Will we band together for a special SD Lent?

Started by diaduit, February 09, 2021, 02:40:11 AM

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Miriam_M

Since the subject of intentions has been brought up, I'm adding some reflection to the mix:


February 15, 2021 (LifeSiteNews) – The penitential season of Lent is upon us. Catholics customarily observe the season by giving up something. These sacrifices normally involve forgoing habits, foods, and drinks as a way of atoning for our sins. It is a very personal commitment that reflects a desire to reform our lives.

However, this year is not normal. We are told that we must accept "a new normal" that disrupts our habits and life patterns. Everything is upside down, including our Lenten observance.
Adding to the confusion, many changes involve disastrous restrictions on our livelihood and our ability to worship God. Other concerns are anti-Christian laws that loom on the horizon. Our Lenten penance seems so detached from modern life. Thus, many people are discouraged because they sense themselves helpless to stop the dangers that have suddenly invaded our lives.

A need to broaden horizons
This Lent, we should broaden our horizons beyond a personal desire for atonement. We need to find a way to assimilate the tragic events around us with our Lenten observance. If we can do this, it will make our penance more effective and our Lent more sublime.

There is a widespread belief that the evils that have come upon us can be blamed only upon liberals. As conservatives, we cannot understand why we find ourselves in the present state of desolation. We have done much to oppose these evils. However, the triple burden of CÖVÌD, civil unrest, and election chaos weigh heavily upon us, despite our many efforts and prayers.
Such an outlook is wrong. We can understand this Lent better if we consider our own faults and how they impact the nation. While liberal causes promote obvious evils like procured abortion, s?d?my, and blasphemy, we also participate in many sins that have brought America to its present state of misery. We need to recognize our role and make reparation.


Atoning for these sins this Lent is something positive we might do in the face of our helplessness to change society for the better. As in times of old, such atonement can move God to act in much more effective ways than our own.


The object of penance is the hatred of sin
The Catholic Encyclopedia defines penance as "a supernatural moral virtue whereby the sinner is disposed to hatred of his sin as an offense against God and to a firm purpose of amendment and satisfaction."
The object of our penance is not sin in general, or even the sins of others but our own. We are accountable for them and should do penance.
Thus, this Lent, we might look at our own sins through the wide-angle lens of what we have done to further the nation's evils. In this way, we can integrate our penances with what is happening in society. We can then see better the horrors of the world around us and implore God's aid.
The sins for which we must atone

Indeed, America is a sinful nation. We must recognize that even if we grieve for the nation and seek justice, all sin before God and contribute to our nation's iniquity.
We can sin by participating in matters that offend God. This is especially true in our participation in our hypers??u??ized culture and fashions. We have a role in facilitating impurity and the culpable acceptance of all kinds of s??u?? aberrations.
We sin by omission by failing to speak out against the outrages that surround us. Many times, we can be silent, lax, or afraid to fight the sinful modern culture that invades family, community and parish.

We can sin by indifference to the blasphemies and offenses against God, His Blessed Mother, and the Church, often by those inside ecclesial structures. We must have zeal for defending Church teaching and God's law in the face of a society that glories in destroying them.
Indeed, we might ask ourselves if we have prayed enough for our decadent nation. We must hate our complicity, weakness, or laziness that allows these sins to continue unopposed.

A balanced look at our iniquities
Thus, such a vision of our participation in the nation's sins should lead us to observe Lent differently. It allows us to see that the true cause of our present misfortunes is not only liberal agendas, but our indifference and iniquities that call down chastisement upon us.
We will then be in the sublime position to call upon God and implore His mercy for the nation. Scripture says: "Be converted, and do penance for all your iniquities: and iniquity shall not be your ruin" (Ezek. 8:30).
It is a balanced position that should not lead us to severe penances that are beyond our strength to fill.

The principal act of penance is not the giving up or sacrifice. It is our hatred of the sins that offend God and our repentance. This heartfelt sorrow is what leads us to do or suffer something as a way of atoning for our sins.

Thus, we might still observe our usual Lenten sacrifices of forgoing habits and nourishment. However, this perspective allows us to offer these same sacrifices to God as atonement born from the hatred of our sins.

Thus, this Lent, we can do something sublime in the face of the great evils we face. There is no reason to be discouraged if we act in this manner. Indeed, this is a central theme of hope found in the Fatima message. History teaches us that God looks favorably on these acts of atonement from humble and contrite hearts. He will come to our aid, influencing events in unimaginable ways.

John Horvat II is a scholar, researcher, educator, international speaker, and author of the book Return to Order, as well as the author of hundreds of published articles. He lives in Spring Grove, Pennsylvania where he is the vice president of the American Society for the Defense of Tradition, Family and Property.
https://www.lifesitenews.com/opinion/lenten-penances-this-year-expand-beyond-atoning-for-our-own-sins-to-those-of-the-world

diaduit

Quote from: mikemac on February 19, 2021, 04:44:21 PM
Just thinking that our bumps should include our intentions too.

