First Sunday of Lent

First Sunday of Lent

Lent began last Wednesday, which of course was Ash Wednesday. It is traditional to do penance during Lent, or "give up something" for Lent. While this practice is not a requirement, it is a very pious and can be very healthy, both spiritually and physically - depending on what you "gave up." So, how are you doing so far? I know, it has been less that a week, but sometimes those first few days are the hardest. Be of good cheer! Even if you "messed up" already, don't give up! Remember, it is not a requirement - and remember WHY you are doing it!

Why Do We Do Penance for Lent?

Simply stated, Jesus did a forty (40) day penance (fasting) prior to Palm Sunday. He knew what the next week (Holy Week, as we now call it) would hold in store for Him. We all know what He went through - FOR US - so remembering not only the forty days Jesus "offered up" - but also His Passion and death on the Cross, THIS is why we have "offered up" a small sacrifice, or penance, for the forty days of Lent. Each time we would have had that cup of coffee or drank that soda or ate that chocolate or ate that red meat, etc. we should bring our thoughts, even if just for a moment, upon the penance and suffering Christ went through on our behalf. When you would have had that donut at breakfast time just say "Thank you, Jesus!" and do or have something else. 

No Meat on Fridays!

Yes, no meat at all on Fridays during Lent (Ash Wednesday too but that has past now). This penance (something offered up) is a practice which ALL Catholics MUST do during Lent. Keeping in mind, ALL Fridays throughout the year we are still required to do penance (or an act of charity) and prior to 1966 that Friday penance HAD to be abstinence from meat. Now it doesn't HAVE to be meat, but it has to be SOMETHING and while it doesn't HAVE to be meat, it CAN be! So, if you HAVE to do something on EVERY FRIDAY THROUGHOUT THE YEAR, why not hold to the traditional penance of abstaining from meat? As mentioned earlier, it CAN be an act of charity, but one should exercise caution in selecting this because it is not something you do every-so-often, but EVERY Friday. Say your act of charity is to visit a nursing home and talk with the residents, fine, but be sure you do it EVERY FRIDAY! "For every Friday is like a "little Good Friday." If you're not being consistent with what you choose - then are you really picking something which you will offer up ALL Fridays throughout the year?

Is There an Exception to the Every Friday Rule?

Yes! IF a solemnity falls on a Friday then there is no fasting or abstinence requirement for a solemnity is like a Sunday, which is a celebratory day in remembrance of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Every Sunday is like a "little Easter," Likewise, whatever it is you have offered up for Lent you do not need to offer it up on Sundays (and shouldn't) because in celebrating your "little Easter" every week you should not be suffering.

Have a Great Lent!

Our Eastern brethren begin Lent last Sunday (they don''t do Ash Wednesday) and their Lenten penance is far more strict than typically observed in the Latin Church, (giving up meat, dairy, and eggs for ALL days of Lent, not just Fridays). For all Christians, please have a great Lent and remember WHY we "offer up" what we do during this season.

AMDG

Lent - Why We Sacrifice

The quick answer is: Because Jesus willfully did penance for 40 days in the desert, we willfully offer up something for the 40 days of Lent (which does not count the Sundays).. We make this offering in remembrance of His offering. The penance we do we use as an opportunity to think upon Jesus' time in the desert - a time of fasting and prayer. 

What Do We Give Up?
It can be anything, but should be something we would normally partake in every day. Some give up coffee or soda, others give up meat, or type of meat. Sometimes we give up something which is a healthy choice for us - like giving up chocolate or desserts of any kind. Then, when we would have partaken in that - we think on Christ. It is a way to bring our hearts and minds to Him. Whatever we give up does not have to be severe, it just needs to be something we would miss so that out thoughts can be directed to Him. 

Don't Play the Martyr
Others can know what you've given up - but it isn't something you should constantly remind them of. As much as possible, this should be a private sacrifice between you and Jesus.

Forty Days? It Doesn't Add Up!
If you count out all the days from Ash Wednesday to Easter Sunday, it's more than 40 days. and the reason for that is Sundays are "feast days" and thus not intended to be a day of penance so don't count the Sundays and you have 40 days of Lenten observation. This also means that whatever it is you have offered up for Lent does not have to be offered up on Sundays of Lent.

Meatless Fridays
While the Friday penance throughout the rest of the year doesn't HAVE to be abstinence from meat anymore (it still CAN be, and in my humble opinion, SHOULD be), during Lent, as faithful Catholics, we MUST abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. It must be pointed out, we don't give up meat on Fridays because it is sinful, there is no sin in eating meat, the sin would be the violation of Canon Law - which all faithful Catholics must abide by. 

http://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG1104/__P4O.HTM 

Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Well, I like to post things relating to the calendar BEFORE they happen, but this time I'm a couple days late.  Why?  Last Friday was a solemnity - the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.  This feast day always falls on a Friday - it is to be the Friday after the Octave of Corpus Christi (set by Pope Pius IX in 1856), and is always 19 days after Pentecost Sunday (or 68 days after Easter).  In 1889 it was raised to the highest rank of Double of the First Class - or in other words, a solemnity.  Even though so highly ranked, it is not a holy day of obligation in most jurisdictions.  While I am "late" for this year - let us say I am "early" for next year!

Can We Eat Meat?

Well, yes!  Being a feast which is Double of the First Class, this feast is also a solemnity - and as such there is no fasting or abstinence to take place.  Think about it, why would we "fast" or "abstain" on such a "feast day?"  Note both the current Code of Canon Law and the previous agree that such fasting and abstinence ceases "days of our Lord" or "a solemnity."

Abstinence on ALL Fridays?

Bear in mind, while the current Code of Canon Law does not absolutely require abstinence from meat on all Fridays - it still requires SOMETHING and first on the list is abstaining from meat - STILL.  Yes, you MAY offer up some other form of penance or act of charity, as set forth by your local episcopal conference (conference of bishops), but I continue my campaign of keeping the tradition of abstaining from meat.  Why do I continue to promote abstinence from meat on Fridays?  First and foremost it is part of our Catholic identity!  Secondly, why complicate things?  While you COULD choose something else, you should be consistent in what you choose, not picking and choosing from week to week what you will offer up or do for this canonically required penance - required of ALL Catholics. Back to the subject of this article... the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is a solemnity, even though it falls on a Friday (every year) the rules of fasting and/or abstinence do not apply and would actually be contrary to the law of the Church to willfully fast or abstain knowing the Church has officially recognized the day as a solemnity.

