I think perhaps being an ex-Catholic is like being an ex-Marine. It's not possible.If Catholicism has been a part of your life, especially your early life, I think it gets down in your soul and informs the person you become even if you choose a different church later as I have.
I have practiced Lent ever since I can remember. I've at times given up everything from alcohol to sweets to popcorn to fried foods.
I love Lent and the idea of sacrificing, forgoing our sense of instant gratification, working on becoming a better person, focusing more on God.
But a couple years ago, after I'd joined the Methodist church but committed to continuing the Lent tradition, I decided not to give up in the traditional way. I decided to "give up" blocks of time devoted to reading the Bible. I made it through Matthew, Mark, Luke and John during that time and it was really a wonderful, eye opening experience.
In that same fashion, this year I am going to finally read the book a friend loaned to me months and months ago. Here it is. I am excited about what reading this book might teach me. To all my fellow current and former Catholics: Happy Lent!
Like the time you had to have Saint Christopher in the car when we went to Myrtle Beach? Some habits die hard.
ReplyDeleteOh yeah, how did I forget about old St. Christopher!!! Yes, he goes with Brady when he travels away from me, and of course with all of us when we travel. I love that old guy. He used to sit on the dashboard of my mom's dad's car.
Delete