Lentorama 2017: Lenten Observers of Instagram

Day 27: Fishy Friday

You can't really find a fish fry in Japan, but you can definitely find a lot of fried fish.  And if you can't read Japanese, the store definitely went for the "Friday = Fryday" pun in their signage.  #fishfry #lentfriday #lent #meatlessfriday #fryday

A post shared by Robo (@odofuran) on Apr 7, 2017 at 6:23pm PDT

Despite my minor complaint from yesterday, for the rest of the Fridays in Lent I'm posting pictures of fish. What the heck, it's traditional for Lent, has the obvious Christian symmetry, and who doesn't like fried fish on a stick? 

Lentorama 2017: Lenten Observers of Instagram

Day 26: The three types of #lent posts on Instagram

"Grown-ups never understand anything by themselves, and it is tiresome for children to be always and forever explaining things to them" -The Little Prince ___________________________________________________ Self care day 12 &13: Play - (I've been slacking) Pictured is Scout with her best roomie Lilah because when I have to work a lot, Lilah (and her hoomans) keep an eye on Scout. So Scout gets to play while I work all weekend to start saving for a surgery she needs. I work a lot with children, which some say takes patience. However, I've found they they give me more patience than adults and teach me all the new kid related info. They keep me young and I try to keep present and playing.  __________________________________________________ #talkaboutit #tonguesout #goldendoodle #goldendoodlesofinstagram #doodle #doodlesofinstagram #gsd #germanshephard #germanshepherd #germanshepherdsofinstagram #dog #dogsofinsta #puppy #puppiesofinstagram #adventureswithdogs #dogmom #mentalhealth #mentalillness #depression #anxiety #hope #selfcare #lent #play #thelittleprince

A post shared by Scout (@polardoodle_scout) on Apr 7, 2017 at 7:09pm PDT

It seems like there are three basic types of Instagram posts marked #lent:

1. Food photos
2. Quotes from the Bible or the pope or something which are meant to be meaningful but, devoid of any wider context, feel a little flat.
3. Posts with no obvious connection to Lent, but were posted during Lent so it gets the hashtag.

I'm trying to find the posts that don't fall into those categories, but it's hard. In the meantime, here are some happy dogs. 

Lentorama 2017: Lenten Observers of Instagram

Day 25: Speaking of gender stereotypes

A little more than 24 hours left to register for the men's and women's Lenten retreats! Take a plunge, encounter our Lord this Lent! Registrations are available at the C or smucatholic.org, and are due back by 5 PM tomorrow. #lent

A post shared by SMU Catholic Campus Ministry (@smucatholic) on Mar 29, 2017 at 2:12pm PDT

There's value in a silent retreat, and there's value in a retreat that separates truth from lies, regardless of topic.  But why have the men do the "strong and silent" retreat and the women one that sounds kind of gossipy? 

Lentorama 2017: Lenten Observers of Instagram

Day 24: Real men resist gender stereotypes

JMJCat3 Catholic Gear www.jmjcat3.com  Because Being Catholic Is Not Just For Sunday ....... ...... ..... ...... ..... ..... ..... #jmjcat3 #jesus #Catholic #Christian #christ #rosary #avemaria #love #pray #Dios #snapback #tshirt #usa #gracias #Eucharist #eucaristia #love #amor #cross #lent #lent2017 #ashtag #cuaresma

A post shared by JMJCat3™ (@jmjcat3) on Mar 29, 2017 at 12:40pm PDT

Real women serve their country and their flock. Real women provide for and protect their families.  Real men sometimes stay home with the kids. The reality is that everyone has a role to play in promoting their community, and that role is not dictated by gender alone.

Lentorama 2017: Lenten Observers of Instagram

Day 23: I'll be here all Lent, try the veal... except on Fridays.

Any Lenten Resolutions made yesterday? #Laetare #laetaresunday #pun #lent

A post shared by Catholic Sistas (@catholicsistas) on Mar 27, 2017 at 1:58pm PDT

The pun here is based on yesterday being Laetare Sunday, the traditional midpoint of Lent where a certain amount of festivity is allowed as a way to encourage the faithful to stick with their Lenten discipline for the rest of the 40 days. I always forget about it until I see the celebrants in rose-colored vestments, which I guess they find festive.

