Dear Editor,
Christians begin the Season of Lent from Wednesday. This is an important time for Christians and also non-Christians, as many people associate Season of Lent to forgoing something such as meat, chocolate and so on.
Lent means ‘spring’; it is springtime where we are renewed and refreshed through the Lenten observances. We are washed clean so that we enter into paschal mysteries of Christ’s death and resurrection through Easter. The Latin based language use the word “Quaresma” for Lent, which simply means 40 days. After the baptism, Jesus was tempted and tried in the desert for 40 days and 40 nights whilst he was in prayer and fasting. Thus, the Church invites the faithful to reflect on one’s own life in order to be aware that we are also tempted in our everyday life. Temptation is part of human life, but how do we deal with it, is more important than dwelling on the issue of temptation.
The four pillars of Lent, prayer, penance, almsgiving and fasting help not only the people in need, but makes us empathize with the poor, in other words it makes us feel the pain of the needy; for instance, when we fast, we feel the hunger that a poor person goes through. These pillars help us to mend and to deepen our relationship with God. How am I going to observe these fourfold pillars? Jesus focuses on the aspect of humility in our Lenten observances. God knows our hearts and minds; therefore I need not showcase my Lenten observances. Hence Jesus’ words come true, those who humble themselves will be exalted and vice versa.
Pope Francis has asked the Church to fast and pray on Ash Wednesday for the peace in Ukraine and end to violence. This call for peace can be our priority as we pray for the innocent people in Ukraine. Let this Season of Lent bring reconciliation and peace in this world.
Sincerely,
Jerri Dias