Lent is in full swing and we good and not so good Christians are observing it in our differing ways. We may deny ourselves some of the things we really enjoy, such as sweets, wine or marmalade for breakfast or perhaps by doing something practical, visiting the sick or neglected friends, or giving carers of the mentally fragile a much needed break, thus enabling them to shop, go to the pictures or just take time out.
Cursed with a sweet tooth I forego sugar and chocolate, not for any particularly religious reason, simply out of gratitude for the fact that I am blessed with so much, I can afford to give up. Were I, as so many of my fellow humans, living on the breadline, had I been a Mediaeval serf, humble priest, monk or nun, it would have been quite a different kettle of fish. Actually fish was allowed in Lent, if you were lucky enough to be able to catch it.
In point of fact, outside religious establishments few people really keep the Lenten fast. I was once told what strict observance really entails and it is fairly tough. Meals are restricted to three a day and those of the plainest possible fare. Meat of course is out for the duration, fish or eggs may be eaten once a day at the most and not a drop of drink other than water is permitted, fruit and vegetables and sufficient bread, porridge and other cereals to maintain health are all that are allowed in the food line. I think I’ll just cut out the confectionary and what is much much harder, attempt to keep the inner fast by stamping on negative thoughts as they arise, refrain from mentally shouting ‘idiot’ when I see people doing things which I consider to be completely daft and improving what mind I have by
reading a good book.
My Lenten reading is Karen Armstrong’s ‘History of God’, that is if Amazon ever delivers it. Of course one could, like an American friend of ours, go the whole hog and attempt the Prophet’s fast of forty days. He was planning to take a small tent and the minimum of provisions and camp out in the Nevada desert. History does not relate whether he actually did it but knowing him it is perfectly possible.
Oh yes, remember that Sunday is not a fast day, so you may if you will, partake in a seemly and moderate fashion of all those goodies which you have denied yourself during the past six days. To cheer you up there is a silly story which some of you may have heard already: a hellfire and damnation minded parson thundered from the pulpit ‘miserable sinners, on the day of reckoning there will be weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth.’ ‘But vicar’, quavered a voice from the congregation ‘I haven’t got any teeth left’. ‘Teeth’, came the stern reply, ‘Teeth will be provided.’