Shrove Tuesday Water Rafting


Today is Shrove Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday and the beginning of the Lenten season throughout the Christian community. Many are the parties and much is the 'fat' which is being enjoyed today before the period of 40 days, not including Sundays, begins. There is nothing quite like the suggestion of scarcity which will make us take in and hoard as much as we can, then add to that thought the notion of spirituality, repentance and humility - and, well, it is no wonder Mardi Gras is at its height today. Make hay while the sun shines, party while the food is abundant, sin before the confession starts, and give yourself a good reason to be repentant before the Lord - it is all just our way of giving Easter Sunday morning more meaning. Oy!
Through the years, I have come to truly value the Lenten season, if for no other reason than the intentional journey of faith this time calls each of us to be on. Huckleberry Finn's adventures on the mighty Mississippi were all about the journey, both on the river and in life itself. Why should the Christian faith be any less? 
Nowhere in the Biblical tradition does it say that the community of the Baptized are to be the community of the boring, the dull, the disengaged. The Apostle Paul was one of the most radically inclusive early Christians one could imagine, which is why his detractors and some who came after worked so hard to soften, shape and order, both his message and the expression of the Church he sought to serve: They just could not stand the kind of faith which dared to include everyone, everywhere in the Joy of serving Christ. That kind of message is too demanding, transient, unkempt and frivolous. In some ways, it is Mardi Gras every day of the week, regardless the season, trusting God to sort out the messiness and reconcile all the good.
The Lenten journey on the river of Baptism calls us to ride the waves of messiness, more than try to order the shoreline of our existence. The faith of Christ invites us to prepare the channels of our Baptismal rafting with a willingness to walk on the waves, rather than long for stone-laid sanctuary aisles. The delight of the Spirit inspires a fire within us that burns brightly on the Baptismal waters of our soul, rather than seeks containment in a Sanctuary Lamp for a once a week observance.
Try 'taking on' the Wonder, Delight and Peace of walking with Christ this Lenten season. Instead of 'giving up' your chocolate, desserts, soft drinks, cussing or whatever else it is you have annually tossed out at God, try taking on becoming the Hands of Christ and reach out in welcoming others to the waters of Baptism. Put your hand to the hammer and, instead of creating crosses for others to carry, start driving the nails for a Habitat project. Place a pen in your hand and write out some checks to assist the people of Turkey, Syria or Ukraine. Offer your hands at a Food Pantry, a Women's Shelter, a Homeless Shelter or right next door with your neighbor who is lonely, struggling or in need. 
This Lenten season, allow the Good of God to be the waters on which you sail in the absolute fascination of becoming At One with Christ in your daily living. Allow the Generosity of the Creator to inspire your own lavishness in providing for the needs of others as the basis of your Baptismal faith and being . . . not just because you are expected to in this season. And, receive of all God's Grace and Mercy in the offering of yourself for the Savior of your soul. In such as this all Mardi Gras parties and parades pale in comparison - just ask Jesus. 
Resurrection is God's way of reminding us not to be afraid of the storms, nor to turn away from our neighbor. This Lenten season dive into the waters of your Baptism and swim in the currents of the Holy Spirit. Your Birthing and Laughter in Easter Morning Joy begins today. The waters are just right . . . 
Something to ponder on the journey.
(c)dcw2023
Photograph (c)dcw2023

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