Ahhh. Lent is upon us. That glorious time of giving up chocolate, 
beer, and other necessities of life.
Ash Wednesday marks the start of the longest 40 days of the Catholic calendar – the cold shower that follows the festivities of Fat Tuesday.
A difficult jolt to our mostly comfortable lives, Lent is actually one of the most incredible opportunities we have as human beings.
Did you know St. Francis de Sales says our ability to do penance actually causes the envy of the angels. Not in a sinful way. But, we’re able to suffer for our Lord. We can make a simple act of the will – offer up a difficulty or do voluntary penance to the Lord – and they can’t.
Suffering in union with our Lord is one of the most powerful things we can do. Why? Because it makes us like him. We’re doing what he did. “Suffering borne well,” says de Sales, “will carry you closer to heaven than if you were the healthiest person in the world.”
It might be hard, but try to stop viewing Lent as something to endure, and start looking at it as an opportunity for holiness…Then start searching the lenten calendar for the feast days:).
God bless!
Matt
