Day 26 of Lent: If You Can’t Do Everything, Choose One

God does not require that we be successful only that we be faithful.

— St. Teresa of Calcutta

Saint Teresa of Avila, after participating in the sacrament of reconciliation, would wait for her fellow sisters to finish their individual confessions. As the sisters came out, she would greet each one saying, “Begin again… begin again!”

We are now more than halfway through Lent. You may have observed in full the Lenten observances below. To those who have done so imperfectly or half-heartedly, you can always renew your Lenten sacrifice. Abstaining from meat on Fridays is an easy act of self-denial (and commendable outside of Lent.), as is forgoing enjoyable foods, activities, television, etc., in honor of Christ’s Passion.

LENTEN SACRIFICE

ABSTINENCE

No meat can be taken by those 14 and older on Ash Wednesday and all Fridays.

FASTING

A limit of one full meatless meal by those aged 18-59 on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.

SELF-DENIAL

Voluntary acts of self-denial are recommended during Lent.

PRAYER AND CHARITY

Can include daily Mass, Scripture study, the Stations of Cross, almsgiving, and showing mercy and kindness to others.

Almighty Father, as we continue with Lent, give us the grace to be steadfast in our resolutions, drawing closer to you by means of our prayer and sacrifices.