
The Value of Penance
1st Sunday of Lent 2025
We must imitate the example of Our Lord in the face of temptation. When we are afflicted by evil thoughts we should turn to the powerful defense of Sacred Scripture. Christ’s victory over the devil in this Gospel foreshadows His ultimate victory on the Cross. Unless we do penance, we will surely perish. We should have a thorough understanding of what the word “penance” means. Lent is a time of joy, when we shake off sin and prepare for Heaven. This season presents to us God’s mercy and gives us the opportunity to obtain a peaceful conscience. God in His justice is bound by His very nature to punish sin, but when we punish ourselves with works of penance, even our smallest acts have great value, if they come from the heart. There are many such acts that every Catholic should know and put into practice during this season.
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