"The fast of Lent has no advantage to us unless it brings about our spiritual renewal. It is necessary while fasting to change our whole life and practice virtue. Turning away from all wickedness means keeping our tongue in check, restraining our anger, avoiding all gossip, lying and swearing. To abstain from these things - herein lies the true value of the fast."

— St. John Chrysostom

Dear Saints,

I hope your Lent is off to a good start.

It’s hard to figure out exactly why, but Lent always seems to be a particularly grace-filled time. Somehow, there’s just a little more willpower to go around and a little more energy for the penances – big and small – that we take on.

If you haven’t noticed that, try this: Pray about making progress toward the goals I outlined in my Lenten letter - 30 minutes of prayer, fasting every day except for Sundays and Solemnities, and giving a full tithe (10% of what you make) to the church - and commit to it for the next 40 days. Go a bit further than you have before, and see that God will provide.

Just one caveat: Whatever you do, do for God. Don’t do it because you’re tough and can handle more; don’t do it to be bolder than someone else; don’t do it so you can tell others about it; and don’t do it because it benefits you in some other way. Do it, whatever it is, because you love and trust God. The reward will be beyond your imagining.

Be assured of my prayers for a fruitful 40 days!

Christ’s Peace,

Father Daniel

δοῦλος Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