Today is Fat Tuesday, the culmination of the famous season of Mardi Gras.
Debauchery. Bacchanalia. Floats, costumes, beads and masks, and lots of drinking and partying. That’s what we think of when we hear the term Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday.
There is a lot more behind it. Also called Shrove Tuesday, it marks the last day of the liturgical calendar before Lent begins.
After Catholicism spread throughout Europe, many cultures celebrated the final day before Lent began in ways unique to that individual culture. Eggs, and milk were finished off in one day, giving rise to the term Fat Tuesday. In Poland, such things as lard, sugar, eggs, and fruit were forbidden during Lent, and the beloved pączki became a special treat for Fat Tuesday. In Detroit they still sell many thousands of them to long lines of people.
Enjoy your Fat Tuesday, and spare a thought to the next forty days. Why not observe Lent, and use the time to more deeply appreciate Christ’s sacrifice and his love for us?
I am sure you’ve seen people on Ash Wednesday with a cross traced on their foreheads. Many churches have Ash Wednesday services, and all are welcome. It’s a thought provoking way to begin your journey, to center and prepare yourself to make changes, to clean out some baggage and make more room for the truly important things.
This is a repeat post. I hope you will join us the next weeks as we look toward Good Friday and the Cross, with the goal of making ourselves a little more able to celebrate on Easter Sunday.
If this post isn’t your cup of tea, find another to comment on. The same goes for the Ash Wednesday post tomorrow, and the Sundays of Lent posts.
Thank you Menagerie. Please enjoy your day. To quote a friend the folks responding negatively to these posts are just the Devil trying to distemper you.
I hope it’s not wrong to look forward to “fish Fridays” at different parishes because I am.
By me, the Knights of Columbus are the best!
‘Let no man judge you in what you eat, or drink, or in respect of a holyday, or of the new moon, or of the Sabbath…’ Col 2:16
‘There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.’
Rom 8:1
Trust God. Fear not.
Apparently, in the Collossian Churches that Paul was then writing to, that sort of thing had become “a very big deal,” and also very disruptive.
Being told to trade epistles with Laodicea (the referenced latter epistle evidently lost) was quite a warning, apparently unheeded given Jesus’ later epistle in Revelation 3!
Things which are a mere shadow, the substance is Christ.
Ask yourself if what you don’t want judged is a shadow of Christ…
Paul is not speaking of pagan holidays in Colossians
Me too! At my parish we have the best fish, two big pieces, slaw, green beans, corn, hush puppies, home made chips, dessert, and drink for $10. Max charge of $35 for a family.
I miss the fish fries. Our KofC has one during Lent, but not enough other parishes or churches near me participate. Visiting relatives in Western PA and Northwest Ohio during Lent, There was always some organization having a fish fry. It did not matter (to me anyway) if it was Catholic, Lutheran, Methodist, or AOG.
Ok, that made me hungry.
Wait a minute. That’s the church I want to go to.
I used to go to a local IL sportsman’s club when I was 20ish to get the all you can eat lake superior smelt fry on Fridays during Lent. Beer and fried fish can’t be beat.
I was raised as a chicken eating Methodist. They pretty much do pot luck for every celebration. Lots of luck getting me to eat fish, but occasionally God lets me catch one. 🙂
Great post, we LOVE fried fish Friday’s..
And I thank you too Menagerie..
Happy Mardi Gras to all. and God bless you too..
Niece attends Catholic church in town and friends and I are looking forward to the excellent fish dinner on Friday evening and every Friday until Good Friday.
A time to prepare for reflection, repentance and reconciliation, for Good Friday and then Easter Sunday morning.
The best pączki come from the smaller bakeries, IMHO.
We get ours from a small Polish bakery in my town!!!
(Along with all of our wedding, birthday, anniversary cakes!!)
Janna is a delightful soul, you can never leave her presence without a smile or feeling blessed, or both!!
My son is taking Amtrak this morning to Detroit to enjoy Paczki Day in Hamtramck with my best College bud. The Band the Polish Muslims will be playing 3 times throughout the day. Attached is their rendition of Paczki Day – following the melody of the Beatles classic Yesterday – the lead singer fancies himself a Polish American Paul McCartney.
