Perhaps we have been in Lent since about March 15th, 2020. Perhaps this is really Advent until this pandemic, and recession, and racism realization, and political posturing is swallowed up by the King who comes to reconcile all things and heal all things. Whatever it is, we are here.

When I first became an Episcopalian in 1976—a graduate student and engaged to be married—I took much joy in changing my diet slightly, eliminating carbonated beverages and buttermilk chess pie for forty days. Really, it was fun. This may have been because the whole Lenten Discipline routine and its Anglican spirituality was brand new to me. There is nothing wrong with fasting from these two food groups and reveling in the discipline.

I am now committed to plant-based food and I haven’t had carbonated beverages for six years. I am an enthusiastic vegan and a snob about quality coffee and tea. I will not guilt you about colas or buttermilk, chess pie or nasty coffee. However, I wonder how I may share Lent with you.

The saints before now have created a very good Lent by their choices of Lenten scripture readings and prayers. They have lived and died in pandemics, wars, extreme poverty, and dictatorships. They have shown us how to focus on our Savior, Jesus, and to pray in his name. This year I will be more intentional about seeking the kingdom day by day in scripture and prayer. I will expect Resurrection. I will also expect the coming of the Holy Spirit to salt my heart, to feed the flame already there in my adoption as God’s child. I will try, with God’s help, to not be a glutton nor a snob.

May peace be with you this day, and with those you love, and with those for whom you pray.

Happy Lent!

—The Rev. James Blagg,

St. John’s Episcopal Church, Durant