<p>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 entails a lively battle against our self-centeredness.   Lent is a great time to wage this battle. <br/><br/><a href='https://comeawaybyyourselves.com'>https://comeawaybyyourselves.com</a>  </p>

Lent - Day 5

"Come away by yourselves to a secluded place and rest a while."  These words of Jesus Christ are an invitation to personal and intimate prayer.  The meditations offered in this podcast are intended to help the listener enter into his own prayerful relationship with God.  By reflecting on scenes from the Gospel, on other passages from Scripture, and on the insights of saints and spiritual writers, we can strengthen our faith in Jesus and our love for God.  In the Gospel of John, Jesus says, "I have called you my friends."  By regular meditation and dialogue with Our Lord in prayer, our life can be transformed into an ever deepening and loving friendship with God.