“And, why the heck not?” 😃 Who says there can be only one “Paul?” That was fun …
I think that’s what we call jelly-bellies.
I love this YouTube channel. Helga is in PA Dutch country and this is her video talking about the Polish donuts made by the local Amish community and then she makes them and provides the recipe. Apparently there is an Amish community that is very good at making these tasty treats, even though they don’t observe or celebrate Fat Tuesday. Helga says fire departments sell the donuts as fund raisers and the Amish help to make them.
Oh wow guys…They look yummy! In my ‘hood, we are mostly all franchised corporate stores…I learned early on their versions taste like your average run of the mill donut….am envious…
See? Life’s good when we all cooperate.
Thanks for your post, makes me chuckle. PA Dutch girl here who grew up with 2 very north central PA Dutch grandmas. They made homemade donuts. When I lived in south PA we had fastnachts (loyal to my northern roots, I thought the northern donuts had more flavor, but still ate my fair share of fastnachts). More north where farming meets coal country, within a few miles you can get homemade donuts, fastnachts, or paczki today depending on what little town you’re in. I never heard of a “Polish donut”or paczki until I moved here. In the Lutheran church we celebrated Shrove Tuesday with food and games in the church hall, before Ash Wednesday, then had Wednesday night Lenten Bible study and (light) soup suppers until Maundy Thurdsay service the day before Good Friday. We just may be a lot more alike than we realize until we step back and learn about each other. 🙂
The best paczki I ever had was at any bakery in Krakow, Poland.
Will have to settle for a Chicago area bakery today.
That’s one of the only things I miss about moving out of Chicago.
Agreed. And I’ll add, pączki are the among the only thing I miss about living near Detoit, right behind family and friends l left up north. I used to buy dozens of them (minus the prune flavored) for my coworkers. Every year, a special trip out of the way before work.
My employer treated everyone in the company to dozens of freshly made paczki every fat Tuesday. And they were all Italians!
If you’re ever in the Chicago southwest suburb of Lemont, you must stop in to Celinas. Bring two coolers because there is so much selection you just can’t decide.
https://www.celinasfreshmarket.com/
I miss the King cakes sold everywhere back home. Traditionally, there was a little plastic baby figure hidden in the cake , so whoever got the slice with the baby in it got to furnish the next King cake.
If there’s a Wegman’s near you, you can get King cakes there.
Publix and Fresh Market have them if there is one near you
I miss Publix.
I used to love getting their White Mountain Bread for when I made batches of Clam Chowder.
Wife makes them every year since we left, they are as good as Randazzo’s. Sometimes She puts several babies in, unfortunately who gets the baby doesn’t matter, no one else can make them
Publix has King Cakes.
I was reading the comments thinking where’s all the King cake people? There you are.
Happy Mardi Gras, CH,…. have a slice:
BTW, the King Cake ritual goes back centuries to Italy,… the Italian Catholics are a major community of New Orleans since the 1890s.
And,… how do we calculate when Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday) day is? Simple,… it is 40 days before the first Sunday following the first full moon after the Spring Equinox (Easter Sunday).
I went to my first Mardi Gras on First Street and Saint Charles Avenue in 1953,…. when it was a day of great celebration and friendship. Times have changed it now.
In 1980 the Houston Police Dept asked me how the NOPD that I had represented in PR in NOLA,… how they Control the MG crowds that exceeds millions on the streets. Told them what NOPD told me and other PDs nationwide,… “We don’t,…. the MG crowds Control Themselves.” Other PDs were dumbfounded that a big city crowd, including many Drunks, could Control Themselves. Great times back then.
How about passing on the debauchery 24/7/365 and living as a follower of Christ at all times?
The original ” Burning Man”.
Shrove Tuesday – Fastnacht Day, we had no debauchery, we had chicken corn soup, hamburg BBQ, strongest drink was black coffee, and of course Fastnachts! Entertainment was pancake race and chicken dance! We prayed and gave thanks. All in the fellowship hall. So glad I raised my son in that environment. (Grown now). Fun times, great memories, Jesus Christ in the center.
I wonder how many here know how to properly pronounce “fastnacht”?
