3.5.14

Ash Wednesday was never on my radar before. What can I say? I'm protestant. I'm not sure if it's because I'm working at a Catholic university or because of where I am in my life right now, but this year I wanted it to be different. For the last six years my time has been marked by the school year - counting down to exams and to summer jobs and to the exciting start of a new semester. It's been fun, but it's about time to grow up and invest deeply in the things God wants me to learn rather than what an institution requires of me at the moment. I decided to start with Lent; here are a few of my thoughts as I begin this experience:

My Lenten observance this year includes rather strict dietary restrictions. I am going to try to limit my diet to rice, beans, fruits and vegetables, and dairy.

1. I started with rice and beans because these foods that are staples for most of the world's populations factor minimally in my usual American fare. Preparing rice and beans for myself and eating them regularly will help me to remember that around the world people are grateful for these simple foods, as I should be.
2. Fruits and vegetables are on the list because, although there is poverty in the world, I have plenty. As a hall director I have a meal plan for the campus cafeteria, where nutrition and leafy green vegetables are regularly available. God has blessed me, and I want to be reminded of his blessing often between now and Easter.
3. Dairy made the list for health reasons - I work out a few times a week and I don't think I'll be able to get enough protein in my diet without it. Also, I can't imagine eating a spinach salad without my cottage cheese.

While I was making my plans I saw a meme on Facebook that said "Fasting without prayer is simply a diet." Fair point, right? As I understand it, the restrictions I listed up there ^ actually make up a pretty healthy diet and there's nothing wrong with that. But what's really important is what the fast signifies - I want to simplify my life so that I can hear God's voice. I want to feel hungry and to be annoyed by the blandness of my food and to be reminded that God provides me with more than enough. I want extra time at meals to appreciate the people around me. I want to read God's word without distraction and to take the time to pray for my residents. I want... to learn what fasting is really about. So I went to the Ash Wednesday mass on campus and heard Scripture read, from the prophet Joel. Rend your heart and not your garments. Why should they say among the peoples, "Where is their God?"

“Even now,” declares the Lord,
    “return to me with all your heart,
    with fasting and weeping and mourning.”

Rend your heart
    and not your garments.
Return to the Lord your God,
    for he is gracious and compassionate,
slow to anger and abounding in love,
    and he relents from sending calamity.

Who knows? He may turn and relent
    and leave behind a blessing—
grain offerings and drink offerings
    for the Lord your God.

Blow the trumpet in Zion,
    declare a holy fast,
    call a sacred assembly.
 Gather the people,
    consecrate the assembly;
bring together the elders,
    gather the children,
    those nursing at the breast.
Let the bridegroom leave his room
    and the bride her chamber.

Let the priests, who minister before the Lord,
    weep between the portico and the altar.
Let them say, “Spare your people, Lord.
    Do not make your inheritance an object of scorn,
    a byword among the nations.
Why should they say among the peoples,
    ‘Where is their God?’”