Sunday, January 10, 2016 was the Baptism of the Lord, last day of the Christmas Season and then WHAM, Wednesday, February 10, 2016 Ash Wednesday. With the way the weather has leap frogged, we could see signs of Irises poking up in the soil!
Isn’t this the model of our weather lately? Usually we ease from liturgical season to liturgical season. Pretty hum drum this year! We have just packed away, Jesus in the Manger in time for Ashes and purple, travelling six weeks through Lent. When and how will we fast, pray and abstain. Guidelines we have practiced during Lent – prayer – fasting – alms giving.
This reminds me of two priests who couldn’t wait to sacrifice meat twice a week during Lent so they could have more of their favourite foods. They both loved fish, salmon, shark steaks and large shrimp, served up gourmet fashion as well as oysters and lobster in rich cream sauces. And “no thanks” to desserts (they were both diabetics). Don’t get me wrong, these were the most spiritual men that I had the privilege of working with, and both very good friends.
How will we spice up Lent?
Here is an idea for those of you who are active in your parish. Just before Ash Wednesday, February 10th I approached the Grand Puba/Grand Knight. I asked if I could I borrow a roulette wheel (crown and anchor). After he got over the shock, he agreed and delivered the wheel and stand to the church. I cut triangles out of bristle board, printed some suggested practices, one on each triangle, e.g., extra Mass, speak kind words, do a RAOK, decade of the Rosary, refrain from gossip, etc. We explained this to the people and after Mass, those who wished spun the wheel and where it stopped was their act for the week. It was a huge success. In the following weeks there were line ups before and after Mass. Of course the pastor and pastoral team also took part. There seemed to be a little more curiosity when we took our turns. What will Father have to do?
So let’s use our imaginations! What can we do personally or as a community to enrich our spiritual lives but not just in a hum drum way? “Come back to Me with all your heart.” An invitation from our Creator. How will you respond? At least for six weeks.
Barbara Vaughan, CSJ