"Can. 1251 Abstinence from meat, or from some other food as determined by the Episcopal Conference, is to be observed on all Fridays, unless a solemnity should fall on a Friday."
That's straight from canon law, baby. But does it apply in Lent?
Oh yes.
Should we Catholics abstain from meat, anyway? I think not.
I'll be having steak for dinner... and I won't feel guilty (but I'll also be going to Mass today... we need to have our Feasting priorities straight).
Happy Solemnity of St. Joseph!!
----
Who needs Free Friday when I just cited Canon Law permitting you to eat meat on a Friday in Lent?
I accidentally ate leftover corned beef for lunch that day but stopped in the middle of it when I realized. We have never celebrated non-obligitory feast days, although I would really like to and just need to start, so I still felt like it was "cheating." But for those who do celebrate the feasts (especially since you went to Mass for it!) I think dispensations like this are a good way the Church shows the rules are not just there to be rules - it is all about becoming closer to Jesus, which can be achieved penitentially or in celebrating great saints!
ReplyDeleteI can happily say that as a Missouri Synod Lutheran I don't have this issue.
ReplyDeleteWe fast on all Friday's during the Lenten seaons. I don't eat until the son goes down and then I can eat whatever I darn well please. :)