Lent does not make a gradual entrance. Yesterday, we were hit with fasting and abstinence topped off with ashes in the shape of a cross on our foreheads and the injunction: "Repent and believe in the Gospel." Today it's choose life or death, deny self, take up the cross and follow Jesus. No messing around with soft platitudes. This is hard nails and "in-your-face" challenge. After all, there are only 39 days left to work on this self-renewal to which we committed ourselves. If we want to be "reborn", to choose life, we need to get to the core immediately. Denying self is one of the hardest paths to new life, but it works. Crosses come our way daily; do we shun them, or accept, even kiss them? "..whoever loses his life for my sake will save it." (Lk 9: 24). If we find ourselves already not keeping up with our Lenten program, we must say NO to what's in the way in order to say YES to Jesus. That's self-denial. Lent is not for sissies, but Jesus is there to help. Nothing is impossible with him, so let's just ask for his help.
Bro Rene
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