When it comes to religion, I make it a rule to keep my thoughts and views quite private and rarely discuss the subject matter openly. Because tomorrow is Ash Wednesday – the beginning of the Season of Lent, my favorite religious Season – I’m going to break my rule a little bit. But just for this post.
As the Cradle Catholic that I am – born, baptized and confirmed in the Catholic Church – Lent has always been a big part of the year for me. Although I’ve grown less strict in regards to practicing the Catholic Faith over the years and my views on spirituality have broadened to encompass many aspects of other religions, Lent has always held a very special place in my heart.
If you aren’t all that familiar, a basic rundown of the Season of Lent goes like this:
Lent begins with Ash Wednesday and lasts for 40 days. Catholics are asked to do modest mortifications and acts of penance during Lent for the purification of the body and soul. Lent is a time of confession, fasting, abstinence, more prayer, [...] and more spiritual and corporal works of mercy. – Catholicism for Dummies
It’s like pushing the restart button on your current life situation. A 40 day meditation to step back and take a look at everything. Yes this is something that we should all do every day regardless of the time of year, but for most of us that doesn’t happen. With Lent, there’s just something about it being a sanctioned occurrence that almost gives a bit more hope that you’ll end the 40 days in a better place than where you started.
Call me naive, but I like the thought that millions of people all across the world are gearing up for these next 40 days, in the pursuit of bettering themselves for the betterment of all. Did I get a little too We are the World just now? Little bit? Oh well.
I’m a big proponent that you don’t have to be Catholic to celebrate the basic principles of Lent. I borrow Holidays and celebrations from other religions all the time. (I just like celebrating, can you tell?) Along with the penance and reflection part, I give something up – I always do better with tangible items – then I try to add something good. And I don’t cheat on Sundays. Posers.
This year I’m giving up pizza. Sounds easy, right? Not so much considering the fact I’ve found myself eating it 3 to 4 times a week for dinner and then left overs. As for the something good I’m adding, well that one’s going to remain private. (I gotta keep somethin to myself on this one.) But I’ll let you know how it all works out.
So what do you think? Going to give the Season of Lent a go this year? Push the restart button? Get your mental groove back? Think about it and get back to me. We can keep each other in check.
And since tomorrow is Ash Wednesday that means today is Fat Tuesday. (another wonderful celebration, might I add) And so I leave you with a reminder that Good Things Happen on Tuesdays and therefore …….
Laissez les bons temps rouler, petits bébés!
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