Catholics try to focus more on The Programmer than on the programmed entities around us. To that end, we try to give up things. Fasting and praying is part of this process. Once, in NYC for a trade show that spanned Ash Wednesday, I was walking down Broadway, and was struck by the number of people with ashes on their foreheads. Sophisticated Manhattanites carried a visible sign that they were serious about getting closer to He Who had programmed all, and their presence was encouraging to someone from the Midwest who thought New York was populated exclusively by the far left.

As we ask ourselves what we should give up, we may consider a monk in his cell. There is a bed, a Bible, a few books, possibly a change of clothing, a chair, a lamp, and a kneeler. Pens, paper, and possibly a computer are on a desk.

Then, we may look around our own rooms, basements, attics, garages, and storage sheds. After considering our vast accumulations, it’s not unnatural to avoid seriously thinking about what we can give up. Many of us have moving vans full of things we’ll never use, wear, or miss.

Lent is a good time to think about getting rid of some programmed entities.

Author's Notes:

Related:

Judah and Ephraim represent two kinds of believers:

Judah and Ephraim symbolize all who may be saved “on the third day”. ~ Question 1: “Can ‘Ephraim”...

Today’s Reading is enough to help anyone…

Today's Simple Rhyme: "Plundering fools / are blundering tools / of evil."...

Our “Jesus Receiver” keeps us from…

How does our “Jesus Receiver” keep us from sinking into sin? ~ Question 1: “How can our ‘Jesus...

Catholics choose to ride on God’s…

We consider! Many Protestant ministers help people by saving souls from falling farther from God by keeping riders...

Like every number, every soul is either + or -.…

May all of our dear neighbors be blessed to love God, His Prophets, His Prophesied Messiah, and His...

A contradiction that condemns souls. #20.

“Hating God’s Great Gift of Birth / puts many souls at risk on earth.” ~ Question 1: “How...