To speak of feasting in these days of famine—especially in war-torn lands—can be a stark reminder of the disparity God calls us to address. Yet, feasting can be a sacred act—an offering of gratitude for the blessings we’ve been given and a call to celebrate. Shrove Tuesday calls us to gather in community, to enjoy the richness of food and fellowship not as indulgence, but as gratitude—using what we have with humility as we prepare for the reflective season of Lent. Feasting becomes a way to remember how deeply we’ve been blessed, and how those blessings can overflow toward neighbors near and far who live with far less.
This day also invites us to rediscover simple joys together—sharing meals, laughter, games, or quiet companionship. As we reflect on our own abundance, we’re gently asked: how might we share from what we have, and how might our feasting open our hearts to those who hunger?
Shrove Tuesday is also “pancake day” when in the Christian tradition, rich foods like eggs sugar and butter are used up by making pancakes.
So let us join the dance of feast and famine, being very mindful of where we dance, why we do so, how we dance and with whom we partner.
WHERE this might happen: in a neighbourhood, in a church gathering, in homes.
WHY we dance: to very intentionally celebrate the many gifts we have been given.
HOW might we dance? We might just decide to loiter with intent with someone with whom we have not spent time in a long while.
With whom might we dance? It might be with a grandchild playing a child’s game or an elderly person playing an elderly person’s game or it might be just talking with someone and listening to their story.
-Sister Kathleen Lichti, CSJ
Image: Milana Burlo @milanana444/Calum Lewis @calumlewisUnsplash
