Why do Catholics choose Friday as a day of penance?
Catholics abstain from meat on Fridays primarily as a communal act of penance in remembrance of Christ’s suffering and death on Good Friday.
Here are 10 questions about Friday abstinence answered:
1) Why is Friday a penitential day?
- Jesus was crucified on a Friday. Therefore, from the start of Christianity, Fridays have always been set aside as a day to remember Christ’s suffering and death.
- The Code of Canon Law states that every Friday of the year, along with the entire season of Lent are “penitential days and times” for the universal Church.
- Friday penance allows the faithful to “gladly suffer with Christ that they may one day be glorified with Him.”
2) Why do Catholics give up meat?
- In ancient and medieval times, meat was considered a luxury. It was used for feasting and celebrations and not for daily consumption.
- Giving up meat was a renunciation of something enjoyable. Therefore, it was an appropriate way to make reparation for sin and unite suffering with Christ.
- Abstaining from meat on specified days was a visible way to make communal acts of penance.
3) What exactly does “abstinence from meat” mean?
- “Abstinence from meat” means refraining from the consumption of warm-blooded animals, including land animals and birds.
- Fish and other cold-blooded animals are not classified as meat. Therefore, Catholics may eat them on days of abstinence.
- The Catholic Church allows animal byproducts, such as eggs, milk, and cheese. Some of these foods were previously prohibited, but are now permitted under Church law.
4) Why is seafood allowed?
- “Flesh meat” (Latin: caro, carnis) referred to the flesh of warm‑blooded land animals in Latin Christian tradition.
- Fish or cold-blooded animals were less expensive and in a different food category. Therefore, they were not restricted.
5) Who is required to abstain from meat and when?
- Canon law states that Catholics must abstain from meat on all Fridays during Lent. unless there is a major solemnity.
- All adults ages 18-59 are required to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Those ages 14 and older are required to abstain from meat on Fridays during Lent.
- There are some exceptions for those with mental and physical limitations, including “the physically or mentally ill, and individuals suffering from chronic illnesses such as diabetes. Also excluded are pregnant or nursing women."
6) Is this only during Lent, or all year?
- Every Friday of the year is a penitential day. Catholics in the United States are required to either abstain from meat or substitute another penance in its place.
- Catholics should carry out some sort of penance each Friday, even if they choose to abstain from meat. However, the United States bishops say this is no longer binding under the pain of sin.
7) How does abstaining from meat help spiritually?
- Abstaining from meat helps strengthen our will, trains us in self-denial, and detaches us from the world. Detachment from the world helps us unite our sufferings to Christ and wholly rely on Him.
- We should unite our fasting and abstinence with prayer and acts of charity. These sacrifices can help us draw closer to Christ and grow in holiness.
- Friday penance unifies the Catholic Church in remembering Christ’s suffering and death on the Cross.
8) Why is Friday abstinence especially emphasized during Lent?
- The 40-day Lenten season models Christ’s 40 days of fasting and prayer in the desert.
- Friday abstinence, especially fasting and abstinence on Good Friday, is meant to remember and unite our sufferings with Christ Crucified.
9) How did this practice develop historically?
- The Early Church Fathers, such as Clement of Alexandria, practiced abstinence on Fridays. This is also mentioned in The Didache.
- By the early Middle Ages, popes and councils required abstinence from flesh meat on Fridays. However, the 1917 Code of Canon Law codified the rule.
- The modern Code (1983) states that Friday is a day of penance. However, local bishops’ conferences can decide how to carry out these requirements.
10) Can non‑Catholics participate?
- Canon Law obliges Catholics to practice penance on Fridays during Lent. However, any Christian may freely adopt this practice.
- All Christians are encouraged to join the Catholic church in carrying out a Friday sacrifice as a means of remembering Christ’s suffering and death on the Cross.
- Friday penance is a tangible way to live the Christian life in both words and actions.