I am writing this on the Sunday before the beginning of the Lenten season.
Thus, I am thinking about Lent, our preparation for the celebration of Easter. The traditional practices of this season, in our Tradition, are prayer, fasting, and alms-giving. For Jesus, these were the pillars of the spiritual life (Matt.6).
The other teachings of Jesus indicate that by prayer, He meant not just private prayer, but also keeping the commandments and praying in common with others. Fasting meant a wide asceticism that included the asceticism demanded by living a life of joy. And alms-giving meant, among other things, justice as well as charity.
We would do well to choose one practice in each category for our own Lent, i.e. some way to enhance our prayer and some sacrifice which would benefit others. This would make our Lent more specific and meaningful for ourselves. And this would help us to prepare to commit ourselves, once again, to Jesus Christ. For we will be renewing our Baptismal promises at Easter. May we do so with renewed conviction.
The other thing which comes to mind today is Mardi Gras and New Orleans. I will not be there for Mardi Gras but I will be there in April for our Conference. I hope that you will be there also.
Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel
Episcopal Moderator
