One of the reasons for Friday abstinence is as an act of charity; we remember those who cannot afford meat. We thank God for what we have and obey His Church in all that is good for our souls.
Canons of the Catholic Church on Abstinence and Penance:
Can. 1250 The penitential days and times in the universal
Church are every Friday of the whole year and the season of Lent.
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. Abstinence and fasting are to be observed
on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.
Can. 1252 The law of abstinence binds those who have completed
their fourteenth year. The law of fasting binds those who have attained their
majority, until the beginning of their sixtieth year. Pastors of souls and
parents are to ensure that even those who by reason of their age are not bound
by the law of fasting and abstinence, are taught the true meaning of
penance.
Can. 1253 The conference of bishops can determine more
precisely the observance of fast and abstinence as well as substitute other
forms of penance, especially works of charity and exercises of piety, in whole
or in part, for abstinence and fast.
From: The Code of Canon Law
“We live in the most unequal part of the world, which has grown the most yet reduced misery the least. The unjust distribution of goods persists, creating a situation of social sin that cries out to Heaven and limits the possibilities of a fuller life for so many of our brothers.”
--Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio (now Pope Francis).
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