Two(2) Possibles Reasons Why Catholics Don’t Eat Meat During Holy Week
MEAT – Have you ever wondered on why the meat is banned from the table of Catholics during the Holy Week?
One of the widely-celebrated or observed religious events is the Holy Week. A lot of countries pay deep observance of the said religious happening including the Philippines.
During the Holy Week, a lot of Filipinos offer sacrifices in different ways – one of it is through fasting. Many people eat only the so-called “Holy Week Food” but not to the point of feeling full.
The said food which are allowed during the Holy Week includes bread, vegetables, fruits, fish, grain, and other seafood products. Many avoid the meat of pork, lamb, deer, beef, and chicken.
Surely, a lot of people wonder why Catholics don’t eat meat during Holy Week. Some just grew up following it without having an idea of the possible reasons behind the act.
In an article on UMD Newman, there were two(2) possible reasons cited why meat is banned from the table during Holy Week. Here are the two(2) explanations:
1. The practice is done since the first century.
Based on the article, there are documents that show Christians avoid meat since the first Century as part of their fasting. It has been carried until now and most people 14 years old and above refrain from eating it during the Lenten season.
The Ash Wednesday, the Good Friday, and the other Fridays within Lent are the highest days were most devotees make the decision not to eat meat.
2. Meat is usually associated with luxury.
Undeniably, meat is associated with luxury so giving it up somehow really means penitence and sacrifice. It is often served during celebrations and festivities and avoiding it really requires much effort and strong determination.
Are you also one of those who observes fasting during Lent? May and your family have a meaningful commemoration of the passion, death, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God.