On my way to work in the morning, I often tune into the radio broadcast of daily mass from St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City. I can usually time it perfectly so that I hear the gospel reading and the homily. Yesterday was no different as I managed to catch newly-installed Archbishop Ronald Hicks’ preaching on Mardi Gras.

He mentioned that the day before Lent he usually splurges on Paczki, a type of jelly donut that is traditionally served on Fat Tuesday. Despite his best intentions to eat just one, he usually ends up eating several.

Archbishop Hicks is fond of eating paczki on Fat Tuesday.

Archbishop Hicks spoke about the tendency of many Catholics—himself included—to indulge in rich foods on Mardi Gras as both a “last hurrah” before Lent and also a way to fill one’s belly before the fasting that comes the next day.

But after mentioning his Fat Tuesday splurge, he related something very telling: he still wakes up hungry on Ash Wednesday.

It doesn’t matter how many jelly donuts he scarfs down, there is still a hunger that nags at him the next day. Simply, the appetite can’t be filled by pre-loading the day before or even in cheating the fast on Ash Wednesday. Instead, the hunger can only be satisfied one way: Jesus.

I hope everyone has a meaningful Lent.

Don’t Blink.

Past Lenten Blog Posts
Lent 2026: How Do You Describe It?
Lent 2025: Looking Into the Spiritual Mirror
Pursuing the Best Reward
Lent 2024: Ash Wednesday Over Valentine’s Day
General Lenten Points of Emphasis
Lent 2023: A Necessary Time
Lent 2022: Solidarity With Ukraine
The Lenten Road
The Journey of Lent
The Real Purpose of Lent