Preparing for Lent
During the four weeks prior to Great Lent, the Church prepares us with several “pre-lenten” themes: repentance and humility, God’s mercy, judgment and salvation, and forgiveness. The pre-lenten Sundays prepare us for our “lenten journey.” They arm us with that which we need to “enter the Fast with joy,” to make the most of the…
On Prayer and Repentance
Written by St. Ignatius Brianchaninov; Translated by Nun Cornelia (Rees) In today’s Gospel, the prayer of the publican is shown drawing God’s mercy to him. This prayer consisted of the following words: God be merciful to me a sinner (Lk. 18:13). It is worthy of our attention that God heard such a short prayer, and…
Prayer, Fasting, and Mercy
From St Peter of Ravenna – There are three things, my brethren, by which faith stands firm, devotion remains constant, and virtue endures. They are prayer, fasting and mercy. Prayer knocks at the door, fasting obtains, mercy receives. Prayer, mercy and fasting: these three are one, and they give life to each other.
