Many people are familiar with Fat Tuesday, Mardi Gras and paczki day. These are all celebrations of indulgence in preparation for the 40 days of fasting for Lent. So sure, you can eat up all the paczkis, chocolate and whatever other things may tempt you or feel like indulgences. I know I’m a church nerd…maybe even an abundantly nerdy church nerd (and one that needs to write an Ash Wednesday sermon)…but these indulgences seem to emphasize self-denial more than preparation for a big celebration on Easter. What will best help you receive the good news of the resurrection as a gift? What will make the special meal that day taste extra delicious? Instead of thinking about the things you may be giving up, spend some time savoring those things in the days leading up to Ash Wednesday. This would make Lent less about self-denial and more about choosing to eat and drink and live more simply in preparation for savoring the goodness of Easter. – Pastor Trudy Stoffel
