This week marked a big week for those of us who consider ourselves Christian.  Ash Wednesday marked the start of Lent.  Here are a couple of wikipedia links that give an overview of both:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ash_Wednesday

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lent

While googling both I stumbled upon the current Pope’s thoughts and really liked what he had to say about the lenten season.  See this as well:

http://time.com/3714056/pope-francis-lent-2015-fasting/

Despite the fact that I was brought up in the Lutheran Church  and still attend and worship in a  Lutheran church (yet probably consider myself more “spiritual” rather than religious at this stage in my life) I’m still not always clear what I’m “supposed” to believe as a Lutheran in response to some situations.  (It’s probably time for me to sign up for the class “What it means to be Lutheran” at my church). It would seem “Lutheran Lifers” should know this and I’m embarrassed to admit that I’m not 100% sure of the accepted doctrine on some topics.  I must not have been paying attention in Sunday school,  confirmation and sermons?   I have many friends and family who were (spouse included) raised in the catholic religion.  I wonder why  I seem to know what the catholic “rules” and beliefs are and not always sure what the Lutherans are?  

SIDE NOTE: I even went through a phase where I thought it would be great to be a nun.  I digress, but did anyone reading this ever watch the 1966 movie,  “The Trouble with Angels”?  I thought the movie  glamorized the all-girls school (Coincidentally named St. Francis Academy).   I vividly remember the scene where the girls were smoking cigarettes in the bathroom.  One of the girls (I think while inhaling ?) exclaims that she has a “scathingly brilliant idea”. It’s one of my favorite “stolen” phrases. I’m not sure I actually have any scathingly brilliant ideas, but I love using the line. At the end of the movie, the rebellious girl decides to become a nun.  Additionally, is there anyone more compelling and lovely than Maria in the “Sound of Music”?   I’m pretty sure it would have been impossible to become a nun being a Lutheran anyway. But, more importantly, I don’t remotely believe I am nun material.

I found an article nicely summarizing the difference between the Catholics and the Lutherans on Lent for more reference.  In summary, Lutherans and Catholic churches remain close in doctrine, however, and Lent is in the liturgy of both churches. The main difference is in Lent’s authority-for Catholics it is Sacred Tradition, while for Lutherans, it is a voluntary, non -Scriptural activity.  I now understand why I have never strongly felt the need to give anything up for Lent nor to fast.

See Article explaining differences:

http://people.opposingviews.com/differences-lent-between-catholics-lutherans-4307.html

The period is marked by solemnity and contemplation though.  Interestingly and perhaps ironically, I now innately feel that weightiness while reflecting upon my first participation in Lenten services after my daughter’s diagnosis and every year thereafter.   Confirmands in my church (all four of my children) were/are required to attend Wednesday night  lenten services throughout the season.   We arrived home from treatment at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in 2009 approximately the time that lent began.  Needless to say, I felt very dark and solemn at the time.  I have a remembrance of myself weeping through each Wednesday service.  Additionally, we knew a child from St. Jude who was dying throughout that season.   A few years ago two of my dearest St. Jude Soul Sister’s children died during the Lenten season, too.  Given my journey as a St. Jude parent, it’s not difficult for me to feel the solemness of this season and to become quite pensive about the fragility of life.  I believe, as we are told to remember during the imposition of the ashes,  that I am dust, and to dust I shall return.  However, I still question why some people get 80 years plus on the planet and others perish (as Danny Thomas would say) “in the dawn of life”.  I’ve accepted that I won’t get an answer to that question in this life but I’m hopeful I’ll get it in paradise.

So though I am not fasting nor abstaining from my many vices this lenten season, I am going to try to fast from indifference to others as Pope Francis suggests.  I want to make a conscious effort not to turn a deaf ear and blind eye towards the pain and suffering of others.  I am still overwhelmed, filled with gratitude and humbled by the amount of love, compassion and support I have received over the last several years of challenging times.  If only I could give back to others as much as I have received….I challenge myself to try harder and do more not just this season, but always!

I will close by providing this link to 10 inspirational Pope Francis Sayings for the Lenten Season-They seem universally inspiring to me:

http://www.ibtimes.com/lent-quotes-2015-10-inspirational-pope-francis-sayings-lenten-season-1819848

I’d love to hear your thoughts on Ash Wednesday, Lent, if you’re fasting or abstaining from anything and suggestions on ways to help me not be indifferent to others and to give back in more meaningful ways!!!