1917 Code of Canon Law

Can 1252 §1. Lex solius abstinentiae servanda est singulis sextis feriis.
 §2. Lex abstinentiae simul et ieiunii servanda est feria quarta Cinerum, feriis sextis et sabbatis Quadragesimae et feriis Quatuor Temporum, pervigiliis Pentecostes, Deiparae in caelum assumptae, Omnium Sanctorum et Nativitatis Domini.
 §3. Lex solius ieiunii servanda est reliquis omnibus Quadragesimae diebus.
 §4. Diebus dominicis vel festis de praecepto lex abstinentiae, vel abstinentiae et ieiunii, vel ieiunii tantum cessat, excepto festo tempore Quadragesimae, nec pervigilia anticipantur; item cessat Sabbato Sancto post meridiem.

Can 1252 §1. Is to be observed on every Friday, the law belongs only of abstinence.
 §2. At the same time the law of abstinence and fasting are to be observed on Ash Wednesday, the Fridays and Saturdays of Lent and of the Ember Days, the vigils of Pentecost, the Mother of God assumed into heaven, all the saints and of the Nativity of the Lord.
 §3. The only fast observed all the remaining days of Lent.
 §4. From the days of the Lord or on the feasts of obligation, law of abstinence, or of abstinence and fasting, or fasting only ceases, with the exception of the feast of the time of Lent, nor vigils anticipated; Likewise, they refrain the Holy Saturday in the afternoon.

1983 Code of Canon Law (currently in force)

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.

Addendum:

The Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary

Not to be remiss - Saturday was also the Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.  Originally set for August 22 (set by Pope Pius XII in 1942) it was moved to the Saturday after the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Sources:
Devotion to the Sacred Heart, Catholic Encyclopedia:  http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/07163a.htm
1983 Code of Canon Law:  http://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG1104/__P4O.HTM
1917 Code of Canon Law:  http://www.jgray.org/codes/cic17lat.html
Cross-Reference Guide:  http://www.jgray.org/codes/cross_reference_83_17.xls
Devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Catholic Encyclopedia:  http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/07168a.htm
About the Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary:  http://www.thesacredheart.com/feastmar.htm

Ember Days

What are "Ember Days?"
Four times during the liturgical year we have what are called "Ember Days."  These days were originally recognized in pagan Rome and were celebrations or honorings of the Roman agricultural gods for the different seasons as there were different plantings and harvesting for each of the seasons.  After Rome converted to Christianity in the fourth century, the Church, rather than drop these celebrations entirely, converted them to have Christian meaning.  Originally there were only three Ember Weeks, which were remembered with specific periods of fasting (Winter, Summer and Fall), the fourth (Spring) was later (but still quite early) added.  All four are mentioned as early as the late fifth century by Pope Gelasius.  Pope Callixtus I teaches of the (three) seasons of fasting in the early third century (100 years before Rome became Christian).

Does "Ember" Mean a Burning Coal?
No, the etymology begins with the Latin used by Pope Leo in the mid fifth century jejunium vernum, aestivum, autumnale and hiemale and the English "ember" comes to us from the Anglo-Saxon (Germanic) heritage with the word "ymbren" which literally means a running cycle, or annual cycle - which is what the ember cycle represents.   

What is the Fast for Ember Days?
During an Ember Week, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday are the Ember Days.  It is actually a partial fast.  On these days we are to have just one full meal (can include meat) and two smaller, meatless meals - on Ember Fridays we also abstain from meat as well as keeping the fast.

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Carnival The Time to Put Away the Flesh

With Fat Tuesday right around the corner, the Feast of Carnival is upon us.  This is an unofficial feast in Catholic countries and localities.  One of the most well known is the Mardi Gras of New Orleans. 

The original purpose of the Carnival was to rid yourself of all the excesses you might have - some of the extra "treats" you might have left over from Christmas.  Now is the time to have a party and consume all that you can, for on Ash Wednesday we begin 40 days of penitential observance as we prepare for Easter Sunday and the Resurrection of our Lord and Savior.

The former tradition (still practiced among Eastern Orthodoxy) was to rid your household of all meat products.  No beef, no chicken, no fish, no butter, no milk, no cheese - in short, it was a very vegan holiday.  There still are good reasons, healthy reasons, to give up all meat products for 40 days per year.  The current law in place for Latin Rite Catholics is fasting and complete abstinence from meat (fish is allowed) on Ash Wednesday and all the Fridays of Lent.  The fast allows for one full meal and two smaller meals, which if put together do not equal one full meal - and no snacking in between.  Sundays remain solemnities, and therefore fasting and abstinence is not required on Sundays (though you still could do so).  Those who are required to participate in the fasting are those who have reached 18 years old and not yet reached 60.  There is no age on abstinence, all Catholics are required, regardless of age, to participate in abstinence (unless there is some medical necessity).

Then there's the "What You Gave Up For Lent" tradition.  Again, this is not an official mandate of the Catholic Church - but it is very popular among Catholics and other Christians too.  The purpose is to give up something, easy or hard, that you would normally partake in on a daily basis.  When you would have partaken in whatever that is, you think upon the penance Jesus did for 40 days in the desert before beginning His public ministry and/or meditate on something from Passion Week, where He suffered immensely for our sins, eventually to be wholly humiliated and crucified.  Lent is a time of "putting away the flesh..." a time of "carnival."

from medieval Latin carnelevamen, carnelevarium ‘Shrovetide,’ from Latin caro, carn- ‘flesh’ + levare ‘put away.

The problem we have is that Mardi Gras has become a secular "holiday" and many people engage in excess just for the sake of being excessive.  Unfortunately, this may (and often does) include other sinful acts.  While much of what goes on in places like New Orleans is not done by Catholics, many Catholics are drawn in by the excitement and temptations of the excesses, so what started out as a means to rid ones self of excess, it has become a day which invites excess where there may not have been any to begin with - it becomes an excuse to be sinful.

