Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent in the Christian calendar, a period of fasting and reflection leading up to Easter. Many people wonder whether they should fast or can you eat meat on Ash Wednesday. So let’s talk about that.
Can You Eat Meat on Ash Wednesday?
Understand correctly, you are a free person. And it only depends on your decision whether to eat meat on this day of repentance or to decide to fast after all. However, let’s look deeper into the meaning of this day.
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, a period of introspection, repentance, and spiritual preparation before Easter. As a symbol of repentance and self-discipline, Christians traditionally abstain from eating meat on Ash Wednesday.
This practice is based on the way of life of ancient Christians, who echo the biblical advice to fast and pray as a tool for spiritual warfare. “But this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.” (Matthew 17:21)
Why No Meat on Ash Wednesday?
Many of you will say I am free; I can do whatever I want. Many will say that we are now “reformed” and must specifically do the opposite of Catholics. Many will say that fasting is optional; we are modern-day Christians now. But the truth is that all those excuses are the ideology of a sluggish and lukewarm faith that tries to justify its inaction and cold heart.
While such spiritless Christians are arguing and serving their own pride, the prince of this world is trampling on the foundations of God’s kingdom and winning new innocent souls.
Therefore, there can only be one answer to can you eat meat on Ash Wednesday – NO.
Just answer yourself: what is more important, your pride or God’s will? Your church pastor’s fear of competition or the Kingdom of God? What are you preaching with your life, your personal views, or the Gospel of Jesus?
Will you die if you fast on the appointed day together with Christians all over the world? Will your self-esteem decrease if you get a hold of yourself and don’t eat meat for a day? Jesus fasted, but you think you are wiser than him? “After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry.” (Matthew 4:2)
Therefore, I say to you – put aside your pride and fast.
When is Ash Wednesday 2024?
Ash Wednesday: Wednesday, February 14, 2024
Fasting – Element of Repentance
During this time, many Christians choose to abstain from meat as a form of sacrifice and penance. We find in (Joel 2:12) – “Even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.”
The Power of Fasting
Fasting holds transformative power, both individually and collectively. So why choose to fast:
- Spiritual Growth. Fasting deepens our relationship with God by fostering a heightened awareness of His presence and guidance.
- Seeking Guidance. Many people fast to seek clarity, wisdom, and direction from God regarding important decisions or life challenges.
- Self-Discipline. Fasting requires discipline and self-control, which can help us develop greater mastery over our physical desires and impulses.
- Expressing Repentance. Fasting can symbolize repentance and contrition, demonstrating a sincere desire to turn away from wrongdoing and seek forgiveness.
- Cultivating Empathy. By experiencing hunger and deprivation firsthand, we may develop a greater sense of empathy and compassion for less fortunate people.
- Heightened Spiritual Sensitivity. Fasting sharpens our spiritual senses, making it easier to discern the voice of God and experience His presence more profoundly.
- Breaking Addictions. Some people fast as a way to break free from unhealthy habits or addictions, such as overeating, substance abuse, or excessive screen time.
- Expressing Gratitude. Fasting can serve as a reminder of the blessings and abundance in our lives, prompting gratitude and thanksgiving toward God.
- Solidarity with Others. Fasting can be a form of solidarity with Christians in the world, where they are suffering oppression and marginalized, drawing attention to constitutionally guaranteed freedoms and social justice issues and inspiring advocacy and action.
These reasons illustrate the multifaceted nature of fasting and its potential benefits for spiritual, physical, and emotional well-being.
However, abstaining from meat on Ash Wednesday and the other Fridays of Lent is not a strict requirement for all Christians.
Related Prayers:
An Example of the Fasting Principle
As an example, let’s take the principle of fasting of the Catholic Church because it is formulated clearly and understandable to everyone.
The Catholic Church asks that its members abstain from eating meat on Ash Wednesday and all Fridays of Lent as a form of penance. The Code of Canon Law states that all Catholics aged 14 years and older are obliged to abstain from meat on these days. However, the Church also recognizes that this practice may not be possible for everyone and allows for alternative forms of penance, such as giving up a favorite food or drink.
“For members of the Catholic Church, fasting norms are obligatory from age 18 until age 59. When fasting, a person is permitted to eat one full meal and two smaller meals that are not equal to a full meal. The norms concerning abstinence from meat are binding upon members of the Latin Catholic Church from age 14 onwards.” More info.
Some Protestant denominations do not have a requirement to abstain from meat during Lent and instead encourage individuals to make personal sacrifices to grow closer to God.
Is it Obligatory to Fast?
Whether or not one chooses to eat meat on Ash Wednesday and other days of Lent is a personal decision. Some may see abstaining from meat as a meaningful way to make a sacrifice, while others may choose to focus on other forms of spiritual discipline.
Ultimately, the important thing is not what one chooses to eat or not eat but rather one’s motivation and intention. “Yet when they were ill, I put on sackcloth and humbled myself with fasting. When my prayers returned to me unanswered.” (Psalm 35:13)
In conclusion, while the Catholic Church encourages its members to abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday and the other Fridays of Lent, this practice is not required for all Christians. Whether or not one eats meat during this time is a personal decision, and the motivation and intention behind it are most important.
