Thank you for your reply. Within your answer lies the reason I inquired about the Scripture base Catholic teachings.
For instance and still with respect, though it may sound impertinent,I just don't know how else to say this.
If I am correct in believing that a mortal sin condemns the sinner to damnation, then what happened to those who ate meat on Friday before the Catholic Church determined it was not a mortal sin? Are they still condemned - or redeemed?
Scriptural basis in their teachings is a must for any Church/Religion. To have otherwise may destroy the faith of the people and/or the credibility of the Church.
Catholics have a chance of redemption. They can receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation, what was once called Penance, whereby they go to a priest and confess their sins.
As far as eating meat on Fridays, at the time the rule was in place, eating meat was a sin and those who disobeyed committed the sin. It would be same as if you were a young teen and your parents told you to be home by 10 PM. You come home at 10:30 instead and you are punished. However, the following week, your parents ease the rule and say you can now stay out until 11. The fact is, this week staying out until 10:30 won’t get you into trouble, but last week it did.
At any time in your life if you are sincerely sorry for your sin(s) then you are forgiven. But one cannot commit a sin with the presupposition that it’s OK to commit the sin today because you will be forgiven tomorrow.