Mardi Gras

Carnivale in Europe is taken seriously with as much festivity as possible...and in the United States, New Orleans has become the Mardi Gras Mecca of the country.  This year, however, St. Patrick's Day celebrations, at least in Massachusetts, seem to be posing stronger competition than ever.  These last "flings" would be fitting if, indeed, Lent were taken as the stark opposite:  fasting, abstinence, sacrifice, almsgiving...In out secular culture, it's hard to make the contrast noticeable, but we can try. 
Today, if we haven't done so already, would be the day to write down on paper (so we won't stray from the path we wish to walk) the things we have decided to observe during Lent.  We can look at how we might adjust our regular prayer schedule to include more quiet prayer, perhaps daily Mass, more "fasting" from the things that distract us, and more time for "almsgiving", which can take the form of service to the poor as well as financial contributions.  One further helpful practice, if we want to get to know Jesus better, is to read a chapter of the New Testament each day and go as far as we can into the forty days.  I have an audio version  called The Word of Promise, now several years old, from Thomas Nelson..available, no doubt, via Amazon.  There are other versions now as well.  I listen as I'm driving...even short distances, and inevitably make it from Matthew to Revelation's final Amen before Easter.  Nothing like having someone read to you, especially when it's the Word of God. 
My prayers will be with all of you in a special way during Lent.
Bro. Rene