Lent isn’t here yet, but our priest understands the need to prepare.  He’s also an Eagle Scout, and a National Guardsman.   Today was all about the little niches, the “altarcitos” (New Mexico, here) around us in our pagan society.  Every aspect of it vies for our attention.  Our society rejects the Cross: euthanasia, abortion, birth control; all part of rampant hedonism.  Eternal youth, that’s the ticket!  (Good luck with that one!)

There’s a scene in The Passion of Christ in which Jesus is rebuked for embracing His Cross.  That is the reasonable attitude without Christ who reveals  the Mystery.  No one will escape the Cross.  Many will waste the Cross in their lives.  Without daily union with Christ, our crosses bring us down.  There’s the rub.  That’s the waste!

Preparing for Lent is preparing for the realities of Life.  Eagle Scout-mentality is a plus: the epitome of  “Be Prepared.”  I’ll bet our priest has his hair shirt at the ready and I’m looking for mine.