LENT: PENANCE, MERCY AND RECONCILIATION (# 2)

In this article, we will learn the importance of penance, repentance, and the practice of the three traditional Lenten penances: prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Almsgiving is closely connected with forgiveness, and both the corporal and spiritual works of mercy are important. We must approach the Sacrament of Reconciliation, or confession, and to make firm resolutions to carry out the three penances during Lent. Let us also take up the Lenten devotion of The Way of the Cross and pray along with the community. Lent is a pilgrimage to Easter and a time for conversion and penance.

LENT: CONVERSION, PENANCE AND PENANCES (# 1)

Lent is a time of conversion and penance, leading to a renewed life in Easter. The virtue of penance disposes us to repentance and deeper conversion. Interior penance inclines us to do external penances like prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. These classical penances help us re-establish and fortify our relationships with God, ourselves, and others. Fasting is a means to put order and harmony in our lives, while almsgiving is a visible expression of mercy. Lent is a pilgrimage of faith, hope, and love, leading to happiness.

Continuing Conversion

Sin is bad company. It is opposed to what we all want in life: happiness, which is made up of love, compassion, peace and joy – and continuing prayer! The greatest thing: God is infinitely merciful and always ready to open the door of forgiveness. Sin is forgiven by the mercy of God through Christ. By acknowledging and confessing our sins with repentance, we are on the way home, on the way – like the Prodigal Son – to the embrace of our Father.