Humans love a set of rules. Keeps us safe. We know where we are. The Holy Roman Emperor, Charlemagne, decreed that anyone eating meat in Lent was to be put to death. He also decreed that Saxons who would not convert to Christianity were to be put to death. You didn't mess with Charlemagne.
But relief was at hand for Saxons - in Lent, at least. The Church came up with all sorts of exceptions over the years to the meat-eating rule. Some said you could eat Beaver Tail, as an honorary fish. Or maybe duck on the same basis? And on St Patrick's Day, the Irish could eat corned beef. Then you could have Mothering Sunday off - and any other Sunday according to some - or you only had to fast on Fridays. Or only until 3pm. For every rule its exception.
How often do we do that? Hold fiercely to principles that have the most convenient exceptions?
And yet. And yet.
"Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?"Have a good fast.
Dear Arch,
ReplyDeleteI am getting worried about you. Your last few entries sound as if you are fast becoming a christian, perhaps even a vicar. How did that happen?
Concerned,
Holger, as we awake in our snowbound landscape it is nice to receive a message from the land of sunshine and coconuts.
ReplyDeleteI should point out that the Beaker Folk have always intended to recapture the original essence of Christianity, as expressed in the Beaker Christianity which was so cruelly swept away by the Celtic Christians with their dodgy lyrics and Wee Worship Books.
And normal stupidity will be resumed after Lent.
I've always thought that the best fast is a fast fast: as in, get it over with or get over it, as the case may be. It's like hurdling: speed is of the essence. If you don't believe me, try hurdling in slow motion; and if you do try it, don't come running to me with your broken hip afterwards...
ReplyDeleteHey Holger - it's coz she's been reading my blog. I have this effect on people. They visit my blog and start developing sound theology. Quite scary.
"develop sound theology"?
ReplyDeleteSounds like an illness.
Yes. I try to avoid it as far as possible. Worse than halitosis at a cocktail party.
ReplyDelete