“In tribulation immediately draw near to God with confidence, and you will receive strength, enlightenment, and instruction.”

— St. John of the Cross

Penance doesn’t mean a thing if it’s not God’s Will. St. Teresa of Avila was so determined that she was going to do all these penance a one Lent. Well, she got into bed and was so sick everybody had to wait on her. She complained to the Lord, and He said to her. “That was your penance, but this is mine for you.”  We all have ideas of how we’re going to be holy and how we’re going to do penance. It’s amazing what we’ll do if it’s our will, but if it’s God’s Will we all scream.” ~ Mother Angelica