“The debauchery,” I think, was [almost …] always in good taste and good fun.
Not anymore. Its now become quite disgusting
I was raised Catholic and we never gave any recognition to Shrove Tuesday. But we always went to church the next day to get our ashes.
Same here…my Grandma explained it to me but we never ‘celebrated’ it as such…
Given the debauchery our country faces….I agree about the 24/7/365 thing….It is a time for reflection, in spite of jazzing it up, too….we stuff our faces, with plenty of whatever, plenty, for lack of a better description…in preparation for remembering the 40 Days our Lord spent in the desert, fasting and being tempted….and also defining our own sacrifices for the Lenten Season.
Hopefully that reflection and sacrifice brings us closer to Christ…and realizing that no matter what we give up for Lent in His Honor…remembrance etc….even closely eclipses what Christ went through, for all our sins…
IMHO, being a sinner is easy as is getting forgiveness (no Gibbs rule pun intended here)…living Christ like takes lots of effort. Something about the wide door and narrow door…and getting right with God.
Well said.
The idea of Fat Tuesday was practical. The household would use up those perishable items that could not be eaten during Lent, such as butter, cream etc.
There is a big difference between “debauchery” and indulging in sweets and fats before Lent.
Mais Oui, Cher!
That’s why in NOLA, MG is known in English as “Fat Tuesday”,… the last day to indulge before Ash Wednesday that begins the forty days of Lent and sacrifice before Easter Sunday, the day of Christ’s holy resurrection.
Once, when someone asked me what I gave up for Lent, I replied, “Romish holidays.”
TradeBait: yes, “In Lent, the baptized are called to renew their baptismal commitment.”
“Lent is a 40 day season of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving that begins on Ash Wednesday and ends at sundown on Holy Thursday. It’s a period of preparation to celebrate the Lord’s Resurrection at Easter. During Lent, we seek the Lord in prayer by reading Sacred Scripture; we serve by giving alms; and we practice self-control through fasting. We are called not only to abstain from luxuries during Lent, but to a true inner conversion of heart as we seek to follow Christ’s will more faithfully. We recall the waters of baptism in which we were also baptized into Christ’s death, died to sin and evil, and began new life in Christ.”
“Many know of the tradition of abstaining from meat on Fridays during Lent, but we are also called to practice self-discipline and fast in other ways throughout the season. Contemplate the meaning and origins of the Lenten fasting tradition in this reflection. In addition, the giving of alms is one way to share God’s gifts—not only through the distribution of money, but through the sharing of our time and talents. As St. John Chrysostom reminds us: “Not to enable the poor to share in our goods is to steal from them and deprive them of life. The goods we possess are not ours, but theirs.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 2446).
“In Lent, the baptized are called to renew their baptismal commitment as others prepare to be baptized through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, a period of learning and discernment for individuals who have declared their desire to become Catholics.”
{United States Conference of Catholic Bishops on What Is >Lent?]
************
Catholics and all others are >never encouraged to engage in debauchery. … For many devout Catholics, the money saved on Lenten Fasting is given to the poor.
“By the solemn forty days of Lent the Church unites herself each year to the mystery of Jesus in the desert” (CCC 540). The season of Lent is meant to draw us into to Christ’s temptation in the desert; not only spiritually through prayer and almsgiving but also physically through periods of fasting and denying ourselves temporal pleasures.” [Internet]
The forty days of Lent has been overwhelmed by the Mardi Gras >secular celebrations.
We can never get enough reminders to turn from sin and repent. Thank you.
Thank you Menagerie, and have a wonderful day!
Agree! Thank you for this post. Great thoughts to start the day & season!
My mother and I were never upset about fish Friday’s. Quite the contrary because we both loved fish. My father and brother on the other hand 🤣 ate it sparingly.
You triggered an old Long Island memory…
waiting for the school bus, second or third grade…it is arriving and my mother is running down the street in her bathrobe…. telling me to wait…she had a peanut butter and jelly sandwich for me and wanted the bologna sandwich out of my lunch box…it was Friday…on my way to Catholic school…..
Can picture it all too well!
Thanks for sharing and the smile………
St.Phillip of Neri, Northport, LI, NY
Menagerie,
Thank you for posting this reminder of events from the past that portend events to come, all via God’s love and grace. Praise the transformative gift that is Jesus Christ.
