Pænitemini

"Repent, and believe in the Gospel" [Mark 1:15]

This is the Lenten Embertide, a time to fast, to pray, to examine the state of our soul, to acknowledge our failings and to rein in poorly governed passions. It is a time to thank God for blessings received and to give alms that others may share in our blessings, for all that we have and all that we are, we have received in trust from our Maker to use in His service.

50 years ago this very day, Pope Paul VI abrogated the canonical requirement of Catholics to fast this week. Nevertheless, the need remains for every Christian to take up his cross, and follow his Saviour up a difficult path.