Thursday of the Fifth Week of Lent
Yesterday’s feast of the Annunciation recalls an interesting historical fact. For many centuries, particularly in Italy, the new year began on March 25, the day of the incarnation of Christ, who made all things new. The celebrations occurred for eight days or an “octave” which concluded on April 1. When the calendar switched to the Gregorian Calendar in 1582, those who still followed the old calendar were considered rather foolish. Change can be difficult, but sometimes change is needed, especially if change improves our lives and outlook on life. Perhaps during these final days of Lent we can look to those ways of looking at the world and at others that may require changing.