Today is Shrove Tuesday, Mardi Gras, the feast before the 40 day fast of lent.
Historically, Christians have used this season of lent to prepare to encounter the resurrected Christ by denying their own bodies. You might’ve heard people say things like I have given up chocolate for lent. I did that once, but to be honest it didn’t make me a more loving, kind, or just person.
Jesus themself fasted for 40 days in the wilderness.
But I would like to offer a different perspective.
I grew up in a church that continually shamed the body. I was taught to believe this body is sinful and little more than a shell for our souls.
As a person with a queer body I was made to feel that who I am was broken, I felt shame for who I am.
Shame is a common message. In the political rhetoric of the last several months us transgender folk have been described as predators, threats, and mentally ill. Our bodies seem to be an affront to the status quo.
But what if this lent we fasted from taking in all of these messages.
What if we fasted from guilt and shame?
What if we fasted from listening to those who deny and seek to destroy us?
What if we fasted from feeling like our bodies are too much and not enough?
If we practice this fast, we will see that our bodies are good, our bodies are a gift, we are queerfully and wonderfully made. Our bodies reflect the glory of God.
