Francis by Patrick J. Marrin for February 15, 2024

Amen. Blessed Lent, all.

It’s once again time, as James Joyce put it, to “wash the pot.”

A blessed Lent to those who observe it.

If you have a happy Lent, you’re doing it wrong.

You could always tell who the Catholic kids at school were. They were the ones going around asking everyone, “What did you give up for Lent?” This Baptist Preacher’s Kid had no idea what they were talking about!

I didn’t think Lent was supposed to be a happy time. I gave up observing Lent decades ago.

amen

So did millions of Catholics among other things like going to Mass on Sunday!

Why doesn’t she have an ash cross on her forehead?

I am actually not a fan of Easter as a whole. I find it to be a depressing, sad holiday that is completely mired in capitalism with the buying candy and eggs, etc. it’s also based on Saturnina, a pagan holiday. I don’t know. I just always thought of it as gruesome. I think people should read up on the full history of Easter and learn where it came from and it’s link to pagan holidays before they should celebrate. I also feel that it shouldn’t be so much a celebration as a remembrance.

Reminds me of the time Catholic Carl and Protestant Pam went on a date.

Pam: Well, what do ya say — wanna fool around?

Carl: Oh, can’t right now, my dear — it’s Lent!

Pam: That’s ridiculous! Go get it back and let’s fool around!