“Lent is like a long ‘retreat’ during which we can turn back into ourselves and listen to the voice of God, in order to defeat the temptations of the Evil One. It is a period of spiritual ‘combat’ which we must experience alongside Jesus, not with pride and presumption, but using the arms of faith: prayer, listening to the word of God and penance. In this way we will be able to celebrate Easter in truth, ready to renew the promises of our Baptism.”

– Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI

How are you battling against temptation this Lent? What are your spiritual “arms?” How are you doing on your Lenten commitments. Today is the perfect day to assess, recommit and begin again.

“God never tires of forgiving us; we are the ones who tire of seeking His mercy.”

-Pope Francis

Do you hold onto unforgiveness toward yourself or others? Ponder this quote from Pope Francis. If there is an area for which you are lacking forgiveness, submit it to God’s ocean of mercy and forgiveness.

“When we accept our disappointment at our failures, God immediately

returns to us.”

-St. Therese of Lisieux

Lent is the time to be rid of that stubborn pride which does not wish to accept the fact that we might not be as perfect as we imagined. What imperfection are you ready to accept today?

“The meek are those who know how to suffer their neighbor and themselves.”

-St. John of the Cross

Sayings of Light and Love, (16th Century)

Meekness is not weakness! This is the virtue that gives us strength to remain steadfast and self-possessed even in adversity which often comes in the form of our own – or our neighbor’s – annoying habits. Ask God for the grace to accept our own faults and those of others with meekness and charity.