De Mello writes in the way to love that those things which delight us and grip our souls can lead us to God. What does that have to do with Lent?

Lent is about sacrifice, but it isn't about just any old sacrifice. Giving up coca-cola or candy is sacrifice, but the question is why ought one to sacrifice them? It's not because they are necessary for life. Nor are they necessary for living well. We sacrifice such sweets becuase, in the end, they aren't good for us, and they lead us toward evil, not towards good.

Lenten sacrifice is about giving up those things which drag our souls down. It is an opportunity to recommit ourselves to life. That is why itis just as valid -- perhaps more so -- to commit one's self to something rather than denying one's self something. Several years ago, I committed myself to writing for one hour a night, at least 500 words. I want to be a writer. I want to express myself, but I was approaching this goal in an ad hoc fashion. I let inspiration drive me. But ay Bradbury points out that inspiration doesn't come if it doesn't know where you're at. You have to sit yourself in the seat everyday at the same time, so the muse knows where to find you. So I committed myself. In the end, this meant I sacrificed something -- television. But had I given up television, I would have gone back to it after lent. Committing myself to writing helped me stay away from television after lent and helped me follow a path that brings me peace and love -- which in the end is God.

This year, I am committing myself to writing 500 words of philosophy per day. I am also committing myself to spening more time with my eight year old. In the end, this will require sacrifice, but it will also require growth. Christ's resurrection is about growth, more than about death.

Tags: Lent, DeMello, Love

Well, it's interesting that Obama's address was at the end of Mardi Gras, for what Obama did was call an end to the party days that this country has been caught up in. But it's also true that Obama calls us to spend -- and to spend on things that will make us better -- education, health care, and energy. So it was surprising to see how many Republicans remained seated how many times during the speech.

Just as with any lenten sacrifice, we cannot sacrifice those things necessary for life. Similarly, the government cannot ask the people to sacrifice what will make this nation stronger. Education will make this nation stronger, especially if we meet Obama's goal for college graduates in 2020. We will have a better citizenry and people able to offer more to the world with creativity and knowledge. Of course, big business and big government would oppose this. Education means people won't be as susceptible to the lies of big business and the propaganda that the Republican party has spouted since Reagan about business watching themselves.

Better health care will make us stronger. How can we continue to pour billions into a system that does not work and pretend that it is better than everywhere else. We have the highest infant mortality of anyindustrialized nation. Why aren't the pro-lifers concerned about that?! Doctors are deprived of their autonomy because the insurers determine what treatments are allowed. This can no longer continue. A better health care system means a better America.

Finally, we have the opportunity to become the leaders in alternative renewable energy sources. Why are we so far behind everyone? Because of big oil and big auto. Clean energy is the road to more jobs that cannot be shipped overseas. Clean energy is the means to saving our planet. Nothing else matters if we don't embrace solar cells and wind turbines.

So spend -- but spen wisely, and cut wisely. Obama has a vision, and his big plan is, not only workable, but necessary.

Tags: Lent, Sacrifice