Lent seems such a somber time with all the fasting, prayer, and meditation. For some reason, we feel like for 40 days we should walk around with scowls on our face looking very serious all the time. Episcopalians, and perhaps other Christian faiths, take the word Alleluia out of the church services during the Lenten season. Well I am not sure God wants us to go around glum for 40 straight days. That’s why I hinted this Wednesday to not get caught up so much in your sacrifice and fasting that joy doesn’t become a lost art.
It is rumored that St. Francis when traveling with his brother Monks on occasion would pick up a stick, pretend it was a bow string, and start to play an imaginary violin, singing songs and dancing. It was said that his love for God would just take him over. Later he wrote the following:
A Kind Face
Joy is the greatest cleanser, and it is the greatest testimony to our faith.
“Toil with happiness,” my Lord once said to me.
God sent a servant on an errand through a dangerous part of the world.
The servant, having received in hand what God delivered,
turned to Holy and said, “My beloved Master, do you have a final instruction?” and God replied,
“A kind face is a precious gift.”
Walk with Joy and a Smile all you people of God. Webb
PS: Say a prayer today for all who have been affected by the Tsunami.
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