Tuesday
of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time
(I Peter 1:10-16; Mark 10:28-31)
Mardi
Gras means Fat
Tuesday. In Europe and South America
the day and period leading up to it is often called carnival, which comes from Latin words meaning plenty of meat. Both
expressions have the same implication. Christians gorge themselves on rich food
as they contemplate the forty-day fast that lies ahead. What was once done so that good food might
not be wasted has become an orgy. One
might ask participants in today’s festivities if they plan to discipline themselves
during Lent.
The first reading today would view Mardi Gras revelry with a gaunt eye. It warns readers to “live soberly” so that
they do not shun the grace merited by Christ.
It further recommends that Christians strive for holiness – a quality of
God that diverges from worldly decadence.
Our excitement today should not be
limited to having a full meal at six and perhaps a nightcap before
midnight. We should be thinking of how
we will show our love for the Lord in the weeks ahead. He has given us life and sustained it in
myriad ways. We might fast from sweets
or perhaps pray regularly in front of an abortion clinic. These are time-tested ways to show God our appreciation.
