were accused of feasting when they shouldn’t & Jesus said that there was no reason to fast - he was still with them. Later would come fasting. I’ve got a bad cold that’s shut down my brain, so I’m not sure which Gospel this is in. You can look it up. In fact, that might be a great Friday penance - instead of skipping meat on Fridays & mass on Sundays, eat meat & read several chapters of the Bible - I suggest starting with the New Testament - and go to mass on Sundays.

 

[JM3]

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Mortifications have no benefit without prayer and the Mass is prayer.

 

[HolyCrusader007]

Hello all,

I work at an Islamic school(similar to a Catholic school) and they allow me to pray in the Christian manner at the Mosque…the Mosque was at one time a Church. My question is do my prayers count toward anything similar to Sunday mass