This year I’m following my husband’s lead in not eating meat on Fridays. Having been raised Catholic, this was the norm for him to have Friday penance. For me as a convert, it was not a familiar practice.
However the more I learn the reasons why our faith draws us to practice these biblical based traditions and as I put this knowledge into practice, I’m drawn deeper in relationship with God. As a black sheep who wanders off, I’m able to better hear “the shepherd’s voice” and return to “the fold.” I’m grounded in the light of God’s endless love for me.
You will see that it says Friday Penance on all Fridays (and on Fridays during Lent, it says No Meat). From the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops:
“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.”
“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.”
May we remember Christ’s passion so we can live as Easter people with Alleluia as our song! 🙏🏻
Smitten With Goodness 