I've also never heard of Lenten resolution, but I suppose it's as good a term as any for whatever you give up during Lent.

Lentorama 2017: Lenten Observers of Instagram

Day 22: Nearly the end? Did you give up math for Lent?

Lent 27 – Sign. Literally all I kept thinking about when I saw today’s word was “The Sign” by Ace of Base. And you know what? I’m going to roll with it. I think it works. “I, I got a new life,” is the first line of the song -  seems like a pretty accurate description of Christianity – the hope of a new life in Christ. Ace of Base is talking to an ex in the song…essentially sayin, I’m better off without you. “I saw the sign and it opened up my eyes and I am happy now living without you.” Life is better when surrendered. I learned that the hard way. I'm still learning it and I'll keep learning it. But also, I did "saw the sign." It opened up my eyes…I was blind but now I see. I saw the sign.  Yep. That just happened. I just likened Christianity to Ace of Base’s “The Sign.” I understand if you never take anything I say seriously again. 🤓  #lent #rethinkchurch #sign #aceofbase #amazinggrace

A post shared by Melisa (Goss) Farke (@melisafarke) on Mar 27, 2017 at 9:41am PDT

Posted less to mock the counting than to mention hot cross buns, which I've never quite developed a taste for, I think due to the consistency of the bun itself. I usually manage to choke one down each Lent, hoping at some point I'll find one I like. 

Lentorama 2017: Lenten Observers of Instagram

Day 21: And I guess "All That She Wants" is about Mary getting another crack at motherhood?

Lent 27 – Sign. Literally all I kept thinking about when I saw today’s word was “The Sign” by Ace of Base. And you know what? I’m going to roll with it. I think it works. “I, I got a new life,” is the first line of the song -  seems like a pretty accurate description of Christianity – the hope of a new life in Christ. Ace of Base is talking to an ex in the song…essentially sayin, I’m better off without you. “I saw the sign and it opened up my eyes and I am happy now living without you.” Life is better when surrendered. I learned that the hard way. I'm still learning it and I'll keep learning it. But also, I did "saw the sign." It opened up my eyes…I was blind but now I see. I saw the sign.  Yep. That just happened. I just likened Christianity to Ace of Base’s “The Sign.” I understand if you never take anything I say seriously again. 🤓  #lent #rethinkchurch #sign #aceofbase #amazinggrace

A post shared by Melisa (Goss) Farke (@melisafarke) on Mar 27, 2017 at 9:41am PDT

I was going to dig on how bad Ace of Base is, but then I thought of how their music compares to the average contemporary Christian song, and... well, Ace of Base still sucks, even with that low bar for comparison.

(I know, I shouldn't cast aspersions on where people get their inspiration. But Ace of Base?) 

Lentorama 2017: Lenten Observers of Instagram

Day 20: It must be fake, no one posted pictures of the bread and wine

Group chattin' during the last supper...

A post shared by Shauna L. Howard (@shaunalhoward) on Mar 27, 2017 at 11:39am PDT

Not seen: Judas getting an online payment of 30 Bitcoin.
 

Lentorama 2017: Lenten Observers of Instagram

Day 19: This is true (it's kind of how the calendar works, right?).

A menos que haya un Viernes Santo en tu vida, no puede haber Domingo de Pascua - Ven. Fulton Sheen #cuaresma #lent #rokafuerte #pascua #easter #fultonsheen

A post shared by RokaFuerte (@rokafuerte) on Mar 22, 2017 at 12:09pm PDT

I posted this less for its content (which I'm assuming is a comment on how we can't get to the celebration of Easter without going through the tribulations of Good Friday), and more for its source.

Fulton Sheen was something you'd not see today - a Catholic bishop turned TV star, an Emmy winning personality who used the video pulpit to spread the Word for nearly two decades. It's surprising to me that he even got the chance to get on TV then given the greater mistrust of Catholics, but it's a sign of how popular his radio show was (and how badly the DuMont network needed to put something on air) that he got on air.

And unlike some of the current crop of TV preachers, Sheen apparently knew what he was talking about, as he earned two doctorates and was the first American to win the Cardinal Mercier Prize for International Philosophy at Leuven University.