Yes, Menagerie…Thank you…!
My wife is a Polish immigrant. She made Packis last Wednesday- the Polish celebrate Fat Thursday and enjoy Packis through Tuesday.
Store-bought do not do the Packi justice-they just are not quite the same, and the most authentic filling is based on rose- made from petals of a special rose- they call a sugar rose. We finished off the last jar from my mother-in-law who past away two and a half years ago.
Though many Catholics do not observe meatless Friday outside of Lent, most Traditional Catholics still do; so Fish on Friday is no change at all. Lenten practices have changed over time and cultures and I have not decided if I will attempt a meatless Lent- it is difficult.
Sundays are feast days and so meat could be allowed during the Sundays of Lent- exclude Sundays and you can count forty days of abstinence- yet Catholics are only required to fast two days- Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. It’s really up to the individual if they wish to offer up more a sacrifice during this period.
On February 2nd, the forty days of Christmas concluded and here we are, starting another “forty”days. Happy Lent- a good opportunity to trim down.
The Norbertines in California on fasting.
Thank you for sharing this beautiful message!
5 Key Brain Benefits of Intermittent Fasting
Dr. Paul Marik (FLCCC): https://covid19criticalcare.com/brain-benefits-of-intermittent-fasting/
It’s great that researchers are attempting to discover the science that validates the prescriptions for fasting and abstinence, and the restrictions on sloth and gluttony. Fish has been referred to as brain food. I believe exercise is also critical to brain function – both physical and mental exercise- but I have not undertaken any studies, just noted personal observations. In any event, it should be the health of our soul that is of primary concern, especially in these times when “died suddenly” is becoming so common as to no longer be “unexpected.”
(He died suddenly, but not unexpectedly.)
I was a public school Catholic and Ash Wednesday had special meaning to me. The ashes were always a fun topic. My Jewish friends were always most understanding and genuinely interested. I miss the days of innocence when we could share religious beliefs.
Your Jewish friends were preparing for Passover.
We may not know the exact day or even season of Christ’s birth, but we know when he died, because the Jews have kept the Holiday for going on 580o years now.
I am not Catholic but find your meditations on the religious holidays interesting, and Charming.
Thank you!
Interesting! Thank you. I love the archeological histories of the Biblical world…and reading the historical events and timelines etc related to BCE. Many years ago, someone found an artifact of an Egyptian chariot, somewhere in or around the Red Sea…that was alleged to date back to the time of Moses parting The Red Sea…Again…God’s chosen people.
There was a short blurb on Relevant Radio about the season of Christ’s birth…not sure of the weather or seasons in Bethlehem but it was suggested that the shepherds were in the fields tending their flock when the angels appeared to them, scripture……and would not have been there in or during the traditional idea of December.
Amen to that. “I miss”… bigly.
As a Boy Scout (long time ago) as well as in other venues we got to know quite a bit about others.
I think I only knew one or two Jews but never heard one negative word. They were just “God’s Chosen Ones” plain and simple.
Our freezer is stocked with massive fillets of Cod, Blue Fish and Walleye. The Easter season, to me, is better than Christmas.
Wow…I was surprised to see Blue Fish on your list. Those were the standard Sunday dinner during the summer in my childhood. Most people think they taste too fishy but I disagree. My mom would bake the filets with stuffing on top with lots of butter and lemon. I’ve tried smoked blue fish but didn’t like it. A local restaurant would make blue fish hash…I never had that either. My favorite fishing trip was a half day charter in Long Island Sound. We used umbrella rigs…I had fish on all hooks and needed help to reel them in. My August days were spent at the local dock, with a bamboo polel that had a red and white bobber and a hook, box of frozen shiners and a bucket to hold my catch of snapper blues…aka baby blue fish. Mom would clean them, bread and fry them…dinner was on the table!
Suffolk County’s own Northport here!
I’m reminded of this oldie: Fishie, fishie in the brook, Daddy catch him with a hook. Mommy fry him in the pan and baby eat him like a man.
Lent is not a time to dwell on good things we have to do without but rather a time to be more thoughtful and pensive about our faith—-how it’s needed more than ever now in our culture.