Concise Answers on Fasting and Abstience

Concise Answers and Documentation

(Answers first, documentation follows)

Fasting and Abstinence
The season technically began a few weeks ago (did you notice the change in vestments from green to purple?) but Lent goes into "full swing" this coming Wednesday, Ash Wednesday, March 5th.  One of the things I like to remind everyone of as Lent begins is fasting.  The Church calls us to do penance during Lent, especially on Ash Wednesday and all the Fridays of Lent which are all days of fasting and abstinence from meat.  Keep in mind, fasting and abstinence are two different practices.

What is Fasting?
Fasting, in the strict sense, is giving up ALL food and only sustaining ones self with water.  However, in the manner in which we are called to fast during the specific days of fasting - the fast allows for one full meal per day and two smaller snacks - and the two snacks, if combined, cannot add up to a full meal.  You're allowed to drink water, coffee, tea, etc. all you want.

What is Abstinence?
During Lent we are ordered to abstain from all meat (beef, pork or poultry) on Ash Wednesday and all Fridays during Lent.  Eating of fish and shellfish is acceptable.

Does EVERYONE need to participate in fast and abstinence?
NO!   For abstinence, 15 years old; for fasting, 22 years old are the first years one is required to participate (unless specific exclusions apply, see below) and are to continue through 59 years old - when one turns 60, the "requirement" ends, but the recommendation remains for those who are able.

I'm sure glad we don't have to give up meat on Fridays throughout the rest of the year, like before Vatican II!
WRONG!  While it is true, there was a change to the precept, which prior to Vatican II required all Catholics to abstain from meat on ALL Fridays throughout the year - the precept was changed, not abrogated!  Yes, you don't HAVE to abstain from meat throughout the rest of the year, BUT (and this is a big "but!") you still MUST abstain from either meat or something equivalent -OR- participate in some act of penance or charity as approved by your local episcopal committee (for the USA that's the USCCB).  So I ask you, unless you have a GOOD REASON for offering up something other than meat on Fridays throughout the year (you have no choice during Lent - it must be meat) why not stick with the tradition of meat?  If you HAVE to do something, stick with abstaining from meat.  Meatless Fridays is at least one thing which not only identified us as Catholics - but UNIFIED us as such!  Fish-Fry-Fridays are popular why?  Because restaurants wanted to still attract Catholics to their businesses on Fridays.

22. Friday itself remains a special day of penitential observance throughout the year, a time when those who seek perfection will be mindful of their personal sins and the sins of mankind which they are called upon to help expiate in union with Christ Crucified.
23. Friday should be in each week something of what Lent is in the entire year. For this reason we urge all to prepare for that weekly Easter that comes with each Sunday by freely making of every Friday a day of self-denial and mortification in prayerful remembrance of the passion of Jesus Christ.
(Pastoral Statement on Penance and Abstinence, November 18, 1966, USCCB)

Pope Paul VI:

Therefore, the following is declared and established: 
I. 
1. By divine law all the faithful are required to do penance. 
2. The prescriptions of ecclesiastical law regarding penitence are totally reorganized according to the following norms: 
II. 
1. The time of Lent preserves its penitential character. The days of penitence to be observed under obligation through-out the Church are all Fridays and Ash Wednesday, that is to say the first days of "Grande Quaresima" (Great Lent), according to the diversity of the rite. Their substantial observance binds gravely. 
2. Apart from the faculties referred to in VI and VIII regarding the manner of fulfilling the precept of penitence on such days, abstinence is to be observed on every Friday which does not fall on a day of obligation, while abstinence and fast are to be observed on Ash Wednesday or, according to local practice, on the first day of 'Great Lent' and on Good Friday 
III.
1. The law of abstinence forbids the use of meat, but not of eggs, the products of milk or condiments made of animal fat. 
2. The law of fasting allows only one full meal a day, but does not prohibit taking some food in the morning and evening, observing- -as far as quantity and quality are concerned -- approved local custom. 
IV. 
To the law of abstinence those are bound who have completed their 14th year of age. To the law of fast those of the faithful are bound who have completed their 21st year and up until the beginning of their 60th year. As regards those of a lesser age, pastors of souls and parents should see to it with particular care that they are educated to a true sense of penitence.
There's much more in this encyclical, but do note the Holy Father's words, "Therefore, the following is declared and established:"

(Paenitemini, Issued by Pope Paul VI on February 17, 1966)

The Code of Canon Law:

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.

http://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG1104/__P4O.HTM

It should be, without question, that ALL Catholics between the ages of 22 and 59 (inclusive) are to participate in fasting and 15 through 59 (inclusive) are to participate in abstinence.  The sad part is, MOST Catholics are unaware of the above precepts and requirements!  Help spread the word!  Share this on Facebook, Twitter and/or your favorite social media and other blogs!  Popes Benedict and Francis have called ALL of us to this "new evangelization" - so join in!  

Prayer and Fasting for Peace in Syria

Today Pope Francis has asked us to fast and pray for peace in Syria.  Let us all honor this request.

FASTING:  
Only one full meal today - two smaller meals/snacks which if combined do not equal a full meal.

Friday Abstinence (Yes, it is still Lent)

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).

Rules for Lenten Fast and Abstinence

Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are days of fast and abstinence. All Catholics who have reached age 18 and are not yet 60 are required to fast on these days. All Catholics who are age 14 and older must abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday and all the Fridays of Lent.
 

Fast and Abstinence Requirements for Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.
 

--Eat only one regular size meal.

--Eat two smaller meals (or less) that do not equal your main meal.

--Do not eat or snack between meals.

--Do not eat any meat, soup made with meat, gravy, or broth, or any other dish prepared with meat.
 

However, if you cannot, for health reasons, fast think of another sacrifice you can make on those days. My son is a type 1 diabetic, he is now 18 but he can not fast. I suggested that he "abstain" from his iPod and computer for the day. That is a sacrifice for him.

Let's not forget the most important things to remember during Lent: Prayer, Fasting, Almsgiving.

