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In certain ways the Lenten Christian is like the Jew in exile. He is still exposed to the attacks of the enemies. Lent, like the exile in Babylon, is a time of cleansing. It intends to create in us a greater desire and longing for deliverance which God has promised us through our Savior Jesus Christ. All the chants and prayers in today's Mass are urgent pleas for God's mercy and help. — St. Andrew Bible Mission

Stational Church

Meditation - The Just Man Shall Fall Seven Times
"The just man shall fall seven times, and shall rise again; but the wicked shall fall down into evil" (Prov. 24:16). The characteristic of real wickedness is to fall "down, into evil"-that is, to fall and then consciously and obstinately to remain fallen. Yet, is it not comparative wickedness to fall even into venial sins with such interior dispositions as will not permit the sinner to rise again promptly?

Mark well, the distinguishing trait of the just man is not his absolute freedom from every fall, but rather his entire and quick readiness to rise again-the honest interior disposition which bars out all malice, all settled bad will, and all affection for his wrongdoings; the penitent disposition which will accomplish this so effectually, that his later sins will be committed only in more or less unguarded moments of special weakness or surprise or fickleness, and therefore with only partial freedom and consent of his will. Even so effectually will he guard himself that after a sin, however slight, he will quickly return to his normal virtuousness, acknowledge his guilt, fill his heart and soul with sincere remorse, and then and there long and pray to become more truly humble and less self-reliant, more watchful over himself and quicker in his recourse to God. 0 the shame of your relapses, so many altogether inexcusable! The shame of your repeated relapses, habitual relapses, some perhaps clear evidence of more or less hardness of heart and malice of will! O the shaming thought of the piercing truth: If you had sinned less, Jesus would have suffered less!

Excerpted from Our Way to the Father, Rev. Leo M. Krenz, S.J.

Things to Do:

• If you have not done so already, read the Message of Pope Benedict XVI for Lent of 2009.

• Cook a traditional Lenten recipe to reemphasize this liturgical season in the daily fare of your home. We suggest Split Pea Soup.

The Station is at the church of Sts. Cosmas and Damian, physicians. These martyrs were twin brothers originating from Arabia. They practiced medicine in Aegea, Cilicia, but accepted no money from the poor. Their beautiful Christian lives edified the pagans and converted many to the Faith. They were arrested in the persecution of Diocletian, subjected to torture, and finally beheaded.

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