On Lent

The special note of the paschal feast is this: the whole Church rejoices in the forgiveness of sins. Initially we are made new by the rebirth of baptism. Yet there is still required a daily renewal to repair the shortcomings of our mortal nature, and whatever degree of progress has been made there is no one who should not be more advanced. All must therefore strive to ensure that on the day of redemption no one may be found in the sins of the former life. Dear friends, what the Christian should be doing at all times should be done now [during Lent] with greater care and devotion, so that the Lenten fast enjoined by the apostles may be fulfilled, not simply by abstinence from food but above all by the renunciation of sin.

—Leo the Great, Sermon 6 for Lent