In repairing for our own sins, we should attempt to make more acts of love of God during the day, to do our work with more selfless love for God, and to practice charity toward those God puts into our lives.

Fr. Hardon suggests we repair for the sins of others by striving to endure some pain to expiate for the constant pursuit of pleasure that is always the substance of sin. This can take the form of sacrificing some time spent watching television, denying ourselves a delicacy at the table, getting up promptly in the morning or attending Mass during the week.

Although there have been many different ways to mark the season of Lent over time, the spirit of Lent is one aspect of the season that has always been agreed upon.

The Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy of Vatican Council II states, “The two elements which are especially characteristic of Lent - the

recalling of baptism or the preparation for it, and penance - should be given greater emphasis in the liturgy and in liturgical catechesis. It is by means of them that the Church prepares the faithful for the celebration of Easter, while they hear God’s word more frequently and devote more time to prayer” (no. 109).

This holy season gives us a new opportunity every year to repent of our sin and start anew, to renew our faith and come to believe more deeply in the sacred mysteries of our salvation.