It is a time to draw closer to God through prayer, fasting, and acts of charity.
Throughout history, many saints have shared profound insights and words of wisdom that continue to inspire and guide believers during the Lenten season.
Here are 10 Lenten quotes by 10 saints to help you on your spiritual journey:
St. Augustine of Hippo (354-430 AD): "Fasting cleanses the soul, raises the mind, subjects one’s flesh to the spirit, renders the heart contrite and humble, scatters the clouds of concupiscence, quenches the fire of lust, and kindles the true light of chastity."
St. Teresa of Avila (1515-1582): "Let us not imagine that we obscure the glory of the Son by the great praise we lavish on the Mother; for the more she is honoured, the greater is the glory of her Son."
St. Francis of Assisi (1181-1226): "It is in pardoning that we are pardoned; it is in giving that we receive; and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life."
St. Therese of Lisieux (1873-1897): "Miss no single opportunity of making some small sacrifice, here by a smiling look, there by a kindly word; always doing the smallest right and doing it all for love."
St. John Chrysostom (349-407 AD): "No act of virtue can be great if it is not followed by advantage for others. So, no matter how much time you spend fasting, no matter how much you sleep on a hard floor and eat ashes and sigh continually, if you do no good to others, you do nothing great."
St. Catherine of Siena (1347-1380): "All the way to heaven is heaven, because Jesus said, 'I am the way.'"
St. Ignatius of Loyola (1491-1556): "Act as if everything depended on you; trust as if everything depended on God."
St. Padre Pio (1887-1968): "Pray, hope, and don't worry. Worry is useless. God is merciful and will hear your prayer."
St. Teresa of Calcutta (1910-1997): "I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples."
St. John Paul II (1920-2005): "Do not be afraid. Do not be satisfied with mediocrity. Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch."
These Lenten quotes by saints offer timeless wisdom and insight into the spiritual practices of fasting, prayer, almsgiving, and self-reflection that are central to the Lenten season.
They remind us of the importance of humility, love, forgiveness, and trust in God's providence as we journey towards Easter.
As we meditate on these words of the saints during Lent, may we be inspired to deepen our relationship with God, grow in holiness, and strive to live out our faith more fully in our daily lives.
Let these quotes serve as a source of encouragement, guidance, and hope as we seek to embrace the spirit of Lent and draw closer to the heart of Christ.
In the words of St. Augustine, "Our hearts are restless until they rest in you, O Lord."
May this Lenten season be a time of spiritual renewal, transformation, and grace as we seek to encounter the love and mercy of God in a deeper way.