Angel at the door of Lent
The mercy of God lets us see him, standing on a paten. He holds a wondrous flower in his hand with many shining bells hanging from a single, strong stem. He says:
The flower shows you that you, too, are made of the material of the earth, and your soul shall blossom before the Lord in your whole (spiritual and physical) family. You must stand firm so that all can hold on to you. Your soul should be open to God so that you can always understand the people around you. Your foundation is God. His grace is the soil for your works.
Your will must come from your faithfulness. No virtue is as sensitive and vigilant as faithfulness, but no virtue demands as much willpower either. It must be able to be silent and yet love. It must be able to serve and yet always be cheerful. It must come from clear eyes and a brave heart. Just as the strong stem of the flower is full of life and strength and passes this life on to the blossoms, so your soul must always be nourished by the Tabernacle with the love of God and with His grace. When God sends you to the school of the Cross, be like a child who diligently fulfils his tasks and sets a good example for others. In your vigilance lies the measure of the righteousness of those who look to you. In your faithfulness lies your reward of love for eternity. Readiness for the Lord is preparation for the Lord.”