CAPG's Blog 

"She was a rich Roman lady. After the death of her husband, entering into a monastery, she was chosen abbess; and by her exemplary piety promoted all good. She had now sackcloth to succeed that rich attire, which she had worn in her conjugal state, and haircloth to take the place of her fine linen. The nights formerly wasted in entertainments, she now employs in prayer, and having been attended by many servants, she is now the servant of all. In this state of penance and humility, without any mixture of affectation, she lived till God called her to the possession of what she had sought. St. Jerome has recorded the virtues of this holy widow. He observes that in her austerities and good works, she carefully avoided all ostentation, lest she might receive her reward in this world, and not in the next. Now however she enjoys eternal rest for her short labour; she is received by choirs of angels, and cherished in Abraham's bosom.

The present season of Lent is a time of penance proper for following such an example. Look upon your sins, and see if justice does not demand it of you: there will be trouble in the practice; but this is one of those troubles, which will be turned into joy. Let this example be always before you. Take necessity for your rule, and keeping your eye upon it, come as near it as you can. Let it be before you at your table, in your clothing, sleeping, and diversions. You cannot depart many degrees from it, but with the danger of sin. To exceed in sleep is sloth and laziness; it has no great horror in its appearance, but is the forerunner of all evils. To exceed, or be nice in diet, is self-love and luxury; to exceed in dress, is pride and injustice, seeking honour for what deserves contempt. Think of this seriously, taking your measures not from the world, but from the Gospel; and you will soon find reason to retrench. Ask grace to follow the dictates of such reason. Look well to your own state; and as far as you see penance and forsaking any part of this world necessary for your amendment, resolve heartily upon undertaking it. Let no niceness or self-love link you to your sins, and hinder the effects of mercy. Who knows if you shall have another opportunity given you?" The Catholic Year by Rev. Fr. John Gother