Irish Scottish descent, I am, Scottish aunt, Sadie, made pancakes and I was invited to go to her place (which was almost never, because we were too broke to travel) or she would bring some to us. I’m talking ancient history – 1940’s.
Pancake Tuesday, for anglo type catholics, “carnivale” for latin catholics. “Carnivale” means farewell to the flesh”.
So, restrained pancake driven celebrations for us and full body language celebrations for the latinos. Each to his own, I guess.
All this “faux” partying because of Ash Wednesday and Lent.
Drive out fleshy desires before tackling forty days and nights of spiritual “pilates” known as Lent.
Lent is, allegedly, old English for “springtime”. It’ll be a welcome relief in Europe and the US after a riotous winter.
As usual, Australia, the end of the world, has to reinterpret religious symbols and language from north to south, from east to west.
Muslims have the same practical problems when fitting desert founded Ramadan into australian time and conditions.
Nevertheless the concept of Lent (springtime) is as old as religion, whether of nature or of “the Book”.
Humans need regular soul irrigation. Some humans “irrigate” hourly (e.g. monks), some daily, weekly.
Global faith communities recommend repair and renovation at least annually.
Readers of this blog may join in virtually, if they choose.
Australian shyness with regard to religious practices doesn’t make Lent as easy to arrange on a grand scale for local churches.
Nevertheless, Lent should be allowed to run on its merits to inspire an annual spiritual revival.
Spiritually, Australians are underestimated. Our history and geography have inclined is to “bring your own” and “do it yourself” procedural preferences.
We, downunder, sitting with the kookaburra in the old gum tree, can use nature, casual encounters, random acts of kindness and lots of other “Bunnings” spiritual merchandise to achieve increased inner health during Lent.
Find an open church of whatever faith/denomination and make a quiet “pitstop”.
Say a prayer of no more than Twitter or text length.
Read the signs of the times. See “through” old and new media. Make them work for YOU.
Of course, cut out toxic stuff for 40 days and nights. You know that stuff in your own life. BYO and DIY cleansers are built into us – the big brand name is “conscience”.
Grab a confidante as a confessor. Catholics can grab a priest, if available. Get the toxic imprint offset by doing good things for those, especially, who don’t deserve your goodness.
Welcome to Lent, amigos.
RJM
Irish Scottish descent, I am, Scottish aunt, Sadie, made pancakes and I was invited to go to her place (which was almost never, because we were too broke to travel) or she would bring some to us. I’m talking ancient history – 1940’s.
Pancake Tuesday, for anglo type catholics, “carnivale” for latin catholics. “Carnivale” means farewell to the flesh”.
So, restrained pancake driven celebrations for us and full body language celebrations for the latinos. Each to his own, I guess.
All this “faux” partying because of Ash Wednesday and Lent.
Drive out fleshy desires before tackling forty days and nights of spiritual “pilates” known as Lent.
Lent is, allegedly, old English for “springtime”. It’ll be a welcome relief in Europe and the US after a riotous winter.
As usual, Australia, the end of the world, has to reinterpret religious symbols and language from north to south, from east to west.
Muslims have the same practical problems when fitting desert founded Ramadan into australian time and conditions.
Nevertheless the concept of Lent (springtime) is as old as religion, whether of nature or of “the Book”.
Humans need regular soul irrigation. Some humans “irrigate” hourly (e.g. monks), some daily, weekly.
Global faith communities recommend repair and renovation at least annually.
Readers of this blog may join in virtually, if they choose.
Australian shyness with regard to religious practices doesn’t make Lent as easy to arrange on a grand scale for local churches.
Nevertheless, Lent should be allowed to run on its merits to inspire an annual spiritual revival.
Spiritually, Australians are underestimated. Our history and geography have inclined is to “bring your own” and “do it yourself” procedural preferences.
We, downunder, sitting with the kookaburra in the old gum tree, can use nature, casual encounters, random acts of kindness and lots of other “Bunnings” spiritual merchandise to achieve increased inner health during Lent.
Find an open church of whatever faith/denomination and make a quiet “pitstop”.
Say a prayer of no more than Twitter or text length.
Read the signs of the times. See “through” old and new media. Make them work for YOU.
Of course, cut out toxic stuff for 40 days and nights. You know that stuff in your own life. BYO and DIY cleansers are built into us – the big brand name is “conscience”.
Grab a confidante as a confessor. Catholics can grab a priest, if available. Get the toxic imprint offset by doing good things for those, especially, who don’t deserve your goodness.
Welcome to Lent, amigos.
RJM
Bob, I think you had a meal with my uncle recently retired teacher Jack Sheely.
Wayne Smith
Principal
Sacred Heart Cootamundra
comrades, we’re back next week!Sorry for the 2 month delay.We firmly resolve never to offend you again with such long delays.Respect.bob maguire.
Thanks Father Bob, after the last 10 yrs of rather debauched and hedonistic living, with a heavy emphasis on material accumulation, I find myself in my early 30′s with 2 small children, I had them baptised (catholic faith) day after boxing day, in my mind, a mere going through of the motions. WHOA! Guess what I found, He was still there. He still loved me, wonderful feeling of coming home with the beautiful rituals of mass, a sense of peace not experienced since childhood. I AM BACK BABY! Going to mass, captivated by the gospel.Flawed but humble, grateful and repentant. Next step, am off to confession, as I have not been recieving the Eucharist too many sins, 15yrs since last confession. Your post has given me courage to seek reconciliation, first step for Lent. Thank-you RJM, and please know many people breathe a little easier because of your posts.