I used to live in Shreveport Louisiana. I traveled the state. There are some neat things that remind us of Jesus. Every year, people eat the King cake. It is covered with Gold, purple, and green icing. Gold reminds us of Christ’s riches, purple reminds us of his royalty, and Green is a remembrance of His resurrection and everlasting life. Inside the cake is a little teeny plastic baby. It is hidden away somewhere and whoever gets the piece of cake with little tiny, baby Jesus in it, next year, they provide the king cake. It is a beautiful picture of Jesus‘s death, as well as his resurrection. Some communities have what they call Courir de Mardi Gras and they will go house to house, getting vegetables, tomatoes, okra, sausage, etc. and they make a big community gumbo on Tuesday night. Then they all go to church on Ash Wednesday and repent of their sins. It’s just an interesting holiday, but I always like to look at it, through the eyes of Jesus.
Thank you for remembering the suffering of God’s only Son so people can live eternally happy with a simple choice to accept His peace that came at a dear price.
May God continue to bless you and yours!
Thank You Menagerie
Decades ago instead of giving things up for Lent I started doing things to worship and glorify God such as purposeful prayer each day for family and friends, performing random acts of kindness, each day of Lent naming a blessing I have received from God and thanking Him for it.
Again thank you for the post.
I live in the heart of Mardi Gras country between Mobile, AL and New Orleans, LA. I don’t observe Mardi Gras like many do, but for some folks it’s a reason to get drunk and cavort while waiting for college basketball to rev up toward the NCAA tournament or whatever other distraction they seek, instead of considering the religious aspects of it.
Still, laissez les bon temps rouler!
Dans la Gulf Coast, eh? Moi Aussi.
God Bless you all.
My church’s Pastor is recommending fasting on Wednesdays and Fridays during Lent. The usual meal time is to be spent in prayer. The evening meal is lighter fare…soup and bread with the church hosting a Wednesday supper before the Matins service at 7pm. Midday and evening Matin services are available online…welcome to the 21st century. It is a busy time for clergy who offer these additional ways to worship and pray during Lent. I pray folks will take advantage of these services but I understand its tough to find the time, especially with jobs and kids. Praise be to God.
Lent has become one of my favorite observances simply due to the lack of commecialization.
It puzzles me a little bit that Sundance seems a bit defensive of these “religious posts.” There is absolutely no need for that. 😃
A few years ago I found myself in – of course – New Orleans for Mardi Gras. No city does “revelry” better than they do. But what I also found very interesting was that several local churches were holding special services on that day as well as the next. I stepped into the vestibule of one out of curiosity and was amused to see a display there which featured … decorated masks. So I guess you can be serious and have fun at the same time.
Menagerie posted it, and I think she would prefer these posts (like the Super Bowl recipe post) to elevate community and spirituality, not anger and politics.
I do think spirituality can be fun and sometimes less somber, but I don’t partake in Mardi Gras.
A lot of people come to these comments and start up about politics. It really is in poor taste. I get why she’s like hey knock it off. Especially given the track record. I’ll wrap this post up with something relevant- fishcakes brown bread and beans! If you’re not making the beans yourself make sure you get the vegetarian beans.
This is not a Sundance post. This is a Menagerie post.
I guess you have missed the posts where people complain and become rude when a post is regarding holiday/sports dinners or Christian holidays.
“Lent is the season in which we ought to be surprised by joy. Our self-sacrifices serve no purpose unless, by laying aside this or that desire, we are able to focus on our heart’s deepest longing: unity with Christ. In him– in his suffering and death, his resurrection and triumph, we find our truest joy.”
God Bless you, Menagerie and Thank You!
Although I am not a Catholic, I love and appreciate all my Catholic friends. This Lent seems somehow special, and so I will be joining you for this time.
It’s a thought provoking way to begin your journey, to center and prepare yourself to make changes, to clean out some baggage and make more room for the truly important things.
Our communities and our country is at a cross roads, so now would be a good time to be thoughtful, do penance and ask for Grace.
Much love and appreciation to you all as we embark on this journey together.
