Just as the Transfiguration doesn’t make as much sense without the preceding context of Jesus’ prediction of his passion, so Lenten discipline by itself only makes sense when we recall coming celebration of Easter.
There are some folks who are going though a real tough time right now. For them, the knowledge that God will make something good come out of this is huge for them.
Lent is hard. But let’s do a good job listening to the words of Jesus and know that if we do, he’ll take care of us.