He fasted for forty days and forty nights… Matthew 4:2
Lent has just begun—forty days of intermittent fasting, self-denial and no “alleluias” at Mass. It is not my favorite season. I suspect that Jesus did not particularly enjoy his forty days of trial in the desert either.
As I look back at my previous 60 years of Lents, I must admit this penitential season has always been a great time of grace. Sometimes they were difficult graces, but they were always a unique gift specially made for my needs.
We are confident that God will bless us during the future resurrection days of Easter. But God also blesses us now, during the Lenten trials of our lives. As we enter this season of penitence, God has something special in mind for you and for me. Let us pray that we might be open to receiving our own special Lenten grace.
Msgr. Stephen J. Rossetti
Originally published in Living Faith Lent 2013