Quote from: diaduit on February 12, 2021, 03:01:06 AM
For the Reign of Christ the King in our countries, the conversion of evildoers in our Church hierarchy and Governments and lastly for the Truth to be received by our fellow loved ones especially those entrenched in the sin of modernism.

Quote from: martin88nyc on February 17, 2021, 05:27:07 PM
for those who are addicted to pornography, masturbation and are sexually depraved.

Quote from: Heinrich on February 11, 2021, 11:05:47 AM
Apostles Creed
12 Glory Be
Portion of Breastplate:

"Christ as a light illume and guide me
Christ as a shield overshadow and cover me,
Christ be under me, Christ be over me,
Christ beside me on my left and my right.
Christ before me, Christ behind me,
Christ about me,
Christ be this day within and without me."

Amen

Miriam_M

Interesting audio sermon explaining the interpretation by St. Vincent Ferrer of Ash Wednesday's readings, regarding Anointing the Head and Washing the Face.  This interpretation I find so much deeper than the standard one so often repeated -- that the person fasting should cover up external signs of fasting (by anointing the head and washing the face), so as to fast in secret or not "dramatize" the sacrifice and its physical effects.

There is a lot in this sermon regarding symbolism.  Also interesting about the 8 categories exempt from fasting. It's relevant to a Mary's Garden thread, as well, so I'll duplicate it there.

https://www.thecatacombs.org/showthread.php?tid=1142


diaduit

Quote from: diaduit on February 21, 2021, 05:27:58 AM
Quote from: mikemac on February 19, 2021, 04:44:21 PM
Just thinking that our bumps should include our intentions too.

Quote from: diaduit on February 12, 2021, 03:01:06 AM
For the Reign of Christ the King in our countries, the conversion of evildoers in our Church hierarchy and Governments and lastly for the Truth to be received by our fellow loved ones especially those entrenched in the sin of modernism.

Quote from: martin88nyc on February 17, 2021, 05:27:07 PM
for those who are addicted to pornography, masturbation and are sexually depraved.

Quote from: Heinrich on February 11, 2021, 11:05:47 AM
Apostles Creed
12 Glory Be
Portion of Breastplate:

"Christ as a light illume and guide me
Christ as a shield overshadow and cover me,
Christ be under me, Christ be over me,
Christ beside me on my left and my right.
Christ before me, Christ behind me,
Christ about me,
Christ be this day within and without me."

Amen

mikemac

Quote from: diaduit on February 22, 2021, 12:00:48 PM
Quote from: diaduit on February 21, 2021, 05:27:58 AM
Quote from: mikemac on February 19, 2021, 04:44:21 PM
Just thinking that our bumps should include our intentions too.

Quote from: diaduit on February 12, 2021, 03:01:06 AM
For the Reign of Christ the King in our countries, the conversion of evildoers in our Church hierarchy and Governments and lastly for the Truth to be received by our fellow loved ones especially those entrenched in the sin of modernism.

Quote from: martin88nyc on February 17, 2021, 05:27:07 PM
for those who are addicted to pornography, masturbation and are sexually depraved.

Quote from: Heinrich on February 11, 2021, 11:05:47 AM
Apostles Creed
12 Glory Be
Portion of Breastplate:

"Christ as a light illume and guide me
Christ as a shield overshadow and cover me,
Christ be under me, Christ be over me,
Christ beside me on my left and my right.
Christ before me, Christ behind me,
Christ about me,
Christ be this day within and without me."

Amen
Like John Vennari (RIP) said "Why not just do it?  What would it hurt?"
Consecrate Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary (PETITION)
https://lifepetitions.com/petition/consecrate-russia-to-the-immaculate-heart-of-mary-petition

"We would be mistaken to think that Fatima's prophetic mission is complete." Benedict XVI May 13, 2010

"Tell people that God gives graces through the Immaculate Heart of Mary.  Tell them also to pray to the Immaculate Heart of Mary for peace, since God has entrusted it to Her." Saint Jacinta Marto

The real nature of hope is "despair, overcome."
Source

mikemac

Like John Vennari (RIP) said "Why not just do it?  What would it hurt?"
Consecrate Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary (PETITION)
https://lifepetitions.com/petition/consecrate-russia-to-the-immaculate-heart-of-mary-petition

"We would be mistaken to think that Fatima's prophetic mission is complete." Benedict XVI May 13, 2010

"Tell people that God gives graces through the Immaculate Heart of Mary.  Tell them also to pray to the Immaculate Heart of Mary for peace, since God has entrusted it to Her." Saint Jacinta Marto

The real nature of hope is "despair, overcome."
Source

Melkor

All that is gold does not glitter, not all those who wander are lost.