Ash Wednesday

ASH WEDNESDAY - 2010

I noticed someone using the search engines asking if eggs were OK when abstaining from meat, and the answer to that is yes.  Eggs and seafood are acceptable.  One thing to avoid though is going out to a nice seafood restaurant for Ash Wednesday or Fridays of Lent (any Fridays for that matter).  The abstinence is intended to be somewhat of a sacrifice - and to go out to a fancy restaurant sort of turns that into a celebratory meal. 

For more information on fasting and abstinence, please check on some of the articles I've already provided here:

http://cathapol.blogspot.com/search/label/Fasting

In short:  
Ash Wednesday and Fridays of Lent:  
ONE full meal - TWO smaller meals and the two smaller meals, if combined should not equal one full meal.  

NO MEAT!  Whereas the abstinence from meat can be something else throughout the rest of the year (you still are required to offer up SOMETHING on EVERY FRIDAY THROUGHOUT THE YEAR!) during Lent it MUST be meat which is offered up (abstained from) on Ash Wednesday and Fridays during Lent (unless a solemnity should fall on a Friday). NO SNACKING BETWEEN MEALS!

Ember Days

Ember days (corruption from Lat. Quatuor Tempora, four times) are the days at the beginning of the seasons ordered by the Church as days of fast and abstinence. They were definitely arranged and prescribed for the entire Church by Pope Gregory VII (1073-1085) for the Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday after 13 December (S. Lucia), after Ash Wednesday, after Whitsunday, and after 14 September (Exaltation of the Cross). The purpose of their introduction, besides the general one intended by all prayer and fasting, was to thank God for the gifts of nature, to teach men to make use of them in moderation, and to assist the needy. The immediate occasion was the practice of the heathens of Rome. The Romans were originally given to agriculture, and their native gods belonged to the same class. At the beginning of the time for seeding and harvesting religious ceremonies were performed to implore the help of their deities: in June for a bountiful harvest, in September for a rich vintage, and in December for the seeding; hence their feriae sementivae, feriae messis, and feri vindimiales. The Church, when converting heathen nations, has always tried to sanctify any practices which could be utilized for a good purpose. At first the Church in Rome had fasts in June, September, and December; the exact days were not fixed but were announced by the priests. The "Liber Pontificalis" ascribes to Pope Callistus (217-222) a law ordering: the fast, but probably it is older. Leo the Great (440-461) considers it an Apostolic institution. When the fourth season was added cannot be ascertained, but Gelasius (492-496) speaks of all four. This pope also permitted the conferring of priesthood and deaconship on the Saturdays of ember week--these were formerly given only at Easter. Before Gelasius the ember days were known only in Rome, but after his time their observance spread. They were brought into England by St. Augustine; into Gaul and Germany by the Carlovingians. Spain adopted them with the Roman Liturgy in the eleventh century. They were introduced by St. Charles Borromeo into Milan. The Eastern Church does not know them. The present Roman Missal, in the formulary for the Ember days, retains in part the old practice of lessons from Scripture in addition to the ordinary two: for the Wednesdays three, for the Saturdays six, and seven for the Saturday in December. Some of these lessons contain promises of a bountiful harvest for those that serve God.
http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/05399b.htm

For some good information on the Autumn Ember Days, see the FishEaters page.

The Origin of the Word:

The origin of the word "ember" in "Ember Days" is not obvious, not even to those who know Latin. According to the Catholic Encyclopedia, "Ember" is a corruption (or we might say, a contraction) of the Latin phrase Quatuor Tempora, which simply means "four times," since the Ember Days are celebrated four times per year.

Optional Today:

With the revision of the liturgical calendar in 1969, the Vatican left the celebration of Ember Days up to the discretion of each national conference of bishops. They're commonly celebrated in Europe, particularly in rural areas.

In the United States, the bishops' conference has decided not to celebrate them, but individual Catholics can and many traditional Catholics still do, because it's a nice way to focus our minds on the changing of the liturgical seasons and the seasons of the year. The Ember Days that fall during Lent and Advent are especially useful to remind children of the reasons for those seasons.

Fasting and Abstinence:

The Ember Days are celebrated with fasting (no food between meals) and half-abstinence, meaning that meat is allowed at one meal per day. (If you observe the traditional Friday abstinence from meat, then you would observe complete abstinence on an Ember Friday.)

As always, such fasting and abstinence has a greater purpose. As the Catholic Encyclopedia notes, through these activities, and through prayer, we use the Ember Days to "thank God for the gifts of nature, . . . teach men to make use of them in moderation, and . . . assist the needy."
http://catholicism.about.com/od/holydaysandholidays/p/Ember_Days.htm

Abstaining

The subject of fasting and abstinence comes up often during the season of Lent, and though I have written a rather extensive article on the subject, it seems a bit difficult to follow. I am rewriting that article in hopes to make it easier to follow and hopefully a valuable resource to the reader.
Let us begin with the basics, and then get into the Church teaching and Church Law on the matter.

What Is Fasting?
Fasting can be done in many ways, from complete abstinence from all foods and drinks, except water; or it can be as defined in the Latin Church practice of only having one full meal and two smaller snacks – and the two smaller snacks cannot, if combined, be as much as the whole meal.

What Is Abstinence?
Abstinence is the giving up of something. If one abstains from meat, then they are to eat no meat at all. Fish and seafood are not considered “meat” in this sense in the Latin tradition.

What Is Penance?
A penance is the offering up of something to God.

What Does the Church Require of Faithful Catholics?
All Faithful Catholics are to observe some sort of penance on ALL Fridays throughout the year, not just the Fridays during Lent. Unfortunately many, if not most, Catholics are unaware that this is still part of Canon Law and is a mortal sin to deliberately avoid doing penance of ALL Fridays.
Code of Canon Law (1983): Canon 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.
So, unless a solemnity falls on a Friday, all Latin Rite Catholics are still bound to observe this penance on ALL Fridays, not just those during Lent. And actually, during Lent the obligation is still abstinence from meat, no substitution is allowed as is throughout the rest of the year.

Is It Still Considered to be a Mortal Sin to Reject This Precept?
When I first wrote the initial article, I caught a bit of flack from fellow Catholics who did not believe that not adhering to this precept was a mortal sin. Personally, I could not see how it was not, but one of my acquaintances has contacts at the Vatican and was about to visit there again so she said she would show my article to some of the “higher-ups” there for their opinion. Their first comment to her was, “how long has this person who wrote this been a priest?” I was flattered, she was impressed. In answer to her question, challenging my position that it was still a mortal sin was to look at Paenitemini, Issued by Pope Paul VI on February 17, 1966. That document can be found at:
http://www.americancatholictruthsociety.com/docs/pvi_paenitemini.htm
In that document, Pope Paul VI says:
Therefore, the following is declared and established:
I.

1. By divine law all the faithful are required to do penance.
2. The prescriptions of ecclesiastical law regarding penitence are totally reorganized according to the following norms:

II.

1. The time of Lent preserves its penitential character. The days of penitence to be observed under obligation through-out the Church are all Fridays and Ash Wednesday, that is to say the first days of "Grande Quaresima" (Great Lent), according to the diversity of the rite. Their substantial observance binds gravely.
2. Apart from the faculties referred to in VI and VIII regarding the manner of fulfilling the precept of penitence on such days, abstinence is to be observed on every Friday which does not fall on a day of obligation, while abstinence and fast are to be observed on Ash Wednesday or, according to local practice, on the first day of 'Great Lent' and on Good Friday

III.

1. The law of abstinence forbids the use of meat, but not of eggs, the products of milk or condiments made of animal fat.
2. The law of fasting allows only one full meal a day, but does not prohibit taking some food in the morning and evening, observing- -as far as quantity and quality are concerned -- approved local custom.

IV.

• To the law of abstinence those are bound who have completed their 14th year of age. To the law of fast those of the faithful are bound who have completed their 21st year and up until the beginning of their 60th year. As regards those of a lesser age, pastors of souls and parents should see to it with particular care that they are educated to a true sense of penitence.

There's much more in this encyclical, but do note the Holy Father's words, "Therefore, the following is declared and established:" Section II.1 applies to the season of Lent, but II.2 applies to “every Friday” wherein we are required to observe abstinence – and during Lent, Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are to be abstinence and fasting. This “higher-up” (whom my friend would not name) supported my thesis that it is indeed a mortal sin to neglect and/or reject this precept and that is supported by the post-Vatican II declaration by Pope Paul VI as such and “binds gravely.”

The 1983 Code of Canon Law relaxes a bit the rule that the abstinence must be from meat, and while it can be (and should be, in my humble opinion) still be abstinence from meat – it can be something else as per ones Episcopal Conference. It must also be noted that Paenitemini has never been abrogated by a later pope.

In short - we must observe some sort of penance on EVERY Friday, throughout the year, not merely during Lent. On Ash Wednesday and Good Friday that penance must include fasting and abstinence from meat. For a Catholic to knowingly and willingly not observe the precepts involved here - it is a mortal sin. Any Catholic reading this article cannot claim ignorance to the precepts - and if they doubt what I've said - I urge them to research it themselves.

I also urge my fellow Catholics to return to the tradition of giving up meat on all Fridays throughout the year. It once was very symbolic of the Catholic Faith and was so prevalent that many restaurants would offer a special "fish fry" on Fridays - and though most Catholics do not practice this anymore - the secular tradition of the Friday Fish Fry has remained.

Does the name "Friday" relate to the Fish Fry?
Well, though it sounds nice - actually, no there is no relation.

The name Friday comes from the Old English frigedæg, meaning the day of Frige the Anglo-Saxon form of Frigg, a West Germanic translation of Latin dies Veneris, "day (of the planet) Venus." However, in most Germanic languages the day is named after Freyja—such as Frīatag in Old High German, Freitag in Modern German, Freyjudagr in Old Norse, Vrijdag in Dutch, Fredag in Swedish, Norwegian, and Danish—but Freyja and Frigg are frequently identified with each other.

The word for Friday in most Romance languages is derived from Latin dies Veneris, "day (of the planet) Venus" (a translation of Greek Aphrodites hemera) such as vendredi in French, venerdì in Italian, viernes in Spanish, and vineri in Romanian.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Friday

Please feel free to add comments and thoughts to this posting.

Fasting ALL Fridays

Are Catholics Still Bound By Canon Law to Fasting and Abstinence?

Are Catholics Only So Bound During Lent?

Code of Canon Law (1983):

Canon 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.

So, the "Friday Fast" for Catholics for all Fridays is still in effect it just doesn't have to be meat, IF your Episcopal Conference has prescribed something else. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) states:

Fridays Throughout the Year In memory of Christ's suffering and death, the Church prescribes making each Friday throughout the year a penitential day. All of us are urged to prepare appropriately for that weekly Easter that comes with each Sunday.

This is a little vague, but does state that it has been prescribed that each Friday throughout the year is indeed a penitential day (as does current Canon Law). Then the allusion to preparation for that "weekly Easter" says a lot. The Friday before Easter is Good Friday, a day of complete abstinence from meat, and a day of fasting (one full or regular meal). Therefore, to "prepare appropriately" every Friday throughout the year should be a day of fasting and complete abstinence of meat. Unless your Episcopal Conference has specifically stated an alternative to meat - it should still be meat. To deliberately ignore the applicable precept in Canon Law, and/or the bishop's "urging" would constitute a grave sin.

