If you've ever wondered why Catholics don't eat meat on Fridays, this informative web site explains it well.

From my memory of Catechism, confirmed by the text on this website, Catholics give up meat on Ash Wednesday, Good Friday and every Friday during the Lenten season as a form of penance (because we are sinners).

The reason flesh is given up is symbolic: the story goes that Jesus "gave up" his flesh on the cross for our sins, so Catholics give up the flesh of animals to honor him and his sacrifice.

In the beginning, the Canon Law had meat off limits on EVERY Friday, throughout the year.  That law was changed in 1966.

The website reminds people that giving up meat only to feast on seafood delicacies is counter-productive:

Thus, to give up flesh meat on Fridays, only to feast on lobster tail or Alaskan king crab, is to defeat the ascetical purpose of abstinence. Less is more! - Catholic Hot Dish

The website goes on to give suggestions for those meat-less meals:

There are countless options for simple Friday meatless dinners: pancakes, waffles, soup and rolls, chipped tuna on toast, macaroni and cheese, fried egg sandwiches, grilled cheese sandwiches, cheese pizza and, of course, fish.

At least the website doesn't threaten you with eternal damnation for not following the rules like this restaurant does.

 

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