Comments for sursumcorda.salemsattic.com/post/quick-thoughts-on-lenten-disciplines

Comment #4952

2025-03-07T10:26:59Z

Eight years later, while composing a post for this year's Lent, I revisited this post, and realized how much I appreciated the above comment from my friend Diane.

So, here's an eight-year-belated thank you, Diane. And thanks for all the music you've been playing lately, as well.

Comment #4951

2017-03-03T20:44:23Z

"Hypocrisy can do a man good. The distinction between pretending you are better than you are and beginning to be better in reality is finer than moral sleuthhounds conceive. When a boor first enters the society of courteous people what can he do, for a while, except imitate the motions? How can he learn except by imitation?" — C. S. Lewis

Comment #4950

2017-03-03T19:59:00Z

Hmm. I would have thought that to change, i.e. become something I'm not (yet), I'd have to start by trying to be something I'm not. Good intentions may pave the path to hell (sorry, Sheol), but they are also the seeds of intentional change.

Comment #4949

2017-03-03T13:34:27Z

Giving up something for Lent is good discipline. These days most people are lacking in self-control. The mere concept of self-control seems to be a thing of the past.

However, laudable as it is to exercise self-control, it is something paradoxical, for as Jiddu Krishnamurti so aptly pointed out, one is merely someone trying to be something one is not. It is putting a patch on a wound. Patch and all, the wound is still there, underneath. Once the period of self-discipline passes, one goes back to doing the same things...

I am a cusser. It helps me let off steam. I do try to keep it to myself, in order not to hurt sensitive ears, but come to think of it, any language is just noise to those who do not understand it.

It has taken me a while to substitute "oh my gosh" for "oh my God", because in Hispanic countries, saying "¡Ay, Dios mío!" is not considered taking God's name in vain.

Other words could be substituted for acceptable alternatives as well. Such as Sheol in place of Hell; zounds instead of f***, and bull patties instead of sh**.

So what am I doing for Lent? I'm trying to give up sweets. After all, I am 30 pounds overweight. Again. :D