- I can resist anything but temptation.
- Oscar Wilde, Lady Windermere’s Fan, 1892, Act I
Irish dramatist, novelist, & poet (1854 – 1900)
I’m Catholic. Not the best one around, but I’m working on it….. starting tomorrow. Anyway, today is Fat Tuesday for you Mardi Gras folk. That means tomorrow for Catholics around the world, it’s Ash Wednesday. And that marks the beginning of Lent. So for the next 40 days and 40 nights, Catholics are expected to (as best I can explain) sacrifice something we enjoy in the name of the Lord.
So, in the spirit of Lent, I have compiled a list of sacrifices. Why a list of sacrifices instead of just one? It’s simple. I haven’t been the best Catholic around and I want to make it up to the Man upstairs for all the years I didn’t step up to the plate. Hopefully when my time comes, he’ll take this into consideration. 
So without further ado, here is what I will be sacrificing…
- Red Meat -This will be extremely tough, since it is well known that I am a big time carnivore.
- Iced Tea - If you only knew how much I drink this stuff. If iced tea were alcohol, I would be dead by now.
- Alcohol – I’m not what you would call a big drinker by any means. I won’t crave it, but peer pressure will be a factor. And my peers can be pretty rough.
- Church – Basically I want to at least go to church every Sunday during Lent. Doesn’t sound hard, huh? Did I mention I love to sleep?
- Fasting After 5pm – I did this one year and it was rough. Don’t know if I can do it again with all the other restrictions. Big lunches. BIG lunches…
So that’s it. I will give it the old college try. But Lent starts tomorrow. Which means tonight you can find me at Texas Roadhouse after 5pm with a thick juicy steak and sweet tea in my glass. And I apologize now if I’m not my usual chipper self over the next six weeks. History dictates that I’ll be a little cranky.
-Dave Q.
Brian, you get a big thumbs up in my book for knowing that is okay to start NOW. Many people that havent been the “Best” christan’s or chatholics, or whatever, never try to change their ways. I think its awesome that if being a stand up member of your religion is important, that you always take the next oppertunity to better yourself. Good luck durning Lent, i have faith that if you REALLY want to do this, you will. And just remember, at Midnight, when your craving a cheese burger, that resisting that temptation is what its all about!!
Peace
Jennifer, CA
David,
First off I can’t believe you are giving up tea!!! You will be a little cranky but I still wish you luck. Let me know if you need any support on the going to mass every Sunday. I had to do it last year from September till Easter for RCIA. So trust me I know how you feel. Wish you all the best.
Cassie
David-
You really don’t have to “make-up” for the past. It’s great that you are going to start now…don’t get me wrong. Making sacrifices is a nice way to remind us of the ultimate sacrifice Christ made for us…but I don’t think He expects us to make-up for our past indiscresions.
As for your choices…good luck…I gave up coffee one year in college and it was torture. Mountain Dew became my best friend. And I think you could find a late morning service or even an evening one.
Have fun!
If you only knew…