Food for lent

It was Ash Wednesday last March 2 and that ushers in the Lenten Season for Roman Catholics. This means Fridays one has to observe fasting and abstinence. Fasting here means only one full meal that day (as opposed to the stricter water only rule observed by some and different from the no eating and drinking during the daytime but meals at nighttime practiced by Muslims) and abstaining from meat (beef, pork, chicken and others). 

Due to this latter rule about meat prohibition, most Catholics opt for seafood, particularly fish. But is it really a sacrifice as what abstinence is essentially about? Fish is particular is quite enjoyable as a meal and many people will choose a variety of seafood over common meat dishes anytime. I, for one, would prefer seafood over beef or pork dishes. Grilled fish? Definitely! Tuna or salmon sashimi? Bring it on! Prawn tempura? Why not! So much for the sacrifice aspect of abstinence...

Dried fish for breakfast?

I think regardless of the food we eat during Lent, we should make some sacrifices as we reflect on the themes of this season. We should practice restraint versus excess and do our part fighting temptations of the material and even carnal kind. After all, 'food' should not be limited to its literal meaning but perhaps be understood or accepted for its deeper aspects.

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