In reply to Colin Gormley.

The old law said "meat and soups of meat" (not "use of meat and soups of meat") and the new says "use of meat". I don't see that as dropping "soups of meat" but a merging of the phrase at the least or a new phrase completely. (Although, I understood Latin better, there may be more to it than what my basic understanding plus the English translation alludes to).

I don't see it as a strengthening. The Paul VI document reduced greatly the days of fast as prescribed in the 1917 code (which itself was a reduction of previous law in this regard). I understand his point and, in many cases, agree. Simply stated though, I don't grant that the phrase was dropped.

Concerning Canon 14 and the actual legality of it. My opinion is for me (and not even my house, as Vanessa disagrees with me). I don't encourage the application too broadly since it's far too easy to legalize everything when doubt can remove obligation.

Personally, I'm tired of everything becoming more and more relaxed. I don't think we need to be overly legalistic and I think the "penalties" should make sense (e.g. canon 915 should not be applied in any conversation about chicken broth on Fridays!), but, if we already grant the notion of a "meatless" day, we can't go a day without chicken or beef broth while reminding ourselves that Jesus gave his life for us?