[LadyDoc]

I agree there is a place for asceticism.

But CS Lewis was Presbyterian on this.

You might note that Tolkien, who converted Lewis, noted he was "a hobbit in everything but stature", and loved partying.

St Teresa of Avila once said God save her from sad Christians. Chesterton notes that Christians are accused both when they party and when they fast (Jesus noted the same thing).

If you stress only asceticism, you can end up proud. A humble person can balance asceticism with gratitude for pleasure.

And as my dear mother said, when she heard some missionary nuns commenting on how much they had given up to become a missionary, "well, they have time to pray an hour every night in peace and quiet. Most mothers of small children would love to have such quiet time to relax"...since my mother had spent three years as a missionary and raised two kids, she could comment on such things.

For those of us married, a better way is simplicity: The little way, of offering every deed to God.

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[LiteKeeper]

read later

[ikka]

Beautiful and though-provoking. Thank you!