"Am I not here, I who am your mother?" Mary to Juan Diego

"Let a man walk ten miles steadily on a hot summer's day along a dusty English road, and he will soon discover why beer was invented." G.K. Chesterton

"Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after justice: for they shall have their fill." Jesus Christ

mikemac

Like John Vennari (RIP) said "Why not just do it?  What would it hurt?"
Consecrate Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary (PETITION)
https://lifepetitions.com/petition/consecrate-russia-to-the-immaculate-heart-of-mary-petition

"We would be mistaken to think that Fatima's prophetic mission is complete." Benedict XVI May 13, 2010

"Tell people that God gives graces through the Immaculate Heart of Mary.  Tell them also to pray to the Immaculate Heart of Mary for peace, since God has entrusted it to Her." Saint Jacinta Marto

The real nature of hope is "despair, overcome."
Source

mikemac

Like John Vennari (RIP) said "Why not just do it?  What would it hurt?"
Consecrate Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary (PETITION)
https://lifepetitions.com/petition/consecrate-russia-to-the-immaculate-heart-of-mary-petition

"We would be mistaken to think that Fatima's prophetic mission is complete." Benedict XVI May 13, 2010

"Tell people that God gives graces through the Immaculate Heart of Mary.  Tell them also to pray to the Immaculate Heart of Mary for peace, since God has entrusted it to Her." Saint Jacinta Marto

The real nature of hope is "despair, overcome."
Source

Melkor

All that is gold does not glitter, not all those who wander are lost.

"Am I not here, I who am your mother?" Mary to Juan Diego

"Let a man walk ten miles steadily on a hot summer's day along a dusty English road, and he will soon discover why beer was invented." G.K. Chesterton

"Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after justice: for they shall have their fill." Jesus Christ

mikemac

Like John Vennari (RIP) said "Why not just do it?  What would it hurt?"
Consecrate Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary (PETITION)
https://lifepetitions.com/petition/consecrate-russia-to-the-immaculate-heart-of-mary-petition

"We would be mistaken to think that Fatima's prophetic mission is complete." Benedict XVI May 13, 2010

"Tell people that God gives graces through the Immaculate Heart of Mary.  Tell them also to pray to the Immaculate Heart of Mary for peace, since God has entrusted it to Her." Saint Jacinta Marto

The real nature of hope is "despair, overcome."
Source

mikemac

Like John Vennari (RIP) said "Why not just do it?  What would it hurt?"
Consecrate Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary (PETITION)
https://lifepetitions.com/petition/consecrate-russia-to-the-immaculate-heart-of-mary-petition

"We would be mistaken to think that Fatima's prophetic mission is complete." Benedict XVI May 13, 2010

"Tell people that God gives graces through the Immaculate Heart of Mary.  Tell them also to pray to the Immaculate Heart of Mary for peace, since God has entrusted it to Her." Saint Jacinta Marto

The real nature of hope is "despair, overcome."
Source

Melkor

All that is gold does not glitter, not all those who wander are lost.

"Am I not here, I who am your mother?" Mary to Juan Diego

"Let a man walk ten miles steadily on a hot summer's day along a dusty English road, and he will soon discover why beer was invented." G.K. Chesterton

"Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after justice: for they shall have their fill." Jesus Christ

mikemac

Like John Vennari (RIP) said "Why not just do it?  What would it hurt?"
Consecrate Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary (PETITION)
https://lifepetitions.com/petition/consecrate-russia-to-the-immaculate-heart-of-mary-petition

"We would be mistaken to think that Fatima's prophetic mission is complete." Benedict XVI May 13, 2010

"Tell people that God gives graces through the Immaculate Heart of Mary.  Tell them also to pray to the Immaculate Heart of Mary for peace, since God has entrusted it to Her." Saint Jacinta Marto

The real nature of hope is "despair, overcome."
Source

diaduit

Quote from: mikemac on February 23, 2021, 03:11:52 PM
Quote from: diaduit on February 22, 2021, 12:00:48 PM
Quote from: diaduit on February 21, 2021, 05:27:58 AM
Quote from: mikemac on February 19, 2021, 04:44:21 PM
Just thinking that our bumps should include our intentions too.

Quote from: diaduit on February 12, 2021, 03:01:06 AM
For the Reign of Christ the King in our countries, the conversion of evildoers in our Church hierarchy and Governments and lastly for the Truth to be received by our fellow loved ones especially those entrenched in the sin of modernism.

Quote from: martin88nyc on February 17, 2021, 05:27:07 PM
for those who are addicted to pornography, masturbation and are sexually depraved.

Quote from: Heinrich on February 11, 2021, 11:05:47 AM
Apostles Creed
12 Glory Be
Portion of Breastplate:

"Christ as a light illume and guide me
Christ as a shield overshadow and cover me,
Christ be under me, Christ be over me,
Christ beside me on my left and my right.
Christ before me, Christ behind me,
Christ about me,
Christ be this day within and without me."

Amen


Bump.

Just a little note, our sspx mass centre did a 54 day Rosary novena at the start of all this pandemic and our churches were completely closed for some weeks.  Our intentions were for the continuation of the mass and the Sacraments. Our closures only happened in the initial few weeks and to date we've never been without the basics, confession and communion!!

:pray3: :pray3: