I was ten years old in 1962 when McDonald’s first introduced the Filet-O-fish sandwich. Lou Groen, a franchise owner of Mc Donald’s in Cincinnati, Ohio, came up with the idea. The population in the area of his McDonald’s was 87% Catholic, and during Lent his restaurant was suffering because the Catholics were abstaining from eating meat. Mr. Groen, himself a practicing, Catholic was being hit hard on Fridays during Lent, with the profits averaging $75 a day.
Filet -O-fish
Mr. Groen presented the idea of a fish sandwich to Ray Kroc, the CEO of McDonald’s, but Mr. Kroc did not approve. Instead Mr. Kroc wanted to introduce the Hula Burger (grilled pineapple with cheese). The two men agreed to have a contest and whoever won would get to introduce the new sandwich at McDonald’s. The rest is history, and the Filet-O-fish became part of McDonald’s permanent menu in 1965.
Del Taco also provides beer-battered crispy tacos and also shrimp tacos during Lent.
Chick-fil-A joined the ranks with their fish sandwich, and is also offering meals of fried fish fillets. These meals are only available during Lent at participating restaurants.
Lucas and Jacob (cut his own hair to remove gum)
Arby’s has a new Cajun Fish sandwich, along with their regular fish sandwich. Many other fast food establishments have fish on their menus during Lent.
Every Friday during Lent, we support our local parish, St. Norbert, in Orange, CA. The Lenten fish fry is only $8, and it is delicious, helping to fund the 8th grade students for their trip to Washington, D.C. On that same day at 7:00 P.M. is the Stations of the Cross is celebrated.
The Lord has an influence over all these large corporations, whether it be for profit or to meet the special needs of its consumers God is in the midst, because Lent is a power season.
How is your Lent going? Mine is lacking in several areas, discipline and love having been a challenge for me. When I fail to do what is right before God, my general behavior is to put on an oversized pair of boxing gloves and beat myself up. I am a normal person seeking what the rest of the world may appear to be unattainable. I want to draw water from the well and offer it to Jesus, I want Him to speak to me and let me know when my walk is going in the wrong direction, or when my steps become unstable. I want to be convicted of all the offenses I have committed, but mostly I want my conscience cleared and my path straightened in order to continue my Lenten journey, and to feel His holy presence.
My Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for loving us unconditionally. It does not matter what stage of our walk we are in, or how we perceive others, You take us as we are and say, “Come to me, and I will give you rest…” Thank You, Lord, that whenever I get distracted and fail to do what is right before You, You meet me along the path to redirect me towards You. Forgive me for all of my transgressions, and allow me to enter Your holy chambers with a pure and contrite heart.
Amen
Matthew 11:28-30 New King James Version (NKJV)
28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
