Called to Prayer and Penance

The spiritual man who has been thus illumined does not limp or leave the path, but bears all things. Glimpsing our true country from afar, he puts up with adversities; he is not saddened by the things of time, but finds his strength in God.

from a Sermon by John the Serene, from today's Office of Readings

I am watching EWTN Live this morning. The topic is abortion. the reference to not being saddened by the things of time struck a chord with me. lately I have been thinking that it is urgent to kick up the penitential aspect of my life several notches. I am so full of sorrow for all that we do to offend God, and to sin against Him. We need the help and healing that only repentance can bring. So many of us are so far from even realizing that we might remotely have a need to do that. The prayer and penance of those of us who do see the need are urgently required to help to bring this Light to those who so desperately need it.

The beautiful phot above is from Hoyasmeg's photos on Flickr. Light piercing the edicule through the dome of the Church of the Holy sepulchre.