It's Lent

[Vouthon]

Thanks @Left Coast for your very considerate message!

I'm using this Lenten fast as a time to cut back on wasteful expenditures and certain foods that I don't need, whilst actively seeking volunteer opportunities so that I can be there for others that are in need, whether that means psychological or physical support.

Hopeful that the Holy Spirit can make use of my body and whatever resources or skills He might have given, so that I can be a blessing to others.

In general, I just want to move in the direction of becoming the best possible version of myself, which means living true to conscience and core values basically.

 

[Left Coast]

As a former Catholic, I think it’s very strange and useless. But people seem to think or like the idea that doing certain things or avoiding certain foods makes them more spiritual and holy or impresses God somehow.

I have never in my entire life heard a single Catholic (or Orthodox) say they abstain from things during Lent to "impress God."

If it's not for you, I can understand. But let's not make a caricature of it.

 

[InChrist]

I have never in my entire life heard a single Catholic (or Orthodox) say they abstain from things during Lent to "impress God."

If it's not for you, I can understand. But let's not make a caricature of it.

Of course no one would say that! Nevertheless, I think that is often the underlying mindset.

 

[exchemist]

After hearing everyone talk about pancakes all Tuesday, I decided to join in the fun...

Boy, did I have a stomach ache...



That's what I've gathered, too. I loosely track religious observances from various traditions, and I've noticed, regardless of religion, there is a theme of time consuming cleansing and then great celebration this time of year. I notice Ramadan and Lent tend to coincide(Lent comes first, typically). There are 40 days of Lent, and there are 40 days between Vasant Panchami(the celebrating of Goddess Saraswati and the acknowledgement of a coming spring) and Holi(the more well known festival of colors celebrated by Hindus). Many of the ancient Pagan religions of Europe regarded a fire or thunder deity in early February, and customs to 'wake up' the sleeping earth are sometimes still loosely observed in some areas.

The asceticism makes sense this time of year, too, when our ancestors who lived off of the land simply had less to make due with in the late winter/early spring.

The commonality brings great connection and meaning for me.

Yes I think connection is a good word. In my case I feel it to be connection not just with other people in the present, but also the community of the past: all those who lived out their lives observing the same practices.

 

[Left Coast]

Of course no one would say that! Nevertheless, I think that is often the underlying mindset.

Strange. I've never met anyone for whom I could sense that was the underlying mindset, either. In general people observe it to rededicate themselves to the faith and/or eschew worldly habits in their lives to better focus on godly or spiritual things.

 

[RestlessSoul]

My uncle Bernard had a friend called Bosco, a great big barn door of an Irishman, who swore like a trooper and drank like a fish; except during Lent, when he did neither of these things. I don't know if it impressed God, but he impressed the hell out of both me and my uncle.

I'll be trying not to eat meat, but I think herself is doing sausages tonight, so I might have one with my mashed potatoes and onion gravy.

 

[exchemist]

Strange. I've never met anyone for whom I could sense that was the underlying mindset, either. In general people observe it to rededicate themselves to the faith and/or eschew worldly habits in their lives to better focus on godly or spiritual things.

I don't know about "impressing God". That seems on the face of it rather absurd. How on Earth does a mere mortal "impress" God? I've never imagined anyone would try to do that.

But certainly the object is not to impress other people. In fact yesterday's gospel was about exactly that, from St. Matthew Chapter 6: "Be careful not to parade your good deeds before men to attract their notice..." etc.

 

[Father Heathen]

Yeah, a couple years ago doing rideahare I took these girls to Jack in the Box. They gave up dairy for the season. That was an embarrassing pain sitting in line as they asked repeatedly if something may have diary. Why did they not have this planned out ahead of time?

Or just got what they wanted and pray it away later.

 

[Windwalker]

Have you been watching 1923 (Paramount+)?
It's got me really hating those sadistic nuns & priests.

Yes I have been. Yikes! There is a certain satisfaction that comes upon seeing them get their just comeuppance, being beaten to death with a bag of bibles, for instance.
.

 

[Father Heathen]

Yes I have been. Yikes! There is a certain satisfaction that comes upon seeing them get their just comeuppance, being beaten to death with a bag of bibles, for instance.
.

 

[Shadow Wolf]

Have you been watching 1923 (Paramount+)?
It's got me really hating those sadistic nuns & priests.

No. Bart and Jim are about the only Western Cowboy thingies worth watching.

 

[Jainarayan]

My Orthodox priest used to say that God does not need the fast, man does. Out of respect for my Christian brethren and sistren (yes, that is a word, look it up). even though I'm not Christian I've decided to make a sacrifice too. I'm giving up sex with women. Wait, wut?

 

[Revoltingest]

No. Bart and Jim are about the only Western Cowboy thingies worth watching.

Not Mongo?

 

[Shadow Wolf]

Not Mongo?

He punched a horse. Mongo bad!

 

[Revoltingest]

He punched a horse. Mongo bad!

The horse was in his way.

 

[JIMMY12345]

It's now Lent in the West and I just wanted to wish anyone who is observing it a blessed one. May it be a time of reflection and renewal for you.

If you're observing, feel free to share how.

I think its god to remember "Dust to Dust"
I am having extra treats and paying a penalty to a charity.