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"Love & Reflection: Embracing Valentine's Day and Ash Wednesday Together

Yes, it's Valentine's Day, February the 14th and guess what it's also Ash Wednesday the beginning of Lent 2024.

Usually on Valentine's Day, restaurants are booked till the tilt, there are red roses with chocolates and champagne on ice. Endless possibilities. Romance is in the air and a lot of people go all out to express their love to each other, yada yada yada.

This year, a lot of people, especially Christians will probably be pondering how they are going to amalgamate the two events, as during Lent, we as Catholics are not allowed to have any meat products (abstinence) and required to fast. It will also be very challenging if a person has certain dietary requirements.

Well, the only answer I can come up with is before any love of mankind, 
loving God is first and foremost because God is Love. Use this moment of praying, fasting and abstinence as a moment to reflect and be grateful to God for his endless mercies. Focus on the following quotes:
 
“I love You, O my God, and my only desire is to love You until the last breath of my life. I love You, O my infinitely lovable God, and I would rather die loving You, than live without loving You. I love You, Lord, and the only grace I ask is to love You eternally… My God, if my tongue cannot say in every moment that I love You, I want my heart to repeat it to You as often as I draw breath.” St. John Vianney
 
As Lent is the time for greater love, listen to Jesus’ thirst…’ Repent and believe’ Jesus tells us. What are we to repent? Our indifference, our hardness of heart. What are we to believe? Jesus thirsts even now, in your heart and in the poor — He knows your weakness. He wants only your love, wants only the chance to love you.” St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta 

It's not all doom and gloom. We can always celebrate the material Valentine's Day's things a day before or after Valentine's Day, and we just have to be very creative with the meal selection.  Intermittent fasting can be adopted. 
 
Here is a sample menu, I created thanks to ChatGPT. I wanted a diabetic friendly menu with an African twist. 
 
What do you think? 

Appetizer:

  • Grilled Vegetable Skewers with Suya Spice
  • Suya Spiced Grilled Plantain
  • West African Akara (Bean Fritters)

Main Course:

  • Jollof Cauliflower Rice with Grilled Shrimp
  • Moroccan Spiced Baked Chicken with Harissa Sauce (using skinless, lean chicken breast).

Side Dishes:

  • Moin Moin (Steamed Bean Pudding) made with reduced sugar or sugar-free option
  • Sautéed Spinach with Garlic and Tomatoes

Dessert:

  • Fresh Fruit Salad with a hint of mint
  • Sugar-Free Chocolate Avocado Mousse

Beverages:

  • Ginger Hibiscus Iced Tea (unsweetened or sweetened with a sugar-free sweetener)
  • Infused Water with Citrus Fruits and Mint Leaves
 I also had the opportunity to bless a new cross that I had bought. 
 
How are you celebrating Valentine's Day this year, 2024 ?

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