40 Days, 40 Ways Quotes

“The fullness of truth, the fullness of life, the fullness of grace deserves our full attention. Jesus really cannot be merely a part of our life; he must be the center of our life. This doesn’t mean that our life can’t be full of activities. But unless we preserve some quiet time each day to sit at his feet as did Mary, our action will become distraction, and we’ll be as snappy and unhappy as Martha.”
― Marcellino D'Ambrosio, 40 Days, 40 Ways: A New Look at Lent

“The major world religions have been around for a long time. Most believe in one God. All teach the gist of the Ten Commandments. But in a few respects, Christianity is absolutely unique. That the supreme Being is not just “King of the Universe” or “Master” but “Father.” That he desires a close, familiar relationship with us—this you don’t find anywhere outside the teaching of Jesus.”
― Marcellino D'Ambrosio, 40 Days, 40 Ways: A New Look at Lent

“Sloth is a sneaky sin that quietly creeps into the lives of people, even religious ones, and gradually chokes out true spirituality. It diverts our attention from the things of heaven to a myriad of other things until we find ourselves bored with God, making only routine and mechanical efforts to “fulfill our Sunday obligation.” There is no passion, no zeal, no desire. Just lots of excuses.”
― Marcellino D'Ambrosio, 40 Days, 40 Ways: A New Look at Lent

“God appears to want us to bug him. And keep bugging him. Why? Maybe because he’d rather we look to him for assistance than to the idols of this age. Perhaps because he knows that asking for help strengthens the virtue of humility in us since it is an admission that we are not in total control of the universe and just might need him.”
― Marcellino D'Ambrosio, 40 Days, 40 Ways: A New Look at Lent

“The Word of God in the liturgy is like a double-edged sword (see Hebrews 4:12) that penetrates deep, challenging us, healing our wounds, enlightening our minds, directing our steps.”
― Marcellino D'Ambrosio, 40 Days, 40 Ways: A New Look at Lent