Today is “Fat Tuesday” aka Mardi Gras. In the Chicago area it is Paczki (poochky) Day. That is a Polish treat, a jelly/fruit/cream filled pastry. Alas, by the time I arrived at the coffee house they had sold out. So, I won’t have that extra store of fat to take me through the fasting of Lent.
But then, I was not raised with an extensive Lenten tradition. Neither was my wife.
I wondered why we are so much more Advent people than Lent people. Both are celebrations of crucial events foundational to the Christian faith. First must come the birth; then must come the resurrection which cannot happen without a death.
On one hand:
- Six weeks of “Christmas” or “Holiday” music that brings a certain sentimentality?
- Anticipation of presents?
- Shopping?
- Holiday parties and treats?
- Joy?
On the other hand:
- One party day (today)
- Six weeks of somber reflection
- Six weeks of fasting (for some)
- One day of party—in America celebrated with piles of chocolates for kids and others and fancy clothing
Perhaps I am, as always, overthinking. There are different seasons to the calendar and to the church calendar and to our lives.
Now at the end of another long winter we look forward to spring. It is a somber time of reflection. What does it all mean? And pointing to the resurrection—which means everything.
Faith Venture 
Leave a comment