Sermon XXXIX: On Lent
Dearly beloved,
At all times indeed, but especially in these days, the hearts of Christians ought to be attentive to spiritual duties and eager for the works of God. But now, when the return of the sacred season calls us to the exercises of renewed devotion, the faithful must strive with special zeal to cleanse themselves of all defilement of flesh and spirit.
For as we draw near to the celebration of the Lord’s Passion, we must prepare ourselves by purifying our hearts, so that the mystery of redemption may be worthily celebrated. And since the Lord Himself consecrated the fast of 40 days by His own abstinence, let us imitate His example according to our measure, that by the restraint of lawful pleasures we may more easily overcome unlawful desires.
The abstinence of fasting, dearly beloved, is not confined to food alone, nor does the virtue of temperance consist merely in lessening the quantity of nourishment. True fasting is to withdraw from sin, to restrain the tongue from evil, the hands from injustice, the eyes from impurity, and the mind from wicked thoughts. The discipline of fasting purifies the soul, raises the mind, subjects the flesh to the spirit, renders the heart contrite and humble, scatters the clouds of concupiscence, quenches the fire of lust, and kindles the true light of chastity.
Let mercy accompany fasting, that the abstinence of the one may become the abundance of the other. Let what is saved by frugality be bestowed upon the needy. Let the poor rejoice in the nourishment of charity, and let the weak be strengthened by the compassion of the strong.
Let no one be so poor as to have nothing to give. For even he who has little can give much if he gives with love. The measure of charity is not taken from the size of the gift, but from the goodwill of the giver. The widow’s two mites outweighed the rich offerings of the wealthy.
Let us forgive injuries, let us dismiss resentments, let us quench the flames of anger, and let us put away every desire for revenge. For the forgiveness we grant others will return to us from God, and mercy shown to our neighbour will secure mercy for ourselves.
The Lord Himself instructs us in this when He says: ‘Forgive, and you shall be forgiven; give, and it shall be given to you.’ Nothing is more effective in obtaining God’s favour than mercy, nothing more powerful in securing pardon.
And because the fasting which God has chosen consists not only in abstinence, but in justice and peace, let us strive to observe all the commandments of charity. Let us correct what is wrong, maintain what is right, forgive what offends, and love what God loves.
These exercises, dearly beloved, are not for a few, but for all. No one is excluded from the obligation to repent, for all need mercy. Let no one excuse himself by pleading weakness, for the remedy of repentance is given to all. God demands not what is beyond our strength, but what is within our will.
Therefore, let us enter upon the observance of Lent with joy, not sadness; with hope, not fear. Let us take up the weapons of righteousness, armed with faith, protected by charity, strengthened by patience. Then the fast which we undertake will be acceptable to God, profitable to ourselves, and fruitful for the whole Church.
Thus, cleansed by holy discipline, instructed by spiritual exercises, and enriched by works of mercy, we may come with pure hearts to the celebration of the Paschal mystery, and rejoice in the Resurrection of the Lord, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with the Father and the Holy Spirit for ever and ever. Amen.
Translated by Charles Lett Feltoe; edited by Philip Schaff and Henry Wace.
