How helpful is a sanguine lighthearted approach to Lent and especially to the trails of this life. Let us consider Lent as a holy game with its particular rules, exercises, and even a "half-time," represented by Lætare Sunday. It is important to avoid two excesses when playing a game, and this holds for Lent as well. Avoid not taking it seriously enough (e.g. the Catholic who does the absolute minimum, considers Lent a nuisance, and fails to excite great contrition for his sins) and avoid taking it too seriously (e.g. the Catholic who prides himself in his austerities and views them as ends in themselves). The person of sanguine disposition enjoys what he is doing and embraces it with gusto; but once the activity is complete, it flies quickly out of his mind. He knows that his penances (like all the trials of this life) will soon end. He does his penances as well as he can - and with joy! Lætare Sunday reminds him that Easter will soon be here.
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svfonline2019-04-08T09:24:16-04:00