Unless the mind and will are ready to believe in God’s absolute right to teach and command, there is little likelihood that fasting and penance with extra prayer will be followed carefully.
The will must be free of self-interested desires and fears in order to bend the mind to assent to an unseen God and to His whole mysterious order of salvation. Prejudices and sinful habits easily find excuses for refusing assent to truth and to self-discipline.
Christian mysteries, accepted and lived, lead men to their supernatural destiny. A Christian’s joy in living his faith, without complaining of the cost, is a sign that he knows what he is about.
Christian wisdom does not judge and choose according to rebellious instincts or misguided opinion: it chooses according to the teachings of the New Testament and in view of man’s destiny for eternal happiness. The wise Christian sees God’s will in all things and surrenders to God’s will in all things. He chooses God’s way gladly and gratefully in all things, and not merely when God’s will is in accord with his own inclinations. Moreover, wisdom leads the Christian to be content with God’s favor and guidance and not to ask for signs and wonders to prove His presence and power.
Be Converted To Me In Fasting and in Weeping
A highly recommended suggestion for Lent is to read the Readings and Gospel for each day in lent if daily Mass is not available.
Also the Saint days as well. Remember that most of the main events that take place in Scriptures take place, from Lent to Pentecost Sunday, The Creation of the World, Adam & Eve, The Passover, Ten Commandments, The Flood? The Annunciation, The Crucifixion, Resurrection, Opening of Heaven on Ascension Thursday, The Birthday of the Church & Christ’s Return on Pentecost Sunday. And I might add so should the Great Chastisement which precedes the Second Coming of Christ.
For those of you who haven’t read my article on Bells. “I shall do a thing in Israel and his Ears shall Tingle.” You will find that the Ringing of bells is still required for the “Tridentine” Mass; though the practice was made optional when the post-Conciliar Missal was promulgated by Pope Paul VI in 1969. (1) For the source go to this article on my web site at www.catholicendtimetruths.com
Grace be with you, In Christ, Joseph