Lent started yesterday. It's my favorite church season - a season of penitence, even sorrow. Perhaps that is because, as Fr. Rocco said at mass, it is easy to be sorry. I am very much called by repentance; my affections are aroused when I express regret for my sins. According to Thomas a Kempis, author of Imitation of Christ, "A good man always finds enough subjects for mourning and weeping." Occasionally, I have wept over my transgressions; I hesitate to say that it feels good, but it definitely feels right. As Kempis recommends, I shall "Pray, therefore, humbly to Our Lord, that He may give thee a spirit of compunction, and say with the prophet, "Feed me, oh Lord, with the bread of tears and give me drink of tears in measure."(Ps. 79)"
I'll just have to make sure I don't get too caught up in sorrow and regret - it's most important to remember that there is forgiveness, hope, and joy in new life.

For lent, I gave up staying awake after midnight. I hope it turns out well. Kai is concerned that it will affect my schoolwork. So am I.