Feb
26
2020
By Anonymous (not verified)
"When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites ..." - Mt 6:5
The world-renowned Divine Mercy expert Fr. Seraphim Michalenko, MIC, once gave an Ash Wednesday talk about our duty as Christians. "Jesus doesn't say if you give alms, if you pray, or if you fast," Fr. Seraphim pointed out. "He says when." But the act alone isn't enough. Our heart has to be in the right place, as well.
God rejects an ostentatious pretense of holiness. He desires a whole-hearted return to Him. The Catechism of the Catholic Church sums it up:
The world-renowned Divine Mercy expert Fr. Seraphim Michalenko, MIC, once gave an Ash Wednesday talk about our duty as Christians. "Jesus doesn't say if you give alms, if you pray, or if you fast," Fr. Seraphim pointed out. "He says when." But the act alone isn't enough. Our heart has to be in the right place, as well.
God rejects an ostentatious pretense of holiness. He desires a whole-hearted return to Him. The Catechism of the Catholic Church sums it up:
Without [interior conversion], such penances remain sterile and false; however, interior conversion urges expression in visible signs, gestures and works of penance (1430).
As we begin the season of Lent, we focus on these penitential activities as part of the Church's preparation for Holy Week and Easter. Lent reminds us to perform the penitential duties we should be doing all year. And to do them for the right reasons.
Reading this daily series is a sign of your desire to grow in holiness. Spend a few minutes here every day through Lent and the Octave of Easter to help you develop a habit of heartfelt prayer and turn to God with trust.
Prayer: O Jesus, help me begin this penitential season with a contrite heart. May all that I do be done out of pure love for You and my neighbor.
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