Are all Catholics required to participate in Friday penance? Yes! It is Church Law that we do! Canon Law is the legislation of the Church, of which the Pope is the Supreme Legislator. Unless a precept is specifically abrogated by competent authority, each precept remains in full force. I cite Canon 33: Can. 33 §1 General executory decrees, even if published in directories or other such documents, do not derogate from the law, and any of their provisions which are contrary to the law have no force. §2 These decrees cease to have force by explicit or implicit revocation by the competent authority, and by the cessation of the law for whose execution they were issued. They do not cease on the expiry of the authority of the person who issued them, unless the contrary is expressly provided. Canon Law is speaking to all Latin Rite Catholics and hence Canon 1251 is a universal decree binding on the entire Latin Church. §2 of Canon 33 stipulates that such laws are binding on "those whose execution they were issued." To deliberately reject ANY precept of Canon Law is a sign of disrespect for Church Authority regarding Church Law, and ultimately disrespectful to the Pope, who is the Supreme Legislator of Canon Law. In this respect it can be compared to not honoring your father, for the Pope is our Holy Father - our final authority on earth for matters concerning the Church and our spiritual walk. Disrespecting Church Authority and the Holy Father must be seen as sinful, and I still contend, gravely sinful. Canon 1251 clearly states that we (all Latin Rite Catholics) are to observe some sort of fast/abstinence on ALL Fridays throughout the year (unless a solemnity falls on a Friday). As I understand it, many Episcopal Conferences (competent authorities hereafter referred to as EC) have relaxed the requirement of meat - but something else (some other food, according to Can. 1251) must be abstained from in the place of meat. Canon 1253 allows for the EC to direct certain specific other means of fulfilling the requirement to abstain and/or fast. Hence, it must be concurred that any Catholics that knowingly and willingly reject the requirement of Canon 1251 (or whatever, specifically, your EC has allowed according to 1253) do indeed sin in rejecting the competent authority of the Church. The Church has made it VERY easy to fulfill this request, not that offering up meat on one day per week is really all that difficult, so Catholics really have no excuse not to be doing some form of penance on "all Fridays" throughout the year. It is the position of this Catholic that we should still adhere to the traditional fast from meat, even if a "lesser requirement" is "available." Bare in mind, on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday there is no alternative to meat - all Latin Rite Catholics MUST abstain from meat on these days, under the penalty of mortal sin. Remember, even if your EC has offered an alternative, it is still an alternative and you can choose to adhere to the tradition of offering up meat on Fridays. And you DO sin if you aren't doing something on ALL FRIDAYS throughout the year in accordance with Ecclesial Law and your Episcopal Conference.

Rome Speaks! A friend of mine challenged that my position was too strong and she had contacts in Rome and in fact was soon taking a trip to Rome and would directly ask some officials there about my thesis. Rome's response was to look at Paenitemini, Issued by Pope Paul VI on February 17, 1966. That document can be found at: http://www.geocities.com/papalencyclicals/Paul06/p6paen.htm. In that document, Pope Paul VI says: Therefore, the following is declared and established: I. By divine law all the faithful are required to do penance. The prescriptions of ecclesiastical law regarding penitence are totally reorganized according to the following norms: II. The time of Lent preserves its penitential character. The days of penitence to be observed under obligation through-out the Church are all Fridays and Ash Wednesday, that is to say the first days of "Grande Quaresima" (Great Lent), according to the diversity of the rite. Their substantial observance binds gravely. Apart from the faculties referred to in VI and VIII regarding the manner of fulfilling the precept of penitence on such days, abstinence is to be observed on every Friday which does not fall on a day of obligation, while abstinence and fast are to be observed on Ash Wednesday or, according to local practice, on the first day of 'Great Lent' and on Good Friday III. The law of abstinence forbids the use of meat, but not of eggs, the products of milk or condiments made of animal fat. The law of fasting allows only one full meal a day, but does not prohibit taking some food in the morning and evening, observing- -as far as quantity and quality are concerned -- approved local custom. IV. To the law of abstinence those are bound who have completed their 14th year of age. To the law of fast those of the faithful are bound who have completed their 21st year and up until the beginning of their 60th year. As regards those of a lesser age, pastors of souls and parents should see to it with particular care that they are educated to a true sense of penitence. There's much more in this encyclical, but do note the Holy Father's words, "Therefore, the following is declared and established:" And follow that with the rest of what was stated in the original article (below). In essense, at least one person who has challenged my statement that it is a sin to not do penance (or whatever your Episcopal Conference has determined) has now acknowledged that it is indeed a sin, and one that "binds gravely." Catholics cannot avoid this precept of "Divine Law." Now, back to the original article:

The Celebration of Lent

Ash Wednesday marks the onset of the Lent, the 40-day period of fasting and abstinence. It is also known as the 'Day of Ashes'. So called because on that day at church the faithful have their foreheads marked with ashes in the shape of a cross.

The name 'Day of Ashes' comes from "Dies Cinerum" in the Roman Missal and is found in the earliest existing copies of the Gregorian Sacramentary. The concept originated by the Roman Catholics somewhere in the 6th century. Though the exact origin of the day is not clear, the custom of marking the head with ashes on this Day is said to have originated during the papacy of Gregory the Great (590-604).

In the Old Testament ashes were found to have used for two purposes: as a sign of humility
and mortality; and as a sign of sorrow and repentance for sin. The Christian connotation for ashes in the liturgy of Ash Wednesday has also been taken from this Old Testament biblical custom./
Receiving ashes on the head as a reminder of mortality and a sign of sorrow for sin was a practice of the Anglo-Saxon church in the 10th century. It was made universal throughout the Western church at the Synod of Benevento in 1091.

Originally the use of ashes to betoken penance was a matter of private devotion. Later it became part of the official rite for reconciling public penitents. In this context, ashes on the penitent served as a motive for fellow Christians to pray for the returning sinner and to feel sympathy for him. Still later, the use of ashes passed into its present rite of beginning the penitential season of Lent on Ash Wednesday.

There can be no doubt that the custom of distributing the ashes to all the faithful arose from a devotional imitation of the practice observed in the case of public penitents. But this devotional usage, the reception of a sacramental which is full of the symbolism of penance (cf. the cor contritum quasi cinis of the "Dies Irae") is of earlier date than was formerly supposed. It is mentioned as of general observance for both clerics and faithful in the Synod of Beneventum, 1091 (Mansi, XX, 739), but nearly a hundred years earlier than this the Anglo-Saxon homilist Ælfric assumes that it applies to all classes of men.

Putting a 'cross' mark on the forehead was in imitation of the spiritual mark or seal that is put on a Christian in baptism. This is when the newly born Christian is delivered from slavery to sin and the devil, and made a slave of righteousness and Christ (Rom. 6:3-18).

