James (probably not one of the Twelve but still a leader in the early Church) advised that trials test faith and lead to perseverance in resisting temptation. He reminded people that God does not tempt us; our desires do. Recalling leftovers gathered up after the two miracles of loaves and fish, Jesus provided a reminder that nobody needed the hypocritical ideas fed to people by self-serving Pharisees and Herod. Saint Paul said plainly that we should serve as ambassadors for Christ. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, and Scripture challenges us to make the season meaningful. Penitential fasting, for instance, can go hand in hand with aiding the poor. Breaking one bad habit can help us avoid other obstacles that oppress the goodness within us. What weaknesses will we seek to rise above by Easter?