I'm writing this blog today because Lent starts next week, and I think that we need these things to think about always, not just during Lent.
This was written by Fr. Raymond Zweber and taken from the St. Augustine bulletin. I don't know which St. Augustine bulletin, though.
A Christian is a follower of Christ. Christ left no doubt as to the one absolute condition required of His followers: "If anyone wants to be a follower of mine, let him renounce himself and take up his cross and follow me."
During Lent we renew our commitment to Christ: to follow Him more closely. We renounce ourselves and take up our cross(or crosses if you ask me) and walk in His footsteps.
What makes up that cross? Immediately we think of sickness, misfortunes of all kinds, the burdens of work, bearing with one another's faults, the heat of summer, the cold of winter, etc... But seldom do we think of the most obvious crosses which arise from our human nature weakened by original sin.
There is the weakness of lust which is difficulty in ordering my sexuality as Godd intended and to practice the virtue of chastity.
There is the weakness of envy which brings sadness at the good fortune of others and jealousy that sees a threat to my own excellence in the blessings that come to others.
There is the weakness of gluttony which finds difficulty in disciplining appetites for food and drink and creature comforts.
There is the weakness of anger which is a rebellion against God and others because of circumstances or persons.
There is the weakness of sloth which is a distaste for spiritual things(prayer, Mass, confession,etc.), or an aversion for work, even essential work.
All these weaknesses need discipline and so involve the cross. All our penances of Lent, whether fasting, prayer or almsgiving have this discipline as an end. Unless they are directed to this end, we are just going through the motions of Lent and we are no more a "Christian" at Easter than we are now.
Examine yourself honestly. See where discipline is needed in your life. Then enter into the true spirit of Lent;denying yourself and taking up your cross to follow Christ.
Christe eleison
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