This can also be held as an adoption of the way 'righteousness' are described in the book of Revelation, where we come to know about the servants of God. The reference to the sealing of the servants of God for their protection in Revelation is an allusion to a parallel passage in Ezekiel, where Ezekiel also sees a sealing of the servants of God for their protection:

"And the LORD said to him [one of the four cherubim], 'Go through the city, through Jerusalem, and put a mark [literally, "a tav"] upon the foreheads of the men who sigh and groan over all the abominations that are committed in it.' And to the others he said in my hearing, 'Pass through the city after him, and smite; your eye shall not spare, and you shall show no pity; slay old men outright, young men and maidens, little children and women, but touch no one upon whom is the mark. And begin at my sanctuary.' So they began with the elders who were before the house." (Ezekiel 9:4-6)

Unfortunately, like most modern translations, the one quoted above (the Revised Standard Version, which we have been quoting thus far), is not sufficiently literal. What it actually says is to place a tav on the foreheads of the righteous inhabitants of Jerusalem. Tav is one of the letters of the Hebrew alphabet, and in ancient script it looked like the Greek letter chi, which happens to be two crossed lines (like an "x") and which happens to be the first letter in the word "Christ" in Greek Christos). The Jewish rabbis commented on the connection between tav and chi and this is undoubtedly the mark Revelation has in mind when the servants of God are sealed in it.

The early Church Fathers seized on this tav-chi-cross-christos connection and expounded it in their homilies, seeing in Ezekiel a prophetic foreshadowing of the sealing of Christians as servants of Christ. It is also part of the background to the Catholic practice of making the sign of the cross, which in the early centuries (as can be documented from the second century on) was practiced by using one's thumb to furrow one's brow with a small sign of the cross, like Catholics do today at the reading of the Gospel during Mass.
(Source: http://www.theholidayspot.com/ash_wednesday/origin.htm)

MESSAGE OF THE HOLY FATHER FOR LENT 2002 Dear Brothers and Sisters, 1. We are preparing to follow the path of Lent, which will lead us to the solemn celebration of the central mystery of faith, the mystery of the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Christ. We are preparing for the favourable time which the Church offers the faithful so that they may contemplate the work of salvation accomplished by our Lord on the Cross. The heavenly Father’s saving plan was completed in the free and total gift to us of the only begotten Son. “No one takes my life from me, but I lay it down of my own accord” (Jn 10:18), Jesus declares, leaving no doubt that he decides to sacrifice his own life for the salvation of the world. In confirmation of so great a gift of love, the Redeemer goes on: “Greater love has no one than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends” (Jn 15:13). Lent, the providential time for conversion, helps us to contemplate this stupendous mystery of love. It is a return to the roots of our faith, so that by pondering the measureless gift of grace which is Redemption, we cannot fail to realize that all has been given to us by God’s loving initiative. In order to meditate upon this aspect of the mystery of salvation, I have chosen as the theme for this year’s Lenten Message the Lord’s words: “You received without paying, give without pay” (Mt 10:8). 2. God has freely given us his Son: who has deserved or could ever deserve such a privilege? Saint Paul says: “All have sinned and have fallen short of the glory of God, but they are justified by his grace as a gift” (Rom 3:23-24). In his infinite mercy God loved us, not permitting himself to be blocked by the grievous state of separation to which man had been consigned by sin. He graciously stooped down to our weakness, and made it the cause of a new and still more wondrous outpouring of his love. The Church does not cease to proclaim this mystery of infinite goodness, exalting God’s free choice and his desire not to condemn man but to draw him back into communion with himself. “You received without paying, give without pay”. May these words of the Gospel echo in the heart of all Christian communities on their penitential pilgrimage to Easter. May Lent, recalling the mystery of the Lord’s Death and Resurrection, lead all Christians to marvel in their heart of hearts at the greatness of such a gift. Yes! We have received without pay. Is not our entire life marked by God’s kindness? The beginning of life and its marvellous development: this is a gift. And because it is gift, life can never be regarded as a possession or as private property, even if the capabilities we now have to improve the quality of life can lead us to think that man is the “master” of life. The achievements of medicine and biotechnology can sometimes lead man to think of himself as his own creator, and to succumb to the temptation of tampering with “the tree of life” (Gn 3:24). It is also worth repeating here that not everything that is technically possible is morally acceptable. Scientific work aimed at securing a quality of life more in keeping with human dignity is admirable, but it must never be forgotten that human life is a gift, and that it remains precious even when marked by suffering and limitations. A gift to be accepted and to be loved at all times: received without pay and to be placed without pay at the service of others. 3. In setting before us the example of Christ offering himself for us on Calvary, Lent helps us in a unique way to understand that life is redeemed in him. Through the Holy Spirit, Jesus renews our life and makes us sharers in the divine life which draws us into the intimate life of God and enables us to experience his love for us. This is a sublime gift, which the Christian cannot fail to proclaim with joy. In his Gospel, Saint John writes: “This is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent” (Jn 17:3). This life is passed on to us in Baptism, and we must nourish it constantly by responding to it faithfully, both individually and communally, through prayer, the celebration of the Sacraments and evangelical witness. Since we have received this life freely, we must in turn offer it freely to our brothers and sisters. This is what Jesus asked of the disciples when he sent them out as his witnesses in the world: “You received without paying, give without pay”. And the first gift to be given is the gift of a holy life, bearing witness to the freely given love of God. May the Lenten journey be for all believers an unceasing summons to enter more deeply into this special vocation of ours. As believers, we must be open to a life marked by “gratuitousness”, by the giving of ourselves unreservedly to God and neighbour. 4. “What do you have,” Saint Paul asks, “that you did not receive?” (1 Cor 4:7). The demand which follows this recognition is that of loving our brothers and sisters, and of dedicating ourselves to them. The more needy they are, the more urgent the believer’s duty to serve them. Does not God permit human need so that by responding to the needs of others we may learn to free ourselves from our egoism and to practise authentic Gospel love? The command of Jesus is clear: “If you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax-collectors do the same?” (Mt 5:46). The world prizes human relationships based on self-interest and personal gain, and this fosters an egocentric vision of life, in which too often there is no room for the poor and weak. Every person, even the least gifted, must be welcomed and loved for themselves, regardless of their qualities and defects. Indeed, the greater their hardship, the more they must be the object of our practical love. This is the love to which the Church, through her countless institutions, bears witness in accepting responsibility for the sick, the marginalized, the poor and the exploited. In this way, Christians become apostles of hope and builders of the civilization of love. It is highly significant that Jesus spoke the words “You received without paying, give without pay” as he sent the Apostles out to spread the Gospel of salvation, which is his first and foremost gift to humanity. Christ wants his Kingdom, which is already close at hand (cf. Mt 10:5ff.), to be spread through gestures of gratuitous love accomplished by his disciples. This is what the Apostles did in the early days of Christianity, and those who met them saw them as bearers of a message greater than themselves. In our own day too the good done by believers becomes a sign, and often an invitation to believe. When, like the Good Samaritan, Christians respond to the needs of their neighbour, theirs is never merely material assistance. It is always a proclamation of the Kingdom as well, and speaks of the full meaning of life, hope and love. 5. Dear Brothers and Sisters! Let this be how we prepare to live this Lent: in practical generosity towards the poorest of our brothers and sisters! By opening our hearts to them, we realize ever more deeply that what we give to others is our response to the many gifts which the Lord continues to give to us. We have received without paying, let us give without pay! What better time is there than Lent for offering this testimony of gratuitousness which the world so badly needs? In the very love which God has for us, there lies the call to give ourselves freely to others in turn. I thank all those throughout the world – lay people, religious and priests – who offer this witness of charity. May it be true of all Christians, whatever the circumstances in which they live. May the Virgin Mary, Mother of Fair Love and Hope, be our guide and strength on this Lenten journey. Assuring you all of an affectionate remembrance in my prayers, I gladly impart my Apostolic Blessing to each of you, especially to those engaged day after day on the many frontiers of charity. From the Vatican, 4 October 2001, Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi. JOANNES PAULUS II

