Renunciation does not mean following one's own will, but following God's holy will, even though we find the latter very hard. Jesus, Mary, our dear mother, and all the saints lead us on the way of penance and suffering. Let us follow them. Penance is the salt with which we mortify vice and bring all virtues to life within us. It strengthens our spirit marvelously and procures for us heavenly consolations.
Penance is the wall around chastity and the citadel of sanctity.
Penance makes us invincible. Through penance we obtain for ourselves peaceful and refreshing sleep, we cure many illnesses, strengthen our health, and prolong our life. We often read the life of Jesus. His was a life full of voluntary, painful penance. Through lifelong penace we prepare for ourselves a peaceful and blessed death, a merciful judgment, a joyful resurrection, and a blissful eternity.