Brothers and sisters, break free from whatever ruts you have settled into! Whoever does not want to be set free – well, suit yourself – but don’t say you are living in Christ’s spirit. You can continue in the old ways and be a part of Christianity, but not of God’s kingdom. You can live in Christianity but not in Christ; the gulf between the two is great. You can settle down and feather your nest and think, “Now I’ve got it made,” but you’ll never win eternity. That is something altogether different. The “city” we have now does not interest us; it cannot last. Instead, we seek the future city – the one God sets before our eyes – of which Christ is ruler. ~ Christoph Friedrich Blumhardt

Lent is a time of returning to God. It is a time to confess how we keep looking for joy, peace, and satisfaction in many people and things surrounding us, without really finding what we desire. Only God can give us what we want….Lent is a time of refocusing, of reentering the place of truth, of reclaiming our true identity. ~Fr. Henri J.M. Nouwen, Sabbatical Journey: The Diary Of His Final Year

“Initially, [we] are made new by the rebirth of baptism. Yet there still is required a daily renewal to repair the shortcomings of our mortal nature, and whatever degree of progress has been made there is no one who should not be more advanced. All must therefore strive to ensure that on the day of redemption no one may be found in the sins of his former life.” ~St. Pope Leo the Great

“Let us remember two things. The first: Jesus respects our freedom. The second: Jesus awaits our openness to repentance and conversion; he is rich in mercy and forgiveness.”   ~ Pope-emeritus Benedict XVI, General Audience, October 18, 2006

“As we approach the season of Lent and the days leading to the Easter festival which focus attention on the mysteries of our redemption, the need for religious preparation is proclaimed…These forty days which have been instituted by the Apostles should be given over to fasting. This means not just reducing food which benefits soul and body, but the elimination of unworthy habits. To these we should add almsgiving which, under the name of mercy, covers a multitude of praiseworthy deeds of charity. So all the faithful, though unequal in worldly possessions, are equal in the inspiration of their spiritual lives and can achieve an equal standing in loving all their brothers and sisters in the human race…If we show love to those in any kind of distress then we are blessed with virtue of charity and are at peace.” ~Pope St. Leo the Great (d.461)

We must show God’s Face to everyone. Unless we do this, we have wasted our lives. ~Catherine Doherty