For all that, though, I think you'd be hard pressed to find anyone under 60 (heck, maybe under 70) who really knows who he is. Fame apparently is fleeting.

Lentorama 2017: Lenten Observers of Instagram

Day 18: You can still get a cheap red hat.

March 21 | Matthew 25:35-36 |#lent #countdowntoeaster 🌷

A post shared by Huntsville Christian Church (@huntsvillechristian) on Mar 21, 2017 at 8:11pm PDT

A reminder of what we should be trying to do in a world where Meals on Wheels could be defunded, clean water rules are being rolled back, borders are being closed, health insurance may disappear for millions, and the private prison industry is back in favor. 

Lentorama 2017 : Lenten Observers of Instagram

Day 17: Happy Spring, Northern Hemisphere!

Day 20.  Finally, really, actually Spring.  #countingmyblessings #40daysofgratitude #lent

A post shared by Amy Wilson (@amygowilson) on Mar 20, 2017 at 6:55pm PDT

A simple reminder of how Lent is a season of rebirth and renewal. And a season where no one's really sure how to count the number of days in Lent (though I think I'm on track).  

Lentorama 2017: Lenten Observers of Instagram

Day 16: You ate HOW MUCH corned beef yesterday?

When I'm preforming I let go of everything else and immerse myself into the what is happening on the stage. When I fail to do this I fail the audience and myself. You gotta let go. ~✝️~ #bhlent2017 #photocontest #lent #catholic #dchs #donovancatholic #lettinggo

A post shared by Mary Fitamant (@my_40_days) on Mar 19, 2017 at 6:28pm PDT

I'm not sure what exactly this has to do with Lent, but I liked the look on the woman's face. No failing the audience there.

Lentorama 2017: Lenten Observers of Instagram

Day 15: Since my last confession, I have stepped on a piece and taken the Lord's name in vain about a thousand times

As we move forward with Lent, we connect with God through fasting, praying, and abstaining. But, let us not forget repentance is the base to it all! ❤ pic repost: @catholicyouth  ________________________________________________ #Lent #GodBlessYou #istandcatholic #Jesus #God #Love #Beautiful #HolySpirit #HolyBible #HolyRosary #Catholic #CatholicYouth #CatholicGirl #Catholicism #PopeFrancis #CatholicLife #CatholicFaith #Christian #Christianity #ChristianCatholic #Church #Mass #Mary #FollowChrist #FollowGod #Trust #Faith #GodLovesYou #ProudCatholic

A post shared by Catholic Posts (@istandcatholic) on Mar 19, 2017 at 1:39pm PDT

So the older boy had first reconciliation a few weeks ago, and will have first communion in a few weeks from now, and is a Lego fan, so this seemed fitting. As did the email from the religious ed director telling us about the Father Leopold Celebrates Mass set. I'm tempted, but fear that Father Leopold would suffer the latest minifig torture at our house: head stuck in a Lego garbage can.

Lentorama 2017: Lenten Observers of Instagram

Day 14: I want to go to there

🤔💭Remembering the good fun I had in Spain many moons ago. Bring on 2026 and hopefully it will finally be finished!  #tbt #wanderlust #sagradafamilia #lent #theraininspain #2026 #gaudi #memoriesforlife

A post shared by Jelly.Zeus (@jellyxzeus) on Mar 16, 2017 at 7:40am PDT

I really, really would like to go to Barcelona. That is all.

Lentorama 2017: Lenten Observers of Instagram

Day 13: Of course, follow the cute dog with cute kids

Jesus said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.  Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.  And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me. Matthew 8:3-5 #Lent #catholic #Jesus #saints #pope #StTherese #RomanticCatholic

A post shared by Romantic Catholic (@romanticcatholic) on Mar 15, 2017 at 8:03am PDT

 As cute as these kids are, I really posted this so I could use the juxtaposition of dogs and kids in clerical garb to link to the story about a Bolivian monastery that adopted a stray dog and fitted him with a small robe. 

Lentorama 2017: Lenten Observers of Instagram

Day 12: Why is the dog fasting for Lent?

How many days til Easter? I'm literally wasting away. No bread or tortillas 😣 #CatholicProblems #Lent #CatholicGirl

A post shared by Leila Becerra (@leibecerra) on Mar 15, 2017 at 5:51pm PDT

OK, I don't really think the dog is fasting, but this is a good time to remind you that your pets do not need to observe Lent.  Or at least the canines don't as all dogs go to Heaven. 

