Collect: Grant, O Lord, that we may begin with holy fasting this campaign of Christian service, so that, as we take up battle against spiritual evils, we may be armed with weapons of self-restraint. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son…
“Grant, O Lord, that we may begin with holy fasting this campaign of Christian service”
– Christian service is a “campaign,” meaning it is like an army making a strategic attack against an enemy. Not only is the Christian life a battle, but the ability to fight is itself a gift; thus, we have to ask for the grace to even be able to fight.
“so that, as we take up battle against spiritual evils, we may be armed with weapons of self-restraint”
– “Spiritual evils” include the devil, but also our own inclination to sin. Even if we don’t fall into major sins like adultery and murder, every little sin we commit helps the Devil advance his hidden agenda to move souls away from God. Self-restraint in the little things both stops the devil’s small victories and prepares us to better resist his more powerful attacks.
Questions & Advice: What is your intention this Lent? Do you fast in order to lose weight, or are you genuinely interested in growing in Holiness? Do you go to get ashes because its a popular thing to do now, or are you genuinely interested in conversion?
Today’s Gospel warns us about the ways that the devil can even make almsgiving, prayer, and fasting work for his own twisted ends. As you begin Lent, take some time in prayer to beg God for the grace of sincerity. Place all of your resolutions before him and ask that each one be authentic and supported by Grace to accomplish His Will and not your own. Call upon your guardian angel and favorite saints to aid you in this battle.
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| All you angels and saints, pray for us! |