“Say what? What’s Paulcoholic mean, ‘Another chance to celebrate Lent!’ Doesn’t he know it’s August?”

Of course, I know! But Time is open to interpretation. For a number of years I have introduced to my blog readers something I discovered (I forgot the source) a few years before I started Sober Catholic in 2007; that is, the idea of a “Second Chance Lent.” You can read about it in this older post: Second Chance Lent

But basically, tomorrow is August 6th, the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord. It is the first day of this blessed opportunity for a Lenten “do-over.” Forty days later (Sundays are not counted) is the Feat of the Triumph (or Exaltation) of the Holy Cross. The Transfiguration is that Holy Day when Christ was ‘transfigured’ (glorified) on Mt. Tabor.

Both Feast days mark a beginning and ending of the Passion of Jesus.

Moses and Elijah spoke to Jesus during His Transfiguration of what was to happen to Him in Jerusalem. (He knew what was going to happen; the traditional interpretation of the event is that their appearance was like and ‘endorsement’ of the Old Law (Moses) and the Prophets (Elijah) of the new Law of grace established by Jesus.) The Triumph of the Cross is the victory of His Resurrection. The fact that these days were placed 40 days apart on the liturgical calendar affords us the opportunity to practice “another Lent.” We mark the season of His Passion, starting with the “spiritual courage” of the Transfiguration and culminating in His victory over sin and death by His Crucifixion and Resurrection.

Don’t miss this opportunity for spiritual development. This is an excellent time for prayer and introspection geared towards ridding oneself of character defects. Perhaps you can take your Catholic Bible and read daily from the four Gospels all of the accounts of the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Jesus. Just a few minutes each day. Even re-reading them can help you pull greater meaning from the passages. Read “Divine Mercy in My Soul: the Diary of St. Faustina Kowalsksa.” Learn and pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy.

How to pray The Chaplet of The Divine Mercy

How to get the Diary: Divine Mercy in My Soul: the Diary of St. Maria Faustina Kowalska

So, there you have it. Another period in which to get focused and grow closer to the Lord and His Mercy by way of the Church’s liturgical year. It’s wonderful that we Catholics have access to so many helps on the way to Heaven.

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