Will You Join Me?

Will You Join Me?

Will you join me in wishing your friends and accaintences "Happy New Year" this weekend? It is, afterall, OUR New Year! Sunday, November 23rd was the "Last Sunday After Pentecost" (or the Last Sunday in Ordinal Time, if you prefer) thus ending the liturgical year. This coming Sunday is the First Sunday in Advent! ChristMass is right around the corner! People may look at you a little funny to begin with, but you could use this as an ice-breaker in conversation to allow you to discuss your faith a little.

Will You Join Me?

Will you join me in answering the "Merry Christmas" or "Happy Holidays" wish with, "and a Blessed Advent to you!" ?? The season of the ChristMass begins with Midnight Mass, the First Mass of ChristMass, and lasts through Epiphany (some could argue it lasts through the Ordinal Time After Epiphany too). The point is - from the First Sunday of Advent up to the First Mass of ChristMass - it is NOT the "ChristMass" season! We are in a season of anticipation of the ChristMass. It is a time of preparation for the celebration of he coming of the Messiah to the world.

Fasting in Advent?

Well, for the Latin Church, this is not required - though it is part of the Eastern tradition. Eastern Christianity begins the "Advent Fast" on November 15th and lasts through December 24th. It is called the "Nativity Fast" (Advent itself is a term from Latin tradition). It is like a "little Lent" where one prepares their soul for the coming celebration of the Nativity, or again in the Latin/Western tradition - the ChristMass. The "Nativity Fast" in the East lasts for 40 days, whereas Advent in the West lasts 4 weeks.

Can Latin Rite Catholic fast during Advent? Certainly! Latin Rite Catholics can use this period of preparation and anticipation of the ChristMass to mortify their souls, making the ChristMass season all the more meaningful and joyous. There is no requirement in the Latin Church to fast during Advent, but the practice is almost never discouraged. (Fasting is never necessary on "Feast Days" - which all Sundays are as well as other high holy days).

Will You Join Me?

Will you join me in spelling "Christmas" as "ChristMass?" It is, afterall, the Mass of Christ which we celebrate on December 25th! It may also serve as a reminder to Protestants that ChristMass is truly a Catholic Holy Day (holiday).

Will You Join Me?

Will you join me in NOT being upset when someone says "Happy Holidays" and return the wish with "Happy Holy Days to you too!" ?? Sometimes we hear this time of year people getting upset with the removal of Christ from ChristMass - and using terms like "Happy Holidays" and "Season's Greetings." Rather than getting upset - which can make us look and sound like an extremist - if we smile and wish them a "Happy Holy Days" back - it may get them to think a little bit about what the season truly is about.

I hope you'll try one or more of these suggestions this year and perhaps continue the practice as a tradition in your households and parishes. We can put a positive spin on the secularization of ChristMass - and perhaps get people to celebrate Christ with us in the true spirit of the true season. If you do try one or more of these suggestions - please try to come back to this blog/post and leave a comment or two about how it went.

In JMJ,
Scott<<<

Fasting and Lent

Let us LIVE the Catholic life. Let us not hide our Light under a bushel basket! Do your penances in private - but when someone asks you about why you're not eating meat on Friday, gently explain to them that you do this in honor of Good Friday - and everytime you would have partaken in meat - it's a reminder to you of Christ's Ultimate Sacrifice in our behalf. I know most of us do this year-round, but during this time of year more attention is drawn to the Catholic "meatless Fridays."

After Lent is over, we can continue to use this as a witness to our fellow Catholics who might tell us, "Lent is over, you don't have to continue with abstinence from meat on Fridays..." and then you can (gently and charitably) remind them that the requirement of penance on Fridays is STILL a requirement for EVERY Catholic - even so-called Novus Ordo Catholics! We don't HAVE to continue observing the abstinence from meat, but it MUST be "something equivalent." If it has to be equivalent, why not just stick with meat?! Meatless Fridays and Friday Fish Fries used to be one of our identifying marks on our communities! It should be again. Encourage all Catholics to continue meatless Fridays year-round, unless a solemnity falls on a Friday.

In JMJ,
Scott<<<

First Friday
Lent 2006