Readings: Joel 2:12-18; 2Cor. 5:20-6:2; Matt. 6:1-6,16-18.

“Lent is the Season of Self-Purification and Spiritual Renewal.”

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

1.   Today, we begin the season of Lent, the special time set aside for proper self-examination, intense spiritual activities to ensure that we are steady in our Christian life or making progress in our spiritual journey; in building a good relationship with God and one another. Today we renew our commitments in keeping to the gospel values. As we step forward to receive the Ashes, they are placed on our foreheads alongside the wordings “Repent and believe the Gospels” or “You are dust and unto dust you shall return.” This tradition is meant to identify the faithful with Jesus Christ. In the Bible, ashes are a symbol of repentance and death. Thus, observing Ash Wednesday at the start of the Lenten season represents one's repentance from sin or readiness to be at right with God as well as recalling Jesus Christ's sacrificial death to set his followers free from sin and death.

2.   This is the Christian season of spiritual preparation before Easter. Lent, is a period essentially meant for fasting, intense prayer, repentance and arms-giving. Any other thing that adds value to Christian sentiments or way of life is recommended; such could be moderation, self-denial, and spiritual discipline in whatever form it may take. The purpose of the Lenten season is to set aside time for reflection on Jesus Christ—to consider his forty days fasting, his suffering and his sacrifice, his life, death, burial, and resurrection.

3.   Withdrawing into self and carrying out sacrifices for spiritual reasons had been the practice right from the Old Testament Time. The prophet Joel, in our first reading, presented a scene in which the trumpet is blown in Zion proclaiming a fast among all the people. Aware that this could but be an outward show with no inward disposition, the prophet warns: “Rend your hearts, not your garments, and return to the Lord, your God.”

4.   Firstly, it is recommended that we pray especially during this Season of Lent. On Fridays of Lent, in all our churches we will recite the Stations of the Cross. Do your best to be part of this paraliturgical exercise. As the Parish Pastor, I recommend that we attend daily Masses as a Lenten discipline. It would be good to recite the stations of the Cross as a family only if circumstances would not permit you to be part of the Communal recitation in the respective Churches. It would be missing out on an important event as a Christian on the recitation of the stations of the Cross entirely on each Friday during Lent.

5.   Secondly, fasting is obligatory today and on Good Friday; (it is recommended for the season of Lent when and where possible). As an obligation we fast twice a year, on Ash Wednesday and on Good Friday. In the Catholic or Christian understanding of fasting ‘it is eating to your satisfaction once a day’; it could be extended to not eating completely the whole day or there about. Strict observers of Lent do not eat meat (often opting for fish instead) and they do not drink alcohol on Fridays of Lent. Not only is fasting good for our spiritual growth, but it is also equally good for health reasons. ‘Fasting is medication’, nutritionists would say and recommend it to many people.

6.   Thirdly, almsgiving is recommended. The better result of fasting is when others benefit from it. When we fast from food and drinks and the proceeds are used for the poor or the needy, this is a lot worthwhile. The goal of these spiritual disciplines is to strengthen the faith of the observers and develop a closer relationship with God and one another. That is why with these recommendations you can still carry them out as external things without anything happening to your inner self. We are therefore very much encouraged to fast from sin, from all that is evil and all that leads us to evil. With these traditional recommendations, please:

-      Fast from hurting words - please practice the usage of kind words always.

-      Fast from sadness – be filled with gratitude even when you do not understand.

-      Fast from anger – be filled with patience.

-      Fast from despair and presumption – be filled with hope.

-      Fast from worries – trust in God.

-      Fast from complaints – contemplate simplicity.

-      Fast from pressures – calm down and be prayerful.

-      Fast from bitterness – filled your heart with joy and happiness.

-      Fast from selfishness -be compassionate, kindhearted and generous.

-      Fast from grudges – be reconciled, understanding and educative.

-      Fast from many words – listen, be quiet the more and reflect.

7.   If you would permit me, I will recommend seven Lenten resolutions to you. If we take them on board, this spiritual journey would indeed be a fruitful one at the end of the forty days. They are that we:

i) Build Love, together let us celebrate the Liturgy regularly.

ii) Commit yourself to Liturgical Fellowship (sacramental life) forever.

iii) Living together in total consideration and care of others.

iv) Be courteous and grateful in all situations.

v) Recognize your mistakes and apologize immediately.

vi) Do not expect perfection from others and

vii) Do not go to bed angry for whatever reason.

May this Season truly bestow on us the grace for which it is meant. To God be the glory and honor forever and ever. Amen.

Fr. Anthony D Lawir