With the Christian Church emphasizing repentance, genuine tearful grieving over sin, and recognizing that we are but dust and ash, the season of Lent can be a somber time. I guess that's why the folk down in New Orleans decided to institutionalize one last fling (Mardi Gras) before Ash Wednesday. What started out as a little extra celebration of the good things in life has spiraled downward into global debachery.
   These days people all over the world who have no idea what Lent or repentance are all about, find themselves indulging in wine, women, song, drugs, and all manner of gluttony. Have you noticed how self-indulgence is not limited to just one day? People who have no self-discipline seem ready to indulge their every whim every day.
   “Repent, the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand,” Jesus said 2,000 years ago.