Nicole and Beatrice find that between the two ends of indulging and full abstinence, there is also a middle way of being intentional and confronting the sources of our temptation head on. Maybe the desert isn't an escape or a place of isolation, but a place where we can journey with others in their specific struggles. When we align our suffering with that of Christ, we begin to see the purpose of our present suffering and to re-experience the deep love of God that He knows so intimately the condition of our human existence. Before we jump into our Lenten practices, let's stop for a moment to consider the intention behind our actions and examine how we are being led closer to the Cross.
