Day 2 of Lent

Day two!  

Duane was raised Roman Catholic, & his parents attend a local Catholic church.  But they will attend sometimes with us at either Lutheran or Anglican.

We all did imposition of ashes yesterday; Duane & i at the Anglican church, his mom & other relatives at the Catholic.  (An aunt & uncle & cousin & her husband are visiting.)


Today at lunch his mom asked at table, "Ok, what are the rules?  What do i have to give up for Lent?"  (There were donuts & desserts on the table from a previous day.)


I don't want to sound overly critical, but i don't like having "rules" imposed.  "Giving up" something for Lent is a form of self-denial & the idea is to replace what was "given up" with something that will help the person's spiritual path.  But i think that it should be a personal decision based on what will be effective for the person.  Or choosing not to do so.  I don't like this "these are the rules" idea.  (Someone posted the criticism on FB that the idea of a spiritual walk shouldn't be limited to a set few weeks in the spring.)  

I think, for some, that the "giving up of things" can be beneficial.  But i think, too, that it is too easy to fall into a group of rules that gives a superficial feeling of spirituality missing the deeper meaning.  


Just some random thoughts on this second day in the "Lent season."


Today's verses were on the Transfiguration.

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