Fat Tuesday, Shrove Tuesday, Day before Lent

Its that time of year.  A Brazilian friend was talking about Carnivale just ending, and how glad she was. She doesnt go, sees it as a wild time that doesnt include faith.  We might say the same thing about Mardi Gras.  It has become a drunken party more than a celebration.

The "real" Shrove Tuesday was a Lenten tradition, that involved eating some sort of unleavened bread.  Modern days include Pizza, Pancakes, Fry Bread and more.  Many  faiths discouraged the eating of meat during Lent, others  asked for a sacrifice, to give something up.  I remember as a child, our church advocated making a sacrifice during lent.  The Pastor said, it must be something you love.  You cannot sacrifice asparagus.  My usual was ice cream.  And when you know that you "cant" have something, you want it even more.

I was interested to see that one church has decided the "new" sacrifice should be carbon.  They advocate not driving, etc. during Lent.  That isnt really practical for most of the country.  Nor is the alternative of taking alternate-fueled busses.  Maybe the major metropolitan areas can do this, but what about those in small towns and in the country?  The little town nearest me doesnt even have a taxi.  Id have to drive about 3 hours to get to the first mall, where I might also find an alternative fuel powered bus.

I suppose that as with all things, it becomes a matter of choice.  Many people, if not most, dont observe lent.  Many today, no doubt have no idea what it is or why the sacrifices.  It was interesting to learn from my Brazilian friend that only Catholics in Brazil observe lent.  Other Christian faiths really dont.  When I said that in the  United States, many different faiths do, she was surprised.
 
At the end of the Lenten season comes Easter.  Bunnies and candy, big meals, holiday.  And oh, of course, the miracle.  We do seem to have our priorities messed up, dont we?  I wonder if, 50and 60 years ago, our parents and grandparents thought the same things. Did they think about what was easy to sacrifice, and what to server for Easter dinner with the family?  Or were their thoughts on how grateful we should be for that sacrifice, and miracle?

Do you remember getting a new dress, hat and shoes for Easter service?  I do.  I think I even had white gloves to go with it.  But this was late 50s and early 60s.   Im not sure when that changed.  I dont see hats and gloves on little girls anymore.  We had sunrise service and  if the weather was nice, our small country church held it outside in the picnic grove.  After that service we had a breakfast in the social hall of pastries, milk and coffee.  Most people stayed until the regular service at 9.  A few went back home. 

As you begin the Lenten season tomorrow, I hope that you let your mind take you back.  Think about what it really means, look at your family traditions.  I wish you a blessing in sacrifice, and a joy this Lenten season.
Hugs.