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This time of year, I hear grumbling that "Lent used to be hard," until the Church "got soft" -- usually in the 70s, it seems.
Here's the thing: You can have a Lent as ascetic as you want.
But if pastors of souls have decided to take a light touch with others, what's it to you?
Here's the thing: You can have a Lent as ascetic as you want.
But if pastors of souls have decided to take a light touch with others, what's it to you?
In my house, I have different rules for different kids at different times, because I have to judge what will best contribute their flourishing.
If it's my job to make discernments like that as a father, surely it is the job of a father of souls to make similar judgments.
If it's my job to make discernments like that as a father, surely it is the job of a father of souls to make similar judgments.
Any kid in my household who wants to is free to go outside and move a big pile of rocks from one place to another, or do any other such thing that tickles his fancy.
But if I judge to require less -- maybe there's a reason.
But if I judge to require less -- maybe there's a reason.
By the way, I know a religious order with a very ascetic lent. They basically are fasting for 40 days, and doing all kinds of mortifications and penances.
But I never hear them grumbling about other people's Lents. Or what the Church requires.
But I never hear them grumbling about other people's Lents. Or what the Church requires.
