 "Self-denial helps a person overcome both psychological and physical weakness, gives him energy, helps him grow in virtue and ultimately leads to salvation.It conquers the insidious demons of softness, pessimism and lukewarm faith that dominate the lives of so many today" ("Crisis magazine" July/August 2005).Some theologians explain that the redemptive value of pain makes pain lovable in its effects, even though by itself it is not.