To create our culture of death, many people have sinned repeatedly and grievously for many years. The culture of death will eventually self-destruct. But how long will it be? Are there only forty days more before the end? (see Jon 3:4) Are we on our last year? (Lk 13:8-9) Some believe that it's too late to avert mass destruction. When people thought this in the past, the prophet Joel proclaimed that "even now" God's people could repent with prayer and fasting (Jl 2:12). In Joel's time, it was almost too late, but there were still a few moments left to repent. We are still in the season of mercy, but the season of judgment is coming soon (and possibly very soon). "The Judge stands at the gate" (Jas 5:9).
We don't know how much time we have left to repent. Consequently, the only wise thing to do is to repent now. "Now is the acceptable time! Now is the day of salvation!" (2 Cor 6:2) Go to Confession at the nearest opportunity. Fast and pray in the Holy Spirit to prepare for life-changing Lenten Confessions. Go to Confession as if this were your last Confession. Live this Lenten day as if it were your last Lent and your last day.
| PRAYER: | Father, may I repent more deeply today than I ever have before. |
| PROMISE: | "For at the preaching of Jonah they reformed, but you have a greater than Jonah here." –Lk 11:32 |
| PRAISE: | St. Peter Damian rose from the life of a fervent monk to the abbot of his order. He encouraged a strict rule of life for the monks. He was later made a cardinal and finally, he was named a Doctor of the Church. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College