Opus Dei

Homily of Saint Josemaria given on 2 March 1952, first Sunday of Lent.

"Lent is the favorable season for renewing our encounter with Christ, living in his word, in the sacraments and in our neighbor." Pope Francis reflects on the parable of the rich man and Lazarus in his message for Lent this year.

The Prelate urges us to prepare ourselves very well for Holy Week, also by having devout recourse to the sacrament of Confession and helping others to do so.

"Let us give our mortification and penance (which have to be more intense during this time of Lent) a deep sense of reparation," Bishop Alvaro del Portillo advised us in a 1990 Letter.

"The only real regret lies in not being a saint . . . we could also say that there is only one real kind of poverty: not living as children of God and brothers and sisters of Christ."

In his 17 February 2010 general audience, Pope Benedict XVI spoke about the meaning of Lent in Christian life.

A spirit of mortification, rather than being just an outward show of Love, arises as one of its consequences. If you fail in one of these little proofs, acknowledge that your love for the Love is wavering. (Furrow, 981)

These are the ripe fruits of the mortified soul: tolerance and understanding for the defects of others; intolerance for one's own. (The Way, 198)

Here is a recipe for your way as a Christian: pray, do penance, work without rest, fulfilling your duty lovingly. (The Forge, 65)

Gospel for the 1st Sunday of Lent (Cycle A), and commentary.