In doing some research this morning, I discovered that it’s not spelled just the way it’s spelled in the title.  Fastnachts, Fasnachts or Faschnachts are a fatty doughnut treat served primarily on Fastnacht Day, also known as Shrove Tuesday, Mardi Gras or Fat Tuesday. Fastnachts were produced as a way to empty the pantry of fat and butter, which were forbidden during Lent.

Today is the last day before Lent.  I’ll post more on that tomorrow.  Growing up in Southeast Pennsylvania and in Dutch Country, our tradition was to eat these tasty little treats.  It varies in different parts of the country.  We have usually had to substitute doughnuts instead.  Our children enjoy the tradition.  For us it is exactly that, a tradition.  It is not connected with the traditional meaning of “Fat Tuesday.”  Yes, we will participate in Lent as a season of prayer and fasting, because I like to prepare myself for the major Christian holidays.

Unfortunately for many, today is an excuse for all out partying, decadence, indulgence and revilry.  I like what fellow Wesleyan pastor Rod Pickett had to say about today.  Why does he dislike today?   

• The lie that “holiness” is about deprivation(Click links for details.)
• The lie that “holiness” is dull and boring 
• The lie that we have to give in to temptation so that we can resist temptation in the future
• The lie that forgiveness is cheap

So, we will eat our box of chocolate covered doughnuts today and remember that “holiness” is about the heart.  As I’ve told the congregation here so often.  We need to love God with all of our heart, mind, soul, and strength and love our neighbor as ourself — that IS the holiness message.