Mardi Gras

Although not recognized liturgically, Fat Tuesday (Mardi Gras) has become a tradition of holiday proportions, especially in New Orleans.  Carnivale is celebrated in Europe and South America with gusto almost matching the nearly weeklong New Orleans fling.  These celebrations date back to the Middle Ages and by contrast help prepare us for "the rigors" of Lent, as we used to say. 
Looking more positively at the next 40 days, we see them as an invitation to greater prayer; more frequent Mass attendance; earnest efforts at peace and reconciliation; almsgiving to help the growing number of poor in our communities; opportunities to practice the corporal and spiritual works of mercy; fasting and abstinence; spiritual direction and participation in the sacrament of reconciliation.
Indeed, let us feast all we want today, but the real feast will be an Easter for which we have dutifully prepared.
Bro. Rene