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JMJ
"[The Church] knows, too, that were a season for doing penance left to our choice, we should never do it. Were any month in the twelve optional, we should put off till the last weeks of the year, and then find ourselves unavoidably hindered. She comes, therefore, to our help, and appoints as her principal season of penance, six weeks in the spring, in memory of our Lord's fast of forty days, in union with His bitter Passion and Death . . . If we are wise we shall go beyond what is of obligation, not content ourselves with mere obedience to the Church's laws to fasting and abstinence, but supplement by voluntary endeavor what she enjoins." (Mother Mary Loyola)Every Lent is a merciful opportunity to regain the proper order in our hearts that is necessary to clearly see the the beauty and wisdom of doing God's will. Though a temporary season, its fruits are not meant to be thus. One's perspective in regards to this time greatly determines becomes the "seed sown on rocky ground, who hears the word and receives it at once with joy but has not root and lasts only for a time." or the "seed sown on rich soil who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields a hundred or sixty or thirtyfold." (Mt. 13:20-21, 23)
This period of penance can be viewed through various lenses. Some consider it as simply obligatory, something to be endured by fulfilling only the necessary requirements, while others embrace it as another project of vanity, utilizing its means for selfish ends. Undertaking Lent with resentful feelings or prideful designs will produce a harvest that is as barren as the intentions themselves.
But if one understands these six weeks as a time of renewal, and purification through the penitential means the Church encourages, he will find his heart firmly rooted to the rich soil of grace. Stripped of all unnecessary pleasures, desiring of a closer union with Christ, one delights in the often ignored joys that Our Father mercifully provides. Though it may be difficult to relinquish habitual attachments, one must confidently trust that the serenity of that comes with firmly clinging to the poverty and humility of Our Lord will abundantly reward him for his perseverance in this struggle.
"All this means a call to effort and self-sacrifice. We must not, we will not hang back. 'Now is the acceptable time, now are the days of salvation." Who knows whether another Lent will be granted to us? Scripture speaks of the time of death as one when all men will wish to have done more penance. Why prepare fruitless regrets for that awful time! God is willing- more than willing- is most desirous to give us now all the grace we need. Let us win from Him by fervent prayer the special blessing that belongs to a fervent Lent." (Mother Mary Loyola)
