Dear Friend,
It is now time for the serious and penitential days of Lent. Just as the athlete disciplines his body in order to win a prize, so too must the Christian train his soul through spiritual exercises in order to gain the ultimate reward—Heaven.
Lent is not a “take it or leave it” season. The Church teaches that it is necessary not only for the joy of Easter, but for our very salvation. Without prayer, contrition for our sins, and penance, there is no progress in the spiritual life—and, in the end, no salvation.
This may sound severe, yet nothing truly worth having is obtained without sacrifice. Even in worldly matters, value is measured by what one is willing to give in time, effort, and cost. What, then, are we willing to do to gain Heaven?
Sanctification and salvation are a joint work. God has already done His part by leaving Heaven, laboring, suffering, and finally giving His life on the Cross. It remains for us to take up our cross and follow Him.
If we have strayed by chasing the things of this world—things that either lead us away from God or stifle our progress heavenward—then Lent, properly observed, will bring us back.
The saints tell us that one of the greatest sources of motivation is meditation on the sufferings of Christ. How much He loves us is shown by how much He endured for our salvation. His love can only be repaid by our love. Though ours are small compared to His, He treasures every sacrifice offered for Him.
When Veronica stepped forward to wipe the blood and spittle from His Sacred Face, He left her the imprint of His countenance as a sign of His gratitude. Her loving act was immortalized, and she is known to us as Saint Veronica.
When Mary Magdalene anointed Our Lord with precious ointment in the house of Simon the leper, He solemnly declared: “Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, that also which she hath done shall be told for a memorial of her.”
Simon of Cyrene, who at first reluctantly helped carry the Cross, later embraced the task wholeheartedly. He was rewarded with the gift of faith—not only for himself, but for his wife and sons, Alexander and Rufus. Those who lived during Our Lord’s earthly life were blessed to serve Him directly. Yet we, too, are equally blessed.
Christ continues to live in and through His Mystical Body, the Catholic Church. Through His priests, He forgives sins and feeds souls with the Bread of Life. Through the Church, He continues to teach, govern, and sanctify. His Mystical Body will endure until the end of time. Whatever we do for Him now will be rewarded for all eternity. And just as He was persecuted in His earthly life, so He is still persecuted—and even betrayed—today.
What can we do for Him this Lent?
- Reflect and resolve to make salvation the first priority of your life and your family.
- Learn your Faith more deeply, so as to remain strong and loyal when truth is questioned and denied.
- Make sacrifices and acts of love and reparation to the Sacred Heart.
- Pray the Rosary, Our Lady’s constant request in her apparitions.
- Follow the daily practices contained in our 40 Steps to Easter.
May God bless you and guide you always.
In the Immaculate Heart of Mary,
Br. Thomas Augustine, M.I.C.M., Superior