Tomorrow marks the start of Lent for 2016. I don't really like Lent. It goes too long. It should be the same length as Advent which seems to end in next to no time. Maybe it is because of the idea of giving things up? It is always harder to motivate yourself with a negative. Some people thhink it can be changed by phrasing things in the positive, for example, instead of "giving up smoking" the person "becomes a non-smoker." Either way you go it is not easy. Nevertheless, whatever you give up or try to do, it is good to discipline the mind and the body for the benefit of the soul. Jesus said about certain types of demons that expelling them required "prayer and fasting." (Mk 9: 29) Even if we fail, on this attempt, it is still important that we continue to strive for greater self-control, generosity and unselfishness. The ashes we use are the ashes of our own laziness, selfishness and malice. Being a disciple of the Lord means to make being a Christian a way of life. It is not just the sacramental moments but the decisions of everyday life taken conscious of who we are called to be and the Gospel counsels. Thus, Lent reflects our struggle with sin in life for the rest of the year.
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