 

Lentorama 2017: Lenten Observers of Instagram

Day 11: We interrupt Lentorama to talk about me

#wanderingcross17 #lent #handbells #choir #music

A post shared by marydearest (@marydearest) on Mar 15, 2017 at 6:06pm PDT

Yes, I posted this less to reflect on the role of music in Lent than to mention that I was in a bell choir in elementary school. Theoretically those of us in the choir scored the highest on a musical aptitude test our music teacher gave us, though it doesn't explain how I got in (I don't think I'm completely tone deaf, but I don't think I'm particularly musical, either). For whatever aptitude we were supposed to have, you really only had to be able to count to four as the teacher circled the notes we needed to play on our sheet music.

I don't remember much about the choir, other than being jealous of the kid who got to ring the large bell for... Pachibel's Canon in D Major? Finlandia? Not sure which one, but it was a showy piece for that bell, and I really liked the sound of the bell.

Lentorama 2017: Lenten Observers of Instagram

Day 10: If you grandmother asks, just say it's sand art.

Geo & Nelly B gainin' a little inner peace at the #lent #mandala. @jorgitofilholm @jmarie.11 #everythingistemporary

A post shared by Lisa Lane Filholm (@lisalanefilholm) on Mar 12, 2017 at 6:48pm PDT

  I can't say I ever thought of creating mandalas as a Lenten pastime, but I can see where using them to focus one's thoughts on the season and one's place in the universe would be useful over these 40 days. Not sure if it would be for me, though, as I'd be too worried about getting sand all over the place.

Lentorama 2017: Lenten Observers of Instagram

Day 9: I'm Lovin' It (because I'm worried that I'll go to Hell if I have a Big Mac)

 

Fish so hard McDonald's wanna fry me. That fish cray. #WhatSheOrder #FishFilet #BallSoHard #ThatFishCray #LentSoHard #Lent

A post shared by RC (@mistahmoogle) on Mar 10, 2017 at 6:09pm PST

I swear that every Friday will not be a food post (though based on what I was seeing for posts today, that might be a hard promise to keep), but wanted to post this based on something I heard this week. Turns out that McDonald's sells fully one quarter of all of its Filet o Fish sandwiches during Lent (as documented here among other places). I suppose I'm surprised that the percentage is that low. Who is going to McDonald's to get fish - on purpose! - when not trying to please some sort of higher power? Vegetarians who don't want a McSalad, I suppose.

Lentorama 2017: Lenten Observers of Instagram

Day 8: This might be overkill

Kids gone. Dogs gone. Boyfriend gone. Job gone. Door closed. #lent2017 #lent #newchapter #onedoorcloses #anotherdooropens #whatsnext #onlygodknows #godstiming #godsincharge #godswill #godisgood #nextrightthing #godisgoodallthetime #serenity #peace #love

A post shared by Holly Cardone (@hollycardone) on Mar 9, 2017 at 6:24pm PST

OK, "gone" suggests that this person didn't just give up their kids, dog, job, and boyfriend, but it's still a good reminder that there's a fine line (well, maybe not that fine) between giving something up for Lent and giving too much up for Lent.

Lentorama 2017: Lenten Observers of Instagram

Day 7: Erin Go Brisket!

GENERAL DISPENSATION: St. Patrick’s Day falls on Friday this year during Lent. So Cardinal Cupich has given general dispensation to Catholics for abstaining from meat on this day. Instead, Catholics in the Archdiocese who choose to eat meat are asked to substitute another form of penance. #lent #cardinalblasejcupich #abc7chicago #stpatricksday #catholic

A post shared by ABC 7 Chicago (@abc7chicago) on Mar 8, 2017 at 7:35am PST

I'm not against having a dispensation so you can enjoy some corned beef on St. Patrick's Day (I plan on taking full advantage of the one granted for my diocese), but I do wonder how an almighty deity managed to allow something so important as Lenten fasting to get its wires crossed with a celebration of a saint that involves a big, meaty meal. What sort of planning is that?

Lentorama 2017: Lenten Observers of Instagram

Day 6: The Lord said, "Let there be face-melting guitar solos," and it was good.

