Catholic News

Lent is ordered toward repentance, conversion and a more profound participation in Christ’s Paschal Mystery (CCC 540; 1095). It is a season in which the Church accompanies the Lord into the desert—not to escape the world, but to be strengthened for mission within it.

Lent is not first a season of our effort or self-improvement. It is, above all, a season of God’s mercy and action in our lives through the gift of the Holy Spirit. At the same time, this gift is never forced upon us. The Holy Spirit is freely given, but he must also be freely received.