Tomorrow,I am going to Orlando. The primary purpose is to meet up with my wife's sister and her family from New York, who are visiting the theme parks and have family time. But we will also visit Universal Studios which is going to be a 'lot of fun.'
But as a Catholic and especially as a former priest, having fun at the beginning of the Holy Week, is unthinkable, almost sinful! I grew up in a traditional Catholic family in India. We observed the season of Lent with great austerity and penance. We attended church three days a week. We fasted twice during Lent. No meat was eaten the enitre period of six weeks. Fish was not eaten on Saturdays. But Saturday was market day and fish was purchased and my mom would cook it, but won't serve it. It was a great penance to see fish curry in the kithen, but forbidden to eat. Lent was harsh and no fun was allowed.
As a priest, Holy Week was the busiest time of the year. I heard confessions for endless hours, did adoration of the Blessed Sacrament on Holy Thursday, fasted the entire day on Good Friday and spent most of the time in church.
But at the beginning of this Holy Week, I am going to Disney World for fun! How do I deal with the cognitive dissonance of Holy Week and Fun? First of all, I don't belive that the God I experience has anything against clean fun. But more importantly, contrary to popular belief, going to Disney World is NOT fun for me. I hate the long lines, I hate the over prized hot dogs in the theme parks, and I hate the rides. In fact, going to Disney World is 'penance' for me and therefore, this is the best thing I could do to observe Holy Week. And I am not kidding!
But the other side is that I want to be with my family during these days. I think it is holy to be with your spouse and children who really enjoy the theme parks and watch them being happy. I have come to realize that my life is not all about ME. In that sense, what better way to start Holy Week when Jesus gave himself up for others by giving a little of myself?
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