Why is Fish Okay on Fridays

Q: Why is an exception made for eating fish on Fridays? Isn’t fish meat, too?

A: The reason that fish is okay to eat while abstaining from meat is because in earlier times fish was a very common food that you might eat all the time like bread. Thus it would be a pleasure to give fish up, while meat such as pork or beef was more like “party food.” Now, of course, fish is much less common, but the tradition still remains the same.

Michael

Father Robert Barron Explains Lent

Fasting During Lent Legalistic

Q: At church last Sunday the priest told us that we couldn’t eat on certain days during Lent. I was zoning out in the back and didn’t hear him explain why. This sounds legalistic to me. How can fasting help my spiritual life? It doesn’t make sense.

A: First of all, fasting is a good idea as it’s a good form of penance. That is, it’s a small way of showing that we’re sorry for our sins. During Lent, fasting is particularly important, as it’s a way of preparation for the great feast of Easter.

You’ll notice in the Bible that Moses, Elijah, the Apostles, and even Jesus fasted in preparation for big events. While we might not immediately understand the importance of fasting, it’s usually a good idea to follow the example of these guys, especially Jesus.

Is it “legalistic” to follow the instructions of your doctor when he tells you not to eat before a test? Would it be “legalistic” to follow the example of your favorite baseball player by imitating his technique? Of course not.

That’s why we fast before Easter; we’re following the example of Jesus and doing what He did to prepare for a big event. And Easter is certainly a big event!

Michael