Ash Wednesday, Lent, and a Roamin Catholic Unitarian Universalist

As a Roamin Catholic Unitarian Universalist I celebrate Ash Wednesday and Lent.

Lent is the six week period before Easter which reminds us of the 40 days that Jesus spent in the desert purifying His Spirit.

We can all use a little purification from the path of the ego which has ensnared us. Right?

Ash Wednesday is the day that ashes are placed on our foreheads with the words, "Remember thou art dust and to dust though shalt return."

Lent is a period of prayer, fasting, and repentence. It is a period when we intentionally remind ourselves and acknowledge that there is a better way. Living our lives on the path of the ego is full of anguish and suffering, and to shift to the path of the spirit is life giving and one of peace.

The basic point of lent is to intentionally recognize, acknowledge, and practice the giving up of the idols of the ego and to turn to the things of the spirit.

As a child, we were instructed "To give something up for Lent." We also were suppose to fast, and on Ash Wednesday, and Fridays give up meat. As kids we would joke with each other about what we were giving up for lent like candy, going to the movies, and doing extra chores or favors for other people.

Now, as  a Unitarian Universalist, I still practice some of my old Roamin Catholic ways and this lent I am reminded of the Unconditional Love of God and my need to constantly remind myself of that and give up judgment and conditional love.

So this lent I will more intentionally give up my judgmental ways and my tendency to attack things and people that seem stupid to me. This lent I am going to try to love the Trumpists. I may not agree with all their beliefs and values but as the Christians say, "Love the sinner not the sin."

Giving up my close minded tendencies will take some effort and I will just listen and as Jesus suggested, "Love my enemies."

Moving from the path of the ego onto the path of the spirit is manifested in a greater sense of peace.

May the peace of the Lord be with you and have a happy Lent.