Advance advice for Lent

The Church calendar does not celebrate today as Fat Tuesday, the day before Lent, but simply as Tuesday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time. Even so, today's first reading (Sirach 2:1-11) provides excellent advice for the long journey of Lent and indeed for the rest of our lives.

My son,
when you come to serve the LORD,
stand in justice and fear,
prepare yourself for trials.

Be sincere of heart and steadfast,
incline your ear
and receive the word of understanding,
undisturbed in time of adversity.

Wait on God,
with patience, cling to him,
forsake him not;
thus will you be wise in all your ways.

Accept whatever befalls you,
when sorrowful, be steadfast,
and in crushing misfortune be patient;
For in fire gold and silver are tested,
and worthy people in the crucible of humiliation.

Trust God and God will help you;
trust in him, and he will direct your way;
keep his fear and grow old therein.

You who fear the LORD, wait for his mercy,
turn not away lest you fall.

You who fear the LORD, trust him,
and your reward will not be lost.

You who fear the LORD, hope for good things,
for lasting joy and mercy.

You who fear the LORD, love him,
and your hearts will be enlightened.

Study the generations long past and understand;
has anyone hoped in the LORD
and been disappointed?
Has anyone persevered in his commandments
and been forsaken?
has anyone called upon him
and been rebuffed?

Compassionate and merciful is the LORD;
he forgives sins,
he saves in time of trouble
and he is a protector
to all who seek him in truth.