Sunday, Second week of Lent 2023.

Like the 1^st Sunday of Lent the 2^nd Sunday of Lent features the same Gospel story every year. “The Transfiguration”.  It’s a very popular story where Jesus brings his BFF Peter, James & John up a mountain to reveal the true Godhead that He is and have a conversation with His Abba.   In fact I turned this biblical story into a teleplay I sent to Dallas Jenkins for his consideration for The Chosen TV series.   At this point a snowflake in Hell might have a greater chance for existence than for my dream of  becoming a writer for that show coming true.   Nonetheless, I can still dream.

The reason why the Catholic Church brings this biblical story up every 2^nd week of Lent is a reminder of what lies at the end of Lent, the complete glorious resurrection of Jesus Christ.    My church’s permanent deacon said as much in his homily where he reminded us prior to the Transfiguration St. Peter was actively dissuading Jesus from journeying to Jerusalem only to have Jesus shout to Peter “Get behind me Satan.  You are thinking like Man does not God”.     In fact every Sunday, not just Easter Sunday, is a celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. 

Because of this, Sundays are never considered part of Lent.   If Lent is all about fasting, Sunday is all about the feasting.    This means that a Catholic like me could theoretically take advantage of a loophole in Lent.

So, today I took advantage of that loophole.   I enjoyed a mint chocolate truffle my sister-in-law Jennifer gave me from her collection of chocolates from her Candy Stop business.  It was good, melted in my mouth and I was able to savor it.  

I am also trying to limit myself to eating out during this Lent.  I knew I couldn’t completely give it up since for Fridays during Lent I often need to pick up a veggie pizza from a local pizza place on my way home from work.  Still, it’s better to buy a bag of Starbucks coffee beans to get a month’s worth of coffee from home for roughly the same price as about a week’s worth of coffee from the Starbucks drive through.  

Having said this, last Sunday I called my old friend Heather and this Sunday I did decide it was better to visit an old friend and to enjoy a great brunch at Juicy-O’s than be stubborn on the whole fasting from dining out situation.  It was a great day and a great brunch.  Until that great brunch started to disagree in my stomach and I turned Sunday into a literal day of rest.

But I’m OK with it.  I know God loves me and starting this week I’m hoping he will give me the hope to overcome my sinful ways.