Friday after Ash Wednesday
The monastic tradition has always emphasized that penances must be discerned with the guidance of a wise elder in order to avoid the sins of pride and vainglory. Those who are zealous for God can find themselves moved to perform burdensome penances in imitation of great saints or to purify themselves of vice. It is vital, though, that these penances be discussed with a spiritual director or our pastor to make sure that we are not pursuing them to bring attention to ourselves or to make ourselves feel superior to others. Discipline is necessary for each person to grow in maturity and holiness, but we cannot master advanced spiritual practices before we attend to the basics. God tells his people through the prophet Isaiah that their penances are self-absorbed, counteracting the point of penance. If people around us are hungry, and we sacrifice without considering their needs, then we have missed the point. If we lower ourselves so that others can see, then we are not truly humble. We are surrounded by opportunities to sacrifice in our day-to-day lives. To ignore those in favor of our own desires is to ignore God and the opportunities of grace that he has deliberately placed before us.
Reflection by Fr. Victor Schinstock, OSB
Posted in Articles for Lent, Daily Reflections