And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. (Ephesians 4:30-32 NIV)
“Why you holdin' grudges in old jars?” Newsboys, Million Pieces (Kissin’ Your Cares Goodbye)
Finally, the promised, second part of my last blog entry. I hope the lapse of time hasn’t caused you to start storing up any grudges against me. I have been busy filling Ordinary Time with going to school, and contemplating the goodness of God in the midst of my every day struggles.
Last time, we talked about canning, and how if the seal doesn’t take, you get rotten peaches or tomatoes. Grudges hinder us. They grieve the Holy Spirit. Grieving the Holy Spirit sounds like a weighty offense, and it is, mainly because it is like hurting your best friend on purpose. But thanks be to God, he gave us the gift of confession and the promise of forgiveness.
I did not plan to write today. I really did mean to keep to a weekly habit of posting a blog, but alas life got in the way. But I find it interesting, that today, I woke up ready to get something posted. To keep my promise of the part two of this series on Mardi Gras, the last day of Ordinary Time, seems timely.
So now this blog will transition into an invitation to join me in the next major observation of the Liturgical Year: Lent. Today is the day to say “farewell to the flesh,” as so many will do in excess.
Many will also make promises to fast from something for the next forty days in preparation for the celebration of Christ’s Resurrection. I am thinking about fasting from grudges. How about you?
To read more about the roots of Mardi Gras click here: http://www.americancatholic.org/features/mardigras/
