A New Man- Set the Captives Free IV

Let us consider Older Pieties and mortifications that helped to mold the believer into expanding their minds in conformity with Christ.

VI. 3 Basic Forms of Penance, alms giving, fasting
Penance= a denial of something that helps to extinguish sin. Positive would be reading of Sacred Scriptures. As a wife I will revere and obey my husband as head of the family. I will not criticize him to others, (“Wives, be subject to your husbands, as it behoveth in the Lord.” Colossians 3:18; cf. Ephesians 5:22-24.) Not a toleration of abuse

Alms giving= taking the trouble to make sure your tithe and offerings are going to the intended recipients. Ask the pastor and get a second confirmation. Be wise as serpents and gentle as doves.

Fasting= is a reminder that all of our sustenance comes from the merciful hand of the Lord. We are not masters but humble servants. This posture of receptivity fuels expression in our penance (humility) and alms giving (compassion to our neighbor).

Is 58:6-7 “Is not this the fast that I choose:
to loose the bonds of wickedness,
to undo the thongs of the yoke,
to let the oppressed go free,
and to break every yoke?
7 Is it not to share your bread with the hungry,
and bring the homeless poor into your house;
when you see the naked, to cover him,
and not to hide yourself from your own flesh?

Lying fallow underground for many years to give new birth. Church ever ancient ever new. Dorothy Wizard of Oz always could go home. Dorothy needed a journey to know, like Lent.

Self renewal, renovation work of grace & Holy Spirit bring about new birth, new creation, new man. Lord will not force. We must cooperate.

Lost in journey, go back to know where we were. Novelty, no peace, constant search for novelty never fulfilling.

Gregorian chant top of the charts, something of the music spoke to soul of a jaded culture. Young adults interest in Latin Mass. Otherness. This Lenten time, daughter preparation of Confirmation. Moral law. American what can I get away with, push envelope to furthest. Moral law is the minimum, sufficient. Ridiculous legalism. 2 meals that don’t equal 1. How do we know? Is it calorie count? It is the minimum. When is penance transforms into love, not a minimum.

Fr. Kloster, “everyone can fast”. Favorite foods, lesser of something, etc….