Yesterady was Mardi Gras. The kids made masks and king crafts. We ate Gumbo and Cajun Potatoes for dinner. And I made a white chocolate cheese cake topped with fruits for dessert.
While discussing the coming of Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent, Belgee (who is almost four) declared, "I'm fasting Puttanesca!" That gave us all a good laugh. I don't think he understands fasting.
Neither do I.
Fasting is one of those things I've struggled with. I've never been particularly good at it. I know, who is? Right? But, some people seem to have an easier time of it than I do. I know people who have gone on FULL forty day fasts. I know people who always seem to be fasting one thing or another. The longest I've ever done a full food fast was 30 hours. That was because I was leading a 30 Hour Famine for World Vision. Other than that, I've only done a day. Or a meal. And with much difficulty.
Maybe I'd have more personal victory if I fasted more or better. BUT, then Kris Vallotton spoke at our church and rocked my world about fasting. I can't quote him word-for-word, but the gist is this: You should fast when you are desiring more of Jesus. The principle here being Matthew 9. When the Bridegroom is not with you, you should fast. You fast to increase your desire for Jesus and to increase His manifest presence in your life.
He continued by saying that when you are in the battle you should not fast, but feast. It's a sign to the enemy that you've won and you know it. "He prepares a table before me in the presence of my enemies." When you are in the presence of your enemies you should be enjoying all the goodness of the Lord.
That's what this season is about for me. I'm desiring more of Jesus and I need to make some room in my soul. My soul gets cluttered with build-up from things long ignored, calendar dates, projects other people ask me to do, and projects I put on myself.
This morning we got up early and went to St. Steven's Cathedral, an Orthodox church near our house. I had checked online if they were having a Lent service today. But, when I pulled into the parking lot, a little early, I didn't see many cars and no people. I saw the priest walking across the parking lot. So I pulled up and asked him, "Do you have an Ash Wednesday service today?" That gave away my Lenten ignorance. He smiled, "We are Orthodox. Our Lent started on last Monday. But, we do have prayers at 9am." He suggested that if I wanted an Ash Wednesday service that I go to the St. Steven's Catholic church a few blocks away. We drove there. Mass had started 30 minutes before. As it was almost over, we drove back to the Orthodox church.
It was a very wonderful way to begin our 40 day journey.
But we all, with unveiled face, beholding
2 comments:
What a very kind priest. I love hearing stories like this.
Daja, you are an amazing Mama. What an awesome journey to begin for Easter. I am blessed, thank you for sharing your experience. And thank you to the gracious priest.
Linda Stephenson
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