2007-02-22 11:11:48 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
The Catholic Church and many other Christians Churches follow the Biblical practice of Jesus Christ and the Jews in setting aside days where the entire Church fasts and prays as one in a attitude of constant renewal.
By the solemn forty days of Lent the Church unites herself each year to the mystery of Jesus in the desert and in spiritual preparation for the celebration of His Passion, Death, and Resurrection.
This season of penance is an intense moments of the Church's penitential practice and are particularly appropriate for spiritual exercises, penitential liturgies, pilgrimages as signs of penance, voluntary self-denial such as fasting and almsgiving, and charitable and missionary works.
With love in Christ.
2007-02-24 14:55:36 · answer #1 · answered by imacatholic2 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your supposed to fast on Ash Wednesday and are allowed only one meal or 2 small ones. Not eating meat and fasting is to commerate Jesus's 40 day and night fast in the desert
2007-02-22 11:20:58 · answer #2 · answered by tebone0315 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's a sacrifice. It's called abstinence. We don't eat meat on Ash Wednesday, Good Friday and all Friday's during lent.
Prior to Vatican II Catholics practiced abstinence every Friday during the year. Many Catholics continue to do this.
Christ died on a Friday, so it's to remember his sacrifice by making a small sacrifice of our own.
And hey...I am going to say that I believe everything the Catholic church teaches.
2007-02-22 11:40:21 · answer #3 · answered by Misty 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It didn't used to be just Ash Wednesday - you weren't supposed to eat it during lent as a sign of penance. It's one of those customs that has gotten easier so modern Christians won't be too troubled. Like breakfast actually being the breaking of the fast (not eating anything) after you had taken your morning communion.
2007-02-22 11:14:58 · answer #4 · answered by Dave P 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's a traditional way to mark the beginning of Lent. Lent is, among other things, a time of fasting and prayer, so by not eating meat, we are supposed to be eating a more simple meal.
2007-02-22 11:19:38 · answer #5 · answered by Church Music Girl 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
ash wednesday is a day of repentance. And by abstaning from meat, it teaches us the important things in life.
hey, i'm not even going to say that i believe in everything in the catholic religion.
2007-02-22 11:18:39 · answer #6 · answered by Skittles-Dark Edition 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a question? what about the people who ate fish on friday?
At one time that was a sin. Say my grandpa ate fish on friday and went to hell. When it wasn't a sin anymore does he get out of hell? Also, what about the men who had more than one wife, now that is a sin. So if they went to heaven do they now have to leave?
2007-02-22 11:24:54 · answer #7 · answered by Ruth 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
self sacrifice. We are telling the Lord that he is our sustenance and when you really are a big meat eater it is a bit of a sacrifice.
2007-02-22 11:22:35 · answer #8 · answered by Midge 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You're supposed to sacrifice something for Jesus and remember his sacrifice for you.
2007-02-22 12:45:25 · answer #9 · answered by cynical 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