Just an FYI…I belong to a Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod congregation and observing Lent is a practice long observed by this church. The Pastor of my congregation has two services on Wednesdays and Fridays during Lent and offers ashes and on Ash Wednesday. There are probably other theologies that do the same, but I’m not familiar with them.
I applaud your decision to participate in Lent…joining in prayer and fasting….God hears our prayers/
God bless everyone. Observing Lent in 2020 was life altering for me. While I’m not Catholic, I try to use Lent as a time to sacrifice something that I think is a distraction in my life. I found out, unsurprisingly, if you start eliminating baggage it brings you closer to God and family.
I’ve always been fascinated by the idea of Lent. Not catholic myself, but I’ve found it’s a great chance to reset the body and mind. Giving up some simple pleasures for 40 days really makes you appreciate the blessings you have in life and enjoy them all the more the rest of the year. Thank you for the reminder of the season, and of course, the reason for it being the amazing sacrifice of Jesus the Messiah for us!
Amen Menagerie!
Beware of worldly leaven.
Shrove Tuesday. Our local (very countrified) Episcopal church held a pancake supper – signified emptying the house of flour in preparation for Lent. Very simple but always a fun evening.
PS (added): Growing up we had no idea about Mardi Gras. No debauchery for us, practically the contrary..
But, you observed the day.
Amen.
I grew up in New Orleans. There comes a point in time in the run up to the day, when you don’t go to a parade unless friends come from out of town. Same goes for the craziness in the Quarter on the day itself. Your body thanks you for it. 🙂
I definitely felt that way the year that the Super Bowl came to Phoenix. I left town for the weekend.
There were folks who approached us over “renting our house” to someone else for “The” Weekend. We politely declined …
A very wise decision.
Menagerie, this post is most definitely my cup of tea! Thank you for posting.
I sort of think that periods like “Lent” are “a whole lot like [Sunday].” The simple notion that, one day out of the [week], you should stop whatever you are busying yourself with, and … take a day off.
During one (or more) [designated period of the “rolling year,”] stop and “actually observe.”
Does it matter what any of the [bracketed] things are? “In one sense, No.” It’s the idea. “Just do it.”
As always, whenever I read your posts , I walk away a little bit more informed and a smile. And I thank you for that.
Many thanks, Menagerie, for bringing us these wonderful glimpses of tradition across America. I am not Catholic but have always respected them for their dedication to family and to the ways they worship and demonstrate their faith. God loves us all — certainly a reason to celebrate.
Thank you Menagerie,
Although I was baptized and Christened my experience of religion and or churches is extremely limited.
Your posts on such matters is appreciated.
Cheers!
Sorry I read this because I had completely forgotten about fried smelt! My Mom made dozens of them every Friday during Lent. These “little fishes” were outlawed years ago — ended up on the endangered species list, at least here in the PNW. Even in my 70’s I can still taste them in my imagination:)
The little delta smelt in San Joaquin Valley is what keeps the farmers from getting water to some of the best farmland in California. The environmentalist would rather starve than have an abundance of food, it seems.
I grew up in a Catholic neighborhood, although I wasn’t raised Catholic all my playmates were! Back then it seemed the Church was strong and a pillar in the community. Everyone had fish on Friday.
I think those traditions are fun.
Here in Maine, we can still fish for salt water and fresh water smelts and you can find a phenomenon called “smelt camp”…a common occurrence in spring time Maine.
How sad we have to post warnings to some newbies who aren’t able to survey the lay of the land on a site new to them.
Newbies that need to shake off the social media method of non-conversation! Actual thoughts and musings well written carry the day here.
Today’s first reading at Mass was certainly an eyeopener and a kick off to a very prosperous lent, if heeded well:
Letter of St. James 1:12-18
Blessed is he who perseveres in temptation,
for when he has been proven he will receive the crown of life
that he promised to those who love him.
No one experiencing temptation should say,
“I am being tempted by God”;
for God is not subject to temptation to evil,
and he himself tempts no one.
Rather, each person is tempted when lured and enticed by his desire.
Then desire conceives and brings forth sin,
and when sin reaches maturity it gives birth to death.
Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers and sisters:
all good giving and every perfect gift is from above,
coming down from the Father of lights,
with whom there is no alteration or shadow caused by change.
