The practice of fasting and abstinence has been a part of Christian tradition from its earliest days. Genesis tells us that God created all plants and animals for our benefit, especially as food. Jesus himself stated that food does not make a person morally impure. So, it naturally begs the question: why do Catholics abstain from meat and often eat fish on Fridays?
When tempted by the devil in the desert with worldly comforts, Jesus quoted Deuteronomy, emphasizing, “One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” This wisdom is at the heart of fasting and abstinence. These practices serve to sharpen our spiritual appetites and cultivate gratitude, a core virtue for those baptized into the Christian faith. Experiences of hunger can heighten our appreciation for the blessings we receive and make us more thankful for what we often take for granted.
Jesus encouraged fasting, but not as a superficial ritual or a burden, particularly for the poor. Instead, he advocated fasting as a response to a felt absence of God’s presence in one’s life, a way to seek spiritual reconnection.
But why specifically abstain from meat, and why the association with fish? Historically, abstaining from meat was seen as forgoing a luxury, as meat was less accessible for many, particularly during Lent in the ancient Mediterranean region. While today, seafood can often be more expensive than meat, the tradition isn’t solely about luxury. The core practice is to abstain from meat, and in many cases, a simple vegetarian meal fulfills this requirement.
The custom of eating fish on Friday is strongly linked to the significance of Friday itself in Christian theology. Friday is the day Christians commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Abstaining from meat on this day is seen as a way to remember Christ’s sacrifice. The symbolism is tied to refraining from the shedding and consumption of blood, honoring the day of Christ’s ultimate sacrifice. Additionally, in the creation narrative, Friday, the sixth day, was when God created land animals. Abstaining from meat on Fridays can be interpreted as a symbolic “stay of execution” for these animals, mirroring the salvation offered through Christ’s cross.
Furthermore, there’s a rich symbolic layer connected to fish within the biblical context. Hebrew scripture mentions Leviathan, a massive sea creature representing chaos and death. In this symbolic interpretation, consuming fish, particularly on the day Christ conquered death, becomes significant. Eating Leviathan—represented by fish—on the day Christ defeated death in a way signifies triumph over death itself. This powerful imagery transforms the simple act of eating fish on Friday into a symbolic participation in Christ’s victory. The next time you choose a tuna sandwich over a hamburger on a Friday, remember this deep-rooted tradition and its symbolic connection to Christ’s sacrifice and victory over death.
