LENT

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent. The reason Lent lasts for 40 days is that 40 is the traditional number of judgement and spiritual testing in the Bible (Ex 24:18) and bears a relationship to the 40 days Christ spent fasting in the dessert (Mt 4:1-11). Catholics imitate Christ by spending 40 days in spiritual discipline before the celebration of Christ’s triumph over sin and death.

Sadly, penance is unpopular in our modern world. Maybe because we don’t think we have any sins over which we need to repent. Nevertheless, penance is important to the spiritual life and Lent is the opportune time to practice it.

So, what is penance?

Simple penance is the recognition of the seriousness of everyday sins like anger, insults and pride. It is interior contrition of heart displayed through outward actions. Penance during Lent allows us the opportunity to restore the broken relationship with Jesus.

Lord,

Teach me to be free.

Free to reject comparing

And to embrace myself.

Free to not be greedy

And expect love.

Free to show self-control

And to not be selfish.

Free to focus

And focus on the needs of others. Free to not worry what others think

And to welcome grace.