I've received several emails regarding Sundays during Lent. Because I’m a big “foodie” the question is asked, “Are we supposed to fast and do our Lenten Disciplines on Sundays of Lent, or not?”To answer this question, it would be good to take note of something that took place this past Sunday. Did you notice your priest wearing a different shade of purple for Mass this past weekend? If it looked a little pink in color, you're not going color blind. The masculine side of priests would say (and rather defensively) that it is a "rose" colored vestment – not pink! This unique "fifth liturgical color" represents that we're more than halfway through the Lenten Discipline. The rose-colored vestments show that soon, and very soon, we're going to see the end of our pilgrimage. There is hope at the end of our fasting! This past Sunday (March 2) was called Laetare Sunday. It is similar to Advent's mid-season Gaudete Sunday – the only other time the priest wears those rose-colored vestments. Laetare Sunday; however, means much more than just liturgical colors. It represents an attitude of hope within our sacrifices! In fact, the color almost seems to encourage one another in the disciplines of Lent. Our pilgrimage of faith always ends in hope and joy. This past Sunday – a time to rejoice – also indicates that Sundays are NOT a day of fasting and abstinence! I realize many people may be very happy about that. But those who are really trying to follow through the whole season of Lent with a serious discipline may feel like I’m taking a wimpy approach to Lent. But I’m not. The rose-colored vestments, worn only on two Sundays during penitential seasons, indicate Sundays are always a day to celebrate and rest. To fast or perform other ascetical disciplines on Sundays could lead us to scrupulosity, a rigid approach to Lent. Eventually this could develop into a mentality of Jansenism, which says that human efforts are more important than the grace God wants to give to us on Sunday!If you don’t believe me, let’s consider which days count as the “40” days of Lent. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Saturday morning of Holy Week, i.e., The Easter Vigil that begins at sundown of that Holy Saturday. If you count that many number of days, it would total 46. Therefore, to get the 40 days remaining of Lent, we must subtract 6 days from the total. Which set of days do we subtract from that total? I realize this may sound too mathematically simplistic, but there is also a theological reason why we don't count Sundays during Lent as days of Fasting and Penance. It's the same reason why the priests wore those rose-colored vestments last Sunday. Sundays, no matter what time of the year or liturgical season, are always a "mini-version" of the Easter Sunday. It is the Lord's day – the ultimate Sabbath day – a day to rest, rejoice, and celebrate the Lord's triumph over all sin and sadness. Can you see why God made it a commandment? Does that mean you can stuff your face with all of the things you gave up for Lent? Not so fast with that chocolate bar! If we look at this Lenten season like that, then we may be using Sundays for ourselves, rather than resting and serving in the Lord. Technically, you can eat those sweets and treats. But do we have to eat them in order to celebrate the Lord’s day? If Sunday is a day dedicated to you, then go right ahead and gorge away! But if this is really the Lord’s Day, then what can we do, and what can we eat to celebrate HIM? In other words, is our focus on Sunday for ourselves or for God?As you can see, I haven’t exactly told you if you should or shouldn’t eat those things you gave up for Lent. Although Sundays of Lent are within the Lenten Season, they are also a day to remember the Resurrection – which is more important than any chocolate bar we could give up. If you want to eat that certain food you gave up for Lent, you clearly won’t be committing a “sin,” nor should you think you’re just a weak and pathetic Christian. But will we eat that chocolate bon bon in order to remember God on the day commemorating the Resurrection, or will we be stuffing our faces to satisfy a temporal hunger that will leave us hungry once again?The “pink” vestments Sunday, Laetare Sunday, as well as any Sunday for that matter, should ALWAYS be celebrated as a Feast Day! But as much as I care about the foods that are eaten to celebrate the Lord’s day, it would be a shame to take our eyes off the reason we celebrate it in the first place. And the reason we celebrate is God’s goodness to us, and not our goodness to ourselves! Check out our site for new updates: This week we have added new photos, audio and events.A Laetare Styled “Dessert” – even if you gave it up for Lent!If you can’t already tell, I enjoy mixing up flavor combinations from different cultural backgrounds. That’s why I so enjoy presenting to the Grace Before Meals Family the variety of foods from the Operation Rice Bowl Program. However, this week, I have to put out a recipe that has become a little “signature dish” at some of the events I’ve had in the past month. I did this recipe in New York and Georgia, as well as for a few different local news segments. It’s a warm lemon and mint cream fruit topping!By the way, I have to say a big hello to several groups who have really made this past month so much fun!First, I want to say hello and thanks to the people of St. Paul in New York city, especially Fr. Gil, the Pualist community of priests, Cathy and husband Wee Tai, Anna and the breakfast crew, and Eric from the Associated Morton Grocery store! I had a blast in NY, and look forward to visiting again!Second, I want to thank the people of Statesboro, Georgia. Fr. Tim, Jonathon, the parish staff and families of St. Matthew’s Church, Jamie and Gerrard’s produce, as well as Brandon and Olivia of Shane’s Rib Shack! What a great culinary experience. I can see why Paula Dean is so wonderful – it’s the Georgia hospitality!Third, I want to thank Sr. Miriam, the Alhambra Carmelite Sisters, and retreat participants of the Sacred Heart Retreat Center, where I just finished up a three day talk discussing the theology of the Body. Talk about God’s sense of humor – I was the only guy there among so many intellectual and inspiring women discussing this unique topic! These past weekends have been so wonderful and uplifting! I hope the slightly decadent dessert recipe this week, reserved only for Sundays and other Feast Days of course, helps to lift up your spirits in thanksgiving to God! For the recipe, [click here].The Laetare Sunday PrayerSometimes we can take ourselves, or even our Lenten Disciplines so seriously that we lose focus on their purpose. To help us keep the proper perspective, it may be good to keep our Lenten Fasts, but also do something extra fun next Sunday – as a way to celebrate God’s goodness! Let us pray: Father of peace, we are joyful in Your Word, Your Son Jesus Christ, who reconciles us to You. Let us hasten toward Easter with eagerness of faith and love. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.Ask Fr. Leo for fatherly advice.Any submissions may be used in future Grace Before Meals publications.
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