I know all the local sizzle is on the new Archbishop steak. But I can’t help but pass along this Easter-inspired sprint around the globe by a New York Times guest columnist who goes by the one-word name Bono. Above is one choice quote in a column packed full.

Here’s another…

Christianity, it turns out, has a rhythm - and it crescendos this time of year. The rumba of Carnival gives way to the slow march of Lent, then to the staccato hymnals of the Easter parade. From revelry to reverie. After 40 days in the desert, sort of …

Near the end he begins to describe our global crisis as an overheated economic Carnival that has now left us in the Lent of recession. Which actually gives me hope. Because it’s Lent that makes Easter taste so sweet.

Or as the old preacher’s formula goes: “Friday’s here. But Sunday’s coming…”

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Duccio's Temptation of Jesus from the Frick Collection; image courtesy of At the Edge of the Enclosure

I was at a dinner party once listening to a woman discuss her family’s preparations for Lent.  She talked about how the family got together for a meeting and discussed what their Lenten observances would be and how they could support one another’s choices.  I was about to interrupt, eager to commend my friend for her family’s seriousness and piety, when she continued:  “My husband always gives up desserts, and you know he loses six or seven pounds every time.  It’s just so great!”

I decided to hold my tongue.

Lent is almost over and it hasn’t been a major topic of discussion on this blog, so I thought I’d throw it out there for your consideration.  If you’re a Christian, is Lent a meaningful time of year for you?  Do you follow customs you learned…