Our monks go robed in rain and snow, But the heart of flame therein, But you go clothed in feasts and flames, When all is ice within; Nor shall all iron dooms make dumb Men wondering ceaselessly, If it be not better to fast for joy Than feast for misery.
~ G.K. Chesterton, "The Ballad of the White Horse
Doesn't that last phrase just sum up the mentality of Lent? We are not fasting with sackcloth and ashes on the street corners, proclaiming our sufferings like the Pharisees. Instead we are fasting with a joy given to us by Christ, because we know that we would not have this time of penance and prayer if He had not died to save us. It is much better to be fasting with joy now - though it is hard sometimes - then to be ignorant of lent and feasting away with misery in our hearts.
What a great post for today and for Lent! Thanks so much! :)
ReplyDeleteThat quote is awesome! That's cool you joined St. Blog's; I just joined then a few days ago; how did you get the button or whatever it's called that is a picture link to the site?
ReplyDeleteI LOVE CHESTERTON!!! What a wonderful quote - thanks for sharing m'dear!
ReplyDeleteAnd isn't The Ballad of the White Horse just simply wonderful. Someone told me there is a man in England who has the entire thing memorized and recites it for people. *sighs* I wish I could memorize it! It is just so marvelous.
You make me proud my dear. G.K. offers quite a bit to wrap ones brain around and you do it very well. Keep a close eye on ones footing and foundation and life will be full of blessings and joy.
ReplyDeleteLove Dad