LENT
The season of Lent is a time for penance and for meditation on the
Passion of Our Lord. For many, the very thought of Lent is enough to cause
dread. Our human nature shrinks from the idea of self-denial. But for the soul,
this season is one that is most beneficial for those who spend it well. We all
need to do penance, for Our Divine Lord said: “Unless you do penance, you
shall perish.” As much as the thought of sacrifice may frighten us, we must
reflect on the tremendous value of penance for the soul. Let us examine some
of its many benefits.
First, penance serves to atone for the temporal punishment due to our
sins. In other words, it shortens the time we would otherwise have to spend in
purgatory. Second, penance curbs our unruly appetites. It helps us to gain
control over our disordered inclinations. We know what we need to do, but our
problem is with the weakness of our will. Penance strengthens our will-power,
helping us to fulfill our resolutions and resist the temptations of the wicked
one. Prayer is powerful, but when united to penance, it becomes even more
valuable. Our Lord said that some devils are driven out only by prayer and
fasting.
Another advantage of penance is that it elevates our minds to the
contemplation of heavenly things. Sadly, the doctrines of our Faith and the
truths of the spiritual life often make little impression on us. Penance makes us
more attune to the voice of God and His grace. Penance is also a proof of our
love for Jesus Christ. He died for us—are we unwilling to perform even small
acts of self-denial for love of Him? By penance we appease God’s just wrath
and draw down His grace. In short, penance opens the gates of heaven to us
and to those for whom we pray. All the saints practiced penance; let us follow
their example.
But penance alone will not ensure a good Lent. It must be accompanied
by a reflection on Our Lord’s passion, if it will produce its beneficial effects.
How could we ever adequately appreciate all that Jesus suffered for us? We
can at least try to understand better His love, by meditating on what He
suffered in the terrible passion.
May Our Sorrowful Mother grant to each of us the grace to make a good
Lent. By so doing, we shall achieve a greater union with our suffering
Redeemer. “Letter from the Pastor,” MIQ Newsletter 2013