"The life of monastics ought always to be a Lenten observance. However, since such virtue is that of few, we advise that during these days of Lent they guard their lives with all purity and at the same time wash away during these holy days all the shortcomings of other times."
The Rule of St Benedict, 49: 1-3
The Lent and Easter Wisdom from St Benedict (Ligouri publishers) is one of my reading companions during Lent, each daily meditation includes a teaching from The Rule, a passage from Scripture, a prayer and an encouragement to look closely at our actions during the next five and a half weeks. St Benedict is proving to be an inspired choice as a spiritual guide. The Italian saint's Rule has a small section called The Observance of Lent, which in one neat paragraph manages to sum up what can be accomplished during this time, for Christ. St Benedict talks of giving ourselves to "tearful prayer, to reading, to heartfelt sorrow and to abstinence." He continues to encourage: "In these days of Lent, therefore, let us of our own accord add something to our usual yoke of service, such as private prayer, abstinence from food and drink."
Another book I am reading, is a small Catholic Truth Society booklet called Lent with the Saints, which has lots of meditations including this one I like from St Thomas Aquinas:
"And pray in this way, always reading the Book of Life, that is the life of the God-Man, Jesus Christ, whose life consisted of poverty, pain, contempt and true obedience. Imagine and meditate on all the ways of the Passion and the Cross. Even if you cannot do this from the heart, at least do it earnestly and carefully with your lips, because when a thing is said often, in the end it imparts warmth and fervour to the heart."
Blessed be God.
Inspiring words, please continue this good work!
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