Mardi Gras

Today is Mardi Gras, from the French meaning "Fat Tuesday."  In New Orleans, people gather to eat all sorts of delicacies and sweets because starting on Wednesday, it is time for Lent and that means fast and abstinence, a different attitude.  An attitude of repentance and preparation for Easter.

And as we hear about Mardi Gras, troops are gathering in the Crimean region of Ukraine in a build-up that suggests war between the fighting factions -- the Russians and the people of Ukraine.  A proud people, Ukrainians were once part of the Union of the Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR), and Olympic games not that many years ago would have included athletes from Ukraine as well as Georgia and other areas all competing under the USSR flag.

What has happened that changed the balance in the region since the breakup of the republics?  It would seem that President Putin is quite sure of his country's power and authority and Ukraine has some assets that would benefit Russia.  A man who is known to be egotistical, a man who once headed up the notorious KGB, Putin wants to show that Russia is once again strong and no embarrassment.  The recent games in Sochi costing Russia some $50 billion have bolstered up this man and his ambitions.

Isn't it interesting that the most vilified of the leaders of Russia over the last 100 years all have names that sound similar -- Lenin, Stalin and Putin.  Hmmm.  All three of these men were egotistical.  All three were violent.  All three were militaristic.  All three piloted the region during times of intense world unrest.  And it would certainly seem that the times we are currently living in may just be a time of unrest on a number of stages. 

So it is fitting perhaps that we are entering into Lent, a time of prayer and meditation, so that we can ask God for His help for the Ukrainians who certainly would appear to be sitting ducks.  It is fitting that we should offer up our sacrifices and fasts for peace in the world, for common sense in a setting that is devoid of common sense.  It is with hope that we pray that those in charge will have a change of heart and will step down.

The situation in Ukraine will certainly help me to focus my attention on Lent this year in a different sort of way.  While I may give up certain foods at certain times, my Lenten journey this year will concentrate on praying more, reading Scripture more, and attending Mass at least one day per week besides Sunday.  We are also starting the Holy Hours at church very soon, so that means that on each Friday at 2:00 p.m. I'll be at the Chapel for an hour, most likely all by myself, taking in the silence and listening for the quiet whisper of the voice of God.

Let us pray.