PODCAST | Lent: A Time for Conversion
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“Now is the day of salvation, now is an acceptable time… For what?”
As we begin the holy season of Lent, Fr. Javier del Castillo reflects on the readings for Ash Wednesday which remind us once again that now is the time for conversion — Lent is a time for conversion. Our Lord gives us an entire season of the liturgical year to turn back to Him, to be reconciled to God, to purify ourselves, and to identify ourselves with God’s suffering.
Our conversion does not have to be big and showy. In fact, Fr. Javier explains how simple acts of penance — like offering up our food and drink, setting a time for prayer, and participating in works of mercy — allow us to identify ourselves with Jesus Christ on the Cross and to bring about deeper conversions. He also explains how the Lenten practices of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving are ultimately participation in the life and mission of Jesus Christ that help us in our earthly life toward the goal of eternal salvation.
Rev. Javier del Castillo
Fr. Javier del Castillo is a priest of the Prelature of Opus Dei. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering and a Doctorate in Philosophy. He currently carries out his pastoral ministry in New York and is President of the St. Josemaria Institute.
