Prodigal Son, end of Lent

I moved from Thailand back to the USA to get my daughter into US Schools to speak like an American. Since I almost completely distrust Government I elected to put her in Catholic Schools, unfortunately I do not have the temperament to handle preschoolers (i.e. Kindergarten).

Since I detest hypocrites I re-joined the Catholic Church. Got her Baptized and I committed myself to the teachings (e.g. , Confession, Communion, lent, etc.)

So for lent I gave up alcohol. And then waited for Holy Thursday to end my abstinence.

Since I performed a successful lent I decided to end it with some premium beer, so today went to Selfridge ANG Base BX and bought some premium beer. Upon leaving we took 21 Mile road passing the Sugarbush Tavern, I was amazed that at 1230 hours the parking lot was full.

Then it hit me, all the other retrobates are celebrating their successful lent on Holy Thursday Last Supper Lent end. I waited until I got home.

Now on Easter Sunday I will really celebrate by going to my favorite Bar, Najas in Redondo Beach CA, 777 Brands of Imported Beer, 80 on tap. Been 8 years since I've been there: http://www.najasplace.com/Najas_Beta/Home.html

Bottom Line so far is that the Catholic Church is doing right by my daughter, so I am supporting them.

What is amazing to me is that instead of just accepting what the Church says, I now research.

I learned that Palm Sunday is based on Jesus entering a town where they laid palm branches for him to ride.

I learned Lent ends on Holy Thursday in line with the Last Supper, my dad had lent ending on Saturday before Easter.

Unfortunately I am still a sinner, but working to get better to be an example to my daughter.

You will find it very meaningful to go to the Good Friday service at your parish.

There is still fasting on Good Friday --- it is simply not "called" the "Lenten fast" because the three days before Easter are called the "Triduum" --- that means "Three Days," Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and they are even MORE solemn than Lent.

So please go to your parish service on Good Friday. Or, if for some reason that is physically impossible, at least read the Scriptures for that day, about the suffering and death of Our Lord by which He merited salvation for us all.

If you will send me a Personal Message I would be glad to help you understand and observe this in a way that really deepens your relationship with Jesus.

As you must know, it is not just a matter of external observance. Through this Triduum we come to know Him, to love Him, and to serve Him even more. This is what you were created for: to be completely in Him, and He in you.

This is a very great thing.

God bless you so much for making a good start!

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.