A twenty first century parable.
            Mr. A said, “You know, I’m going to fast.”  With concern in his voice Mr. B said, “Well, have you tried to slow down?”
            With a bit of a disbelieving tone, Mr. A replied, “No, no, I’m going to fast, not too fast.
            Mr. B was pretty impressed by this and he said, “Wow that is great - how long do you think you can keep it up?”
            “Forty days.”
            Mr. B in a worried voice said, “Why, you’ll starve!
But Mr. A rather calmly said, “You know it won’t kill me.”
            Then in an almost whisper Mr. A said, “Brussels sprouts.”
            “Excuse me,” replied Mr. B, “Are you ok? You’re not hallucinating already are you?”
             “No, I’m fine,” said Mr. A.  “That’s what I’m giving up - Brussels sprouts - it won’t kill me to go forty days without Brussels sprouts for heaven’s sake! By the way, what about you? Aren’t you going to fast?”
            Well, perhaps we are all going too fast.
            Do you ever get the feeling sometimes that Lent has become the Church’s answer to a New Years resolution? Growing up, I always felt that ‘doing something’ or giving up something for six weeks was just a mini version of the ‘promises’ I made on New Year’s Eve. Often the results were the same - a good start, a chance falling off, and on occasion total abandonment of my project. I suspect one or two of you may have had similar results.
            But our Lenten disciplines should not be a chore  or something else we feel obligated to squeeze into an already hectic schedule. Instead, why not make it forty days to practice slowing down, refreshing, and renewing our souls. Even if it is only for five minutes, think about a favorite Bible passage each day. If we start small, perhaps we will also be able to take time to look at ourselves, and our relationship to God and others. It may be difficult, but that is the core of the Lenten season.
            Slow down a bit this Lent. Don’t set impossible goals, but pray and fast as you are able. Take a deep breath, and a long look inside yourself. Take time to reconcile with God and maybe even with someone  you have had difficulties. Be solemn, but not somber, for the days of Lent lead us to the Easter feast.