Let us Lent

The period of crucifixion and resurrection is around the corner. This is that time of year when Christians would prefer to go glum faced. I am not pious and, least of all, want to show my faith around. That puts me in the uncoolest category where you have the ‘faithful’ on one side and atheists on the other.

I read from the blogs that my blogger friend, Jane is observing her lent too. That prompted me to write a few words on what I feel about lent.

It would be hypocritical to say that the physical & spiritual element of a human being is independent of one another. All the religions firmly understood that spiritual quest can only be fulfilled through physical hardships. Hence they have ascertained certain practices to help us not to go astray. They may be pilgrimages, fasting, lashings and even piercings.

So lent comes under that. The direct impact on lent in Kerala is that the prices of broiler chicken goes down as Christians form a considerable amount of population and they form a good percentage that consume meat. But for the present generation meat has become a part of staple diet that it’s tough to forego it. So it’s very rare to see a Christian who practices lent with absolute resolute.

From another perspective lent provides a window for a healthy diet free of the cholesterol and hormone laden meat. But then reports of dangerous chemicals used in farming has again cast a confusion of which is healthy- vegetables or meat?

But these physical exhibitions have to reflect in our spiritual life, which is not happening at all. The Bible says to the Jews to release all their slaves. Since we may not have any, it would be difficult to free them. But I hope the lent becomes an opportunity to develop some clear and positive feelings for your poor neighbor.

We had formed a two-day-a-week football team. The good part is that people from all the age group and from various strata of the society comes into play. One day I came up with a photo session in my digital camera. The digital copies were sent to all. But one guy among us didn’t have a computer. Then one good Samaritan volunteered to take the hard copy print out. The situation may look trivial. But the care you give to the smallest has the scope to make a big change. The bottom line is you needn’t go searching for orphanages to pour out your love.
Personally,

I am a partial observer of lent. By the end of it I am planning to regulate a few bad habits!