Fat Tuesday Is Just Another Reason To Get Drunk, “I’ll Drink To That!”
Wait a minute. Let’s back up here. A little background information is in order for this one.
Tomorrow is Ash Wednesday on the Christian Calendar. Ash Wednesday marks the 40 day (sans Sundays. You can’t fast on Resurrection Day) Lenten season in preparation and remembrance of Good Friday and, ultimately Resurrection Sunday, what we commonly call Easter. Lent is a penitential season marked by prayer and fasting. Penitential means the calling to examine the heart before the holiness of God and change, or repent, and turn back toward God. Lent is a solemn season beginning on Ash Wednesday.
Fat Tuesday, or Mardi Gras, is the last ordinary day prior to the solemn Lenten season. Consequently throughout the world in places like New Orleans fantastic debaucherous celebrations get their last licks in before the solemn season. You have seen the parades, costumes, drinking, beads for peeks, on so on.
So being the good Christian pastor that I am… I am throwing a wild Fat Tuesday Pancake Dinner at my house (no beads for peeks, though). I have invited the entire congregation, their friends and family to join us. Pancakes are a “sweet bread,” and represent the indulgent life. You may recall that Daniel fasted from sweet bread in the Old Testament. But more than anything else our Fat Tuesday Pancake Dinner is just another good reason to get together for some good old family fun.
We are starting at 5:30 for people who need to eat earlier, but we won’t stop until about 7:30. You are welcome to join us. There is no formal program, just pancakes, friends, and fun. Just email and let me know that you are coming.
Tomorrow night we will switch gears and we will have a 6:30pm Ash Wednesday Service, at my home also. We will read a set of scriptures, sing a few songs, and I will impose ashes if you want. To learn more about Ash Wednesday read tomorrow’s blog.
I’m looking forward to seeing you.
I love you, Bryan
p.s. Say a prayer for our brothers and sisters in Haiti. You haven’t forgetten their trouble have you?
American Red Cross (www.Redcross.org)
Samaritan’s Purse (www.SamaritansPurse.com)
Love your neighbor – Help One