A post shared by Lateacha (@lateacharose) on Mar 7, 2017 at 6:34pm PST

As much as I like the idea of Jimi Hendrix spreading some Lenten guidance, this quote isn't original to him. Though who first said it is up for debate, as a brief Google search suggests Gandhi, Sri Chinmoy, or William Gladstone. In any case, let's try to be nicer to each other, preferably while enjoying "All Along the Watchtower."

Lentorama 2017: Lenten Observers of Instagram

Day 5: Mr. Pibb died for our sins

We have to hand it to this merchandising manager, you done good for the Lent/Easter display. 👊💪👍 Evangelize at every opportunity! #catholic #catholics #católico #katolik #catholicism #catholicchurch #church #christian #christians #christianity #christ #jesus #jesuschrist #religion #religious #christianchurch #romancatholic #romancatholicchurch #faith #proudcatholic #bible #gospel #mrpibb #cross #easter #lent

A post shared by Catholic Imagery™ (@catholic_imagery) on Mar 5, 2017 at 12:11pm PST

I'm not sure I agree with the "any publicity is good publicity" theory of evangelization, but I also was hoping this would show up on Instagram so I could post it as part of this series, so what do I know?

Lentorama 2017: Lenten Observers of Instagram

Day 4: I would also have accepted "Does anyone really know what time it is?"

One will never understand the value of time unless it is already gone.  And one will understand it when he pleaded for sometime and being declined. Soon the abundance of it will depreciate. We will never remember everything when we grow old, just a minute or even seconds of them and how it feels .. Peace all + + + #Psalm 90:4 For a thousand years in your sight are but as yesterday when it is past, or as a watch in the night. #lent #nohate #remindmetobesaltandlight #travel to #protect and #conserve #horizon

A post shared by juan fældøn (@ketheory) on Mar 4, 2017 at 7:11pm PST

I'm not sure what this rumination on the finite and fleeting nature of time has to do with a blurry picture of what looks like an offshore oil rig, but I may be overthinking things. Just savor every moment, or enjoy every sandwich, I guess. 

Lentorama 2017: Lenten Observers of Instagram

Day 3: At least you have a reason to post these now

Family style Niçoise salad with salmon. #nomeatonfriday #lent #familystyleisthebeststyle #fitfam

A post shared by @gmsiano on Mar 3, 2017 at 6:25pm PST

Instagram is an ideal platform for posting food pictures, so it wasn't surprising that I was spoiled for choice today. And really, if you're stuck in a meatless Friday rut, there's no shortage of meal ideas for you. Hope you didn't have any sacrilegious bacon today! 

Lentorama 2017: Lenten Observers of Instagram

Day 2: Lent - more than a three hour tour!

#tbt #notredamedebonsecours #montreal #canada #lent

A post shared by Elizabeth Hayes (@elizabethstravels) on Mar 2, 2017 at 6:43pm PST

  We spent a few days in Montreal over the summer, and went to the city's basilica rather than the church with all the boats hanging from the ceiling. My boys would have found that much more interesting. Please don't tell them about it.



 

Lentorama 2017: Lenten Observers of Instagram

Day 1: In Case You Hadn't Noticed

Ash Wednesday is here! —Memento homo, quia pulvis es, et in pulverem reverteris. / Remember, man, that you are dust and unto dust you shall return. / Recuerda, hombre, que eres polvo y en polvo te convertirás. —With these words, and with the ashes from last year's palms being imposed on our foreheads, Catholics all around the world begin the season of Lent, a period of repentance and penitence in preparation for the Easter Triduum when we commemorate the Paschal Mysteries of the Crucifixion, Death and Resurrection of Jesus, the Lord. #AshWednesday #Ashtag #MiercolesDeCeniza #Lent #Cuaresma #Quaresima #Catholic #Priest #Ashes

A post shared by Rafael Capo (@fathercapo) on Feb 28, 2017 at 9:48pm PST

I was not kidding when at the end of last year's Lentorama when I said this year would be based on Instagram. And to kick things off, a subtle reminder for Ash Wednesday (though at this point I don't know where you'd get ashes, at least in my neck of the woods). And while on the subject, I'll admit to a quick giggle at #Ashtag.