Happily for me, I'm starting Lent in Los Angeles, and the California bishops have a terrific idea!
In its latest Public Policy Insights newsletter, emailed to subscribers on Feb. 12, the Catholic Legislative Network is recommending a new way to observe Lent, which begins tomorrow. The newsletter is produced by the California Catholic Conference, the lobbying arm of the state’s bishops.
“As the Lenten season arrives, the Catholic Coalition on Climate Change has provided Catholics, schools and organizations with more tools and resources for its annual Catholic Climate Covenant,” says the newsletter. “The Coalition was formed three and a half years ago to help implement the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops' (USCCB) 2001 initiative ‘Global Climate Change: A Plea for Dialogue, Prudence and the Common Good.’ Launched last year, the Covenant revolves around the St. Francis Pledge, which correlates five key actions -- pray, learn, assess, act and advocate -- to the issues of the environment and poverty.”
But wait, it gets better...
The calendar contains suggestion for each of the 40 days of Lent, beginning on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 17, with “Remove one light bulb from your home and live without the light for the next 40 days.” Other suggestions include, “Turn down your thermostat by at least one degree;” “Check windows and doors for a draft…” “Making travel plans? Consider getting there without flying;” “Check the tire pressure of your car today;” “Learn about mountaintop removal mining;” “Show reverence for life and for the Earth today by obeying the speed limit…” [source]
I'd been planning to give up red wine and French bread, but that light bulb trick sounds a lot better!
Show reverence for "light and the Earth?" As I explained to my daughter years ago, that's like throwing a party in honor of a painting and not inviting the artist to attend.
So we've gone from Brokeback Lent to Pagan Lent. And nothing says atonement like reminding yourself that God is stingy with natural resources.
Meanwhile, that abortion you were planning to have over spring break? ...
Make sure you ride your bike to it.
I'm developing my own weight loss program. I'll be reading liberal news pieces and gagging until I lose my lunch.
Disclaimer: I am not advocating bulimia.
Posted by: Jennifer | February 16, 2010 at 08:58 PM
Well, I'm glad I'm a saved-by-grace Protestant who doesn't have to depend on a checklist approved by the bishops.
Posted by: Gary | February 16, 2010 at 10:52 PM
Congratulations! May you have health and success!!
I am living in beautiful Louisiana -- Baton Rouge to be exact.Living here has been a revelation. One of the best is that while while you can get Mardi Gras as a paid holiday here (seriously!) you always get Good Friday. Even ExxonMobil!
Wishing you a holy Lent --
Posted by: Tuppence | February 17, 2010 at 10:40 PM
“Remove one light bulb from your home and live without the light for the next 40 days.”
"And he said unto them, Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed?"
“Show reverence for life and for the Earth today..."
"Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,And changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and four footed beasts, and creeping things."
Posted by: EJHill | February 18, 2010 at 11:01 AM
I'm getting a solar-powered snow blower.
Posted by: jubjub the frumious bandersnatch | February 20, 2010 at 03:14 PM
Loved the last bit - perfect!
We could roll ourselves in ashes so that when we go outside, we'll absorb that bad heat and maybe not need so much winter clothing? Try it and let me know.
Posted by: Paul C | February 26, 2010 at 02:40 AM