Well I have come to love the Liturgical Seasons. They help us enjoy different periods of time and remind us that life is indeed a journey. Some of these times include the more popular Advent, Christmas, Ordinary Time, Lent, and Eastertime. They help us embrace the seasons of our lifetime.
Today is a Day of Celebration among Christians called Shrove Tuesday or Mardi Gras. People are closing down the last 2 weeks of Celebrating the arrival of the 3 Wise Men (celebrated in January) today with fun. In New Orleans there are Parades, colorful beads, costumes, and people dancing. Today is traditionally a day when people eat the rich foods of their ancestors.
Tomorrow is the beginning of the Lenten Season. It is Ash Wednesday when people recognize they were dust and will return to dust. Ash Wednesday and the Lenten Season have always been meaningful times for me. My parents set the example for us and I recall the damp, cold, days that often went past Easter. We received Ashes on our foreheads. The ashes are from the Palms of the past year (s) that parishioners bring back to their church to be burned. It is also a time of minimizing our desires. We offer prayers, sacrifices, and alms during the next 40 days.
Every year I focus on something different. One year I went to all my doctors appointments, saw my dentist, and took care of the things I had put off. Another year, I focused on doing things for others and reaching out. As a child, I gave up candy. Sometimes people take time away from television or their social media to pray more. Others visit their home bound friends and people in the hospital. One year, I used Fridays as a means of visiting churches and being more prayerful.
If you are one of those unfortunate people going through a painful time in your life, you may wish to offer it up for a special intention. God Bless everyone, as they walk their journey starting tomorrow. I hope this time enriches your life well.
In life our days turn into weeks, months, and years of opportunities. I love the symbols of the circle and wreaths so this one is now in the office to welcome in my patients and clients. Peace in your days!
But this period is a time of self reflection too. IF you are so inclined to honor these days, I wish you 40 days of insight, sacrifice, and self discipline. If you give up your daily latte, you may wish to donate the money you’ve saved to a charity. That is the “alms” part of doing without so someone may be enriched.
I recall one year that I kept changing my focus, but I got a lot out of the changes I made. It made me aware of all the things I could be doing to be a better person. Perhaps it is a time to sit quietly and stop the “horse race” that seems to be the way of today’s world.
Perhaps you have also thought this through and would like to send me your ideas? I am always appreciative of what other people enjoy doing. Have a great day today! Delight in Living!