Pope's Message for Lent 2014
"The only real regret lies in not being a saint . . . we could also say that there is only one real kind of poverty: not living as children of God and brothers and sisters of Christ."
Lent: Path of Conversion
In his 17 February 2010 general audience, Pope Benedict XVI spoke about the meaning of Lent in Christian life.
“A spirit of mortification”
A spirit of mortification, rather than being just an outward show of Love, arises as one of its consequences. If you fail in one of these little proofs, acknowledge that your love for the Love is wavering. (Furrow, 981)
“The ripe fruits of the mortified soul”
These are the ripe fruits of the mortified soul: tolerance and understanding for the defects of others; intolerance for one's own. (The Way, 198)
"Penance means tenderness and kindness towards the suffering"
Here is a recipe for your way as a Christian: pray, do penance, work without rest, fulfilling your duty lovingly. (The Forge, 65)
Commentary on the Gospel: Temptations in the Desert
Gospel for the 1st Sunday of Lent (Cycle A), and commentary.
Commentary on the Gospel: Jesus in the Wilderness
Gospel for the 1st Sunday in Lent (Cycle B), and commentary.
Commentary on the Gospel: The Cross and Glory
Gospel for the 2nd Sunday in Lent (Year B), and commentary.
Commentary on the Gospel: Temptations
Gospel for the First Sunday of Lent (Cycle C) and commentary.
Commentary on the Gospel: Transfiguration
Gospel for the Second Sunday of Lent (Cycle C) and commentary.