After fasting for forty days and conquering every temptation that came His way, Jesus returned to Galilee and began His public ministry with these words, “This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.” (Mark 1:15)
Indeed, now is the hour of fulfillment.
We are called by Christ and Our Lady of Fatima this Ash Wednesday to once again acknowledge our sinfulness, so that through God’s grace and mercy we may be purified and share in Christ’s victory.
Each Lent we are invited to join in the Lord’s time of fasting for forty days.
As Jesus warned in the parable of the sower, cares of the world and a delight in riches and earthly things threatens to choke out our spiritual life like thorns engulfing a bush (Mk. 4:18).
By generously giving to others and by offering up the pains of fasting and mortification this Lent, the Lord purifies our hearts from earthly attachment and these pains are instead joined to His sacrifice as an offering of love for the salvation of souls.
Yet, fasting and almsgiving are challenging, and at the beginning of Lent, such trials can be daunting.
Spiritual exercises make clear the spiritual combat which is always present.
As the Enemy vainly tried to through and during this time of fasting, so will that same Enemy try to lead us to discouragement and to abandon the resolutions we take on this Lent.
The good news is that we need not be afraid to face this battle!
Instead, let us take refuge in the Immaculate Heart of Mary and follow the example of our Savior.
Each time the devil tempted Christ, the Lord responded by dispelling the attack with the power and truth of Scripture.
So while we fast, we must also pray!
When we pray the Rosary and reflect upon the lives of Jesus and Mary, we are given the wisdom and strength we need to see past any sinful illusions and to overcome the temptations we might face this Lent.
Therefore, through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, let us hear the call of Christ, echoed by Our Lady of Fatima.
Let us repent and believe in the Gospel!
In the Hearts of Jesus and Mary,
Christopher P. Wendt
International Director
Confraternity of Our Lady of Fatima
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