Penance

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 [...]