I was raised Catholic, so the topic of Lent is nothing foreign to me. Growing up, I knew what to expect every Friday from Mardi Gras to Easter — seafood.
My mom would pick up shrimp on her way home from work and cook it for us. My school would offer shrimp poppers or nachos for lunch and hold fish-fry fundraisers at night. I never had any trouble sticking to my Lenten diet.
Until I got to college.
I mean, are you aware of how much food is available at any given moment? And that doesn’t change during Lent.
Since then, my thoughts about religion and traditions like fasting for Lent have certainly changed, but I really admire anyone who could stick with their beliefs.
I’m sure I’m not the only one who found myself in such a situation. So, what do you think? Do you observe Lent or are you weak like me?
And if even if you don’t observe Lent, I’m sure we can all agree. We’re all lucky to have so much Louisiana seafood at our fingertips!
RACHEL WARREN
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Contact Rachel Warren at rwarren@lsureveille.com
Rachel,
Thank you for being honest about your lenten observances. Lent is not an easy season because its tough to last out for a day, much less forty. But that’s because we can’t withstand the little cravings we have, and that’s simply telling us that our bodies have prevailed over our spirits…which is why lent is a wonderful opportunity to subdue the whims and caprices of the flesh and ensure that the spirit overcomes.
However, you can do things a step at a time. The church asks us to compulsorily fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. The other days are “voluntary”. In addition to Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, we are expected to abstain from meat on the Fridays of lent. In addition to meat, you can abstain from other stuff, like beer, doughnuts …anything you put your mind to. But be realistic.
Fasting means you have only one main meal a day, and if you need to, the other two meals together should be smaller than the main meal. It couldn’t be easier. Compulsory only 2 days and voluntary for 38.
But remember, take a step at a time, and know that fasting without prayer is simply dieting. So when the hunger pangs come calling , offer it up to God.
It’s strange that we can go on protest marches but to fast for a day is even tougher than that. Hmm, seems like to conquer oneself is tougher than conquering the world.
Good luck as you try to observe lent in little ways which God sees and rewards.
Use your head, become an agnostic. Religious riturals are on borrowed time.
But, poelpe might get the idea that they can waffle on decisions, or such like. Still, it’s a good idea.