A Lenten Word

So what's going on in LSPland, you ask. I'll tell you, the sun shines, birds sing, and fasting continues apace. It's Lent, you see, and that means doing your bit to draw closer to the Cross, part of which means cutting back on all that food. St. Francis de Sales offers measured advice:

In a word, whosoever gains the heart has won the whole man. But this heart needs to be trained in its external conduct, so that it may display not merely a true devotion, but also wisdom and discretion. To this end I would make one or two suggestions.

If you are able to fast, you will do well to observe some days beyond what are ordered by the Church, for besides the ordinary effect of fasting in raising the mind, subduing the flesh, confirming goodness, and obtaining a heavenly reward, it is also a great matter to be able to control greediness, and to keep the sensual appetites and the whole body subject to the law of the Spirit; and although we may be able to do but little, the enemy nevertheless stands more in awe of those whom he knows can fast. The early Christians selected Wednesday, Friday and Saturday as days of abstinence. Do you follow therein according as your own devotion and your director’s discretion may appoint.

it is also a great matter to be able to control greediness, and to keep the sensual appetites and the whole body subject to the law of the Spirit, yes indeed and the saint goes on to counsel moderation:

I am prepared to say with S. Jerome (to the pious Leta) that I disapprove of long and immoderate fasting, especially for the young. I have learnt by experience that when the colt grows weary it turns aside, and so when young people become delicate by excessive fasting, they readily take to self-indulgence. The stag does not run with due speed either when over fat or too thin, and we are in peril of temptation both when the body is overfed or underfed; in the one case it grows indolent, in the other it sinks through depression, and if we cannot bear with it in the first case, neither can it bear with us in the last. A want of moderation in the use of fasting, discipline and austerity has made many a one useless in works of charity during the best years of his life, as happened to S. Bernard, who repented of his excessive austerity. Those who misuse the body at the outset will have to indulge it overmuch at last. Surely it were wiser to deal sensibly with it, and treat it according to the work and service required by each man’s state of life.

I found that helpful and hope you do too, from Part III Chapter XXIII of The Introduction to the Devout Life.

God bless,

LSP

This And That

 

Get a haircut, fool

Well yesterday was fun, all about a standing rib, Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes and carrots, delicious gravy and all of that. A young soldier and his Canadian pal approved of the feast. 

But today struck with a dead battery and headlight bulb in the kid's car and I tell you, removing a battery and replacing a bulb in an '04 Chevy Trailblazer isn't as easy as you'd think. Canadian friend likened it to "heart surgery." He had a point.

Big Baby

Then the kids went fishing and drove off to Austin to hang out with some Polish people and, I guess, hippies, it being Austin and all. I did not go to Austin but stayed at the Compound, where it's safe, and RV'd with some Mexicans at the church.

What good people, who set up the church's "sound system" for the new Spanish Mass this coming Sunday. I do not use a "sound system" because I kinda hate them in church, but for them it's important. So hey, carry on and el Senor sea con ustedes.

That aside, I find this... hypnotic, perhaps you will too:

Cheers,

LSP

Boxing Day Report

 

Well that was a lot of fun. A delicious rib roast, cooked to medium rare perfection, Yorkshire pudding, mashed potatoes, carrots, and tasty as you like gravy conjured from the roasting pan. Good work, team, and well appreciated by a young soldier. And all served on these awesome plates, have a look:

What an awesome plate!

But food and Confederate crockery weren't the stars of this Christmas show, no, that honor belonged to a drone. What a nifty little beast! Off it zoomed, hovered and ran on recce missions over the Compound's back yard and perimeter.

So that was useful, chalk it up to "training." But now it's Boxing Day and the Feast of St. Stephen, Deacon and Martyr. Reflect on that. We no sooner celebrate the Nativity than we find ourselves honoring martyrs, Stephen and the Holy Innocents.

Training

The message is clear, witness, μαρτυρία, martyrdom, flows from the Incarnation. Christ lives in us, as he lived in Bethlehem, and we must incarnate this. Where does that end? For St. Stephen it ended in execution. For us? Who knows, but rest assured of this.

I call this "Festive Cheer"

If we stand up for the Faith, and we must, the satanic, godless, secular power will round on us with all the rage of the insane beast it is. Be sure, too, that the reward will be great in paradise. Here endeth the Lesson and bless you all.

Your Best Pal,

LSP