"Make Love your Aim": The Point of Lenten Self-Denial

The Lenten practices of prayer and self-denial should increase our Christian charity. Without an increase in love of God and others, Lenten sacrifices risk becoming self-righteous and egotistical. Charity, as described by St. Paul, demands a patient process of growth and self-mastery. The Cross of Christ, which we look forward to at the end of Lent and which we are called to take up daily, is a radical act of trust and selfless love. Practicing such trust and love en...