He willed to give us birth by the word of truth
that we may be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
Fr. R, told us, let us remember that only Christ’s grace suffices(?spelling ), all our needs.
It is sad that you have to put a warning on the essay to tell people to be polite here at CTH.
I never knew why they called it Fat Tuesday. Although I am not Catholic, I do appreciate learning about how cultures and religions become intertwined. That is why followers/believers in Christ cannot “co-exist” with those who hate them. I said “hate” not “disagree”.
Paganism brings out the followers of Christ.
Thank you so much for this needed reminder of Lent.
Excellent post.
Knowing God is the most important thing in life.
Human nature is so predictable. I’d dare say EVERY American is fully aware of Fat Tuesday and the entire debauched Mardis Gras celebration. But how many are familiar with ANYTHING that follows? Lent, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and even now … Easter?
The wife and I were visiting our daughter who was living in NYC over “Spring Break” about 10 years ago. We were in Little Italy on Maundy Thursday … turned a corner and BOOM! Here comes a full processional down the blocked-off street … Roman Soldiers, Holy men in ME garb, and the cross of Christ followed by JC Himself (actor portrayal). Only in such a Historic Catholic community, Little Italy, would you see such a production and celebration of Christ. I’m not a Catholic … but witnessing this celebration made me proud to be a Christian … and reminded us that we weren’t on … “Spring Break”
My parents used to enjoy visiting small town celebrations of Mardi Gras.
Thank you so much. What a wonderful article and great & much needed reminder of Christ’s sacrifice for us! God Bess You.
I’ll be getting my ashes tomorrow.
Still contemplating my Lenten obligations.
So I am doing the carnivore way of eating. Down 19 lbs in 6 weeks. Working on mental health. There is a doctor from Harvard doing massive studies about the effects of fasting for several days helping rebalance your microbial gut to heal your body and mind, Just like Christ would fast. Something to think about. Jordan Peterson just did an interview with him and it’s on his YT account. I’m sitting at my psyche Dr as I write this to get my meds reduced! I feel very overmedicated at the moment. 🙂
I recommend hobbies that connect your hands with your mind for mental health. Gardening, woodworking, quilting, carving, sewing, cooking, etc requires a concentration/meditation that calms and refreshes.
all I know is, spring moves ever closer!
Thank you Menagerie for the reminder. Lent starts tomorrow and I am trying to see if I can give up beer for 40 days. May be too ambitious. 😮
Happy Fat Tuesday!
May your faith and appreciation for what we have deepen. I for one am grateful.
By the way, I also got a clever advertisement from ECS tuning, “Happy Fat Tools Day” for an annual auto tools sale. Gave me a quick smile…
Everyone has always “given up” something or some bd habit for Lent. How about we do more good for Lent. Spread the Gospel. Give notice to others you meet while out and about to those you pass, interact with while shopping. Notice others with a kind word or a simple hello. Pray for those who hate America and for those who have turned away from Jesus. Be kind, be generous. Put forth love, kindness, tolerance and patience. Take more time for your FAMILY……your spouse and your children. Put down the phones and re-acquaint yourselves! God, family, country! God bless everyone!
Seeing your post, Joy, I would like to add here, nothing to do with Easter or Lent, but during the time we had to wear masks I noticed people smiling with their eyes when you would meet in the aisles at Walmart. No talking or anything, but the eyes gave that simple hello. Many didn’t meet my eyes, but many did and I felt the companion ship. I am a lifelong Baptist, Baptists don’t do much at Easter. For the past five years I have been singing in the choir at the Methodist church then would go to my Baptist church for the rest of the service. This past June and after a wonderful new minister came, I joined the Methodist church and am so enjoying all the Lenten traditions and the special music the choir is preparing. I attended the Ash Wednesday service last year and it was the firt time for me to get the ashes. Our pastor will be doing Rob Burkhart’s On The Road To The Cross Bible study after service on Sundays. My Baptist friends have been invited to enjoy the Lenten services but so far none have indicated they are interested. It gives me the sads.
The Kingdom of God is coming. Please repent and worship Him only. You cannot “eat meat sacrificed to idols” and inherit His Kingdom.