March 14
“We do not become perfect by the multiplication of exercises, penances,
and austerities, but rather by the purity of love with which we do them.”
-St. Francis de Sales: Spiritual Conferences 13 (17th Century)
Today’s Reflection
When you give up something for Lent, why are you doing it? Out of habit, because it’s what is expected of you, or out of love for the God?
March 13
“The power of choosing good and evil is within the reach of all.”
-Origen: De Principiis, 2. (3rd century)
Today’s Reflection
“Choice” is a buzzword that is often used to mask sin and make evil appear to be anything but what it is – evil. Lent is the time to tear away the masks, examine the choices we made in life, and repent of those that were wrong.
March 11
“Nothing ever happens in the world that does not happen first inside human hearts.”
-Venerable Fulton J. Sheen
Today’s Reflection
All of the ills of our time – from wars and terrorism to abortion and immoral lifestyles – begin in the same way – by allowing evil into the heart. Pray for the conversion of hearts today!
March 6
“Ash Wednesday is considered the ‘door’ to Lent.”
-Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI
Today’s Reflection
Today is the beginning of a 40-day campaign dedicated to ridding ourselves of vice and filling ourselves with virtue. Bring your plans for this Lenten season to the feet of the Crucified and ask for His blessing as you begin this sacred journey.
In the eyes of the world, Ash Wednesday is the day when people with “dirty foreheads” appear in supermarkets and cafes and order fish instead of steak. But in the eyes of the faithful, this day is the beginning of a season designed to make the weak-kneed-but-willing into true champions.
The season of Lent is right around the corner and if you’re secretly dreading the beginning of this penitential time of the year, a new book full of “holy hacks” for life might be just what you need to make this Lent as efficacious as it is joyful!
