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CONLEY COMMENTARY (WSAU) – Hands down, the best Fish Fry for Lent is at St. Anne’s church on Wausau’s west side.
I put in a take-out order each Friday, and I will tonight too.
It’s a little expensive, but so what. It only comes around once a year. The service is not perfect, but that’s part of what I like about it. Sometimes the wait is long. That’s just a sign of how popular it’s become. Last week I ordered extra shrimp. It was left off of my order. No matter. I’ve come to realize these people are volunteers; they’re not professional restaurateurs.
What they’re doing is something valuable for lent. We’re supposed to give up meat. A simple meal of fish or soup is a tradition. Keeping that tradition alive is important.
Fellowship also has value. Last week while waiting for my take out, the cafeteria at St. Anne’s was full. And that was heartwarming. Parishioners, young and old gathering for a lenton meal. The mood in the dining hall was joyous. I was thinking that next time, even as a solo diner, perhaps I should stay and eat with everyone else. I’m sure I would be in good company.
In some ways, I think that each Easter should be new. We should discover something new about our faith. But this season is also steeped in tradition. And I’m thankful for that too. In a world that seems to be changing so quickly, the small things that do not change are a great comfort to me. I’ll reflect more on that during tonight’s Lenten meal.
Chris Conley
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