By Msgr. Charles Pope - A brief observation of the first two days in Lent reveals militaristic, even violent imagery in the battle against sin and the unruly passions of the flesh. The Collect (opening prayer) of Ash Wednesday provides an image of troops mustering for battle: Grant, O Lord, that we may begin with holy fasting this campaign of Christian service... so that, as we take up battle against spiritual evils, we may be armed with weapons of self-restraint.