As we enter the sacred season of Lent, we are reminded of Jesus’ response to the disciples of John when they asked why His disciples did not fast: “Then the disciples of John came to Him, saying, ‘Why do we and the Pharisees fast often, but Your disciples do not fast?’ And Jesus said to them, ‘Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast.’” (Matthew 9:14-15) Lent is traditionally a time of fasting, prayer, and almsgiving—a season of drawing closer to Christ by letting go of distractions. But beyond fasting from food, what else might the Lord be calling us to fast from in this Lent of 2025? 1. Fasting from Negativity We live in a world saturated with criticism, fear, and doubt. Lent is a time to fast from negativity—complaints, gossip, and discouragement. Instead, let’s embrace words of encouragement and gratitude, spreading hope in a world that desperately need...
Today, we reflect on one of the most powerful parables Jesus ever told—the story of the Prodigal Son . It is not just a story about a wayward son; it is our story . Each of us, at some point, has wandered away from God in different ways. This parable reveals the journey of conversion , and through it, we will reflect on four key steps: Realization – recognizing our sin. Renunciation – turning away from sin. Repentance – a sincere change of heart. Restoration – returning to God’s love. Let us open our hearts and allow God to speak to us today. 1. Realization: Recognizing Our Sin (Pehchaan’na) The story begins with a young man demanding his inheritance from his father and leaving for a distant land. He lives recklessly, spending everything on worldly pleasures. But soon, a famine strikes, and he finds himself starving, lost, and empty . Luke 15:17 says, “When he came to his senses…” —this is the turning point. He realizes the gravity of his mistakes. Many...
Today, we gather at the threshold of Lent, a season of grace and renewal. The ashes we receive on our foreheads are not merely a ritual but a profound sign of our need for repentance and our longing for God’s mercy. The prophet Joel calls out to us in the first reading: "Return to me with all your heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning." (Joel 2:12) This is a call not just to an outward observance but to an interior conversion, a transformation of the heart. A wise old monk once told a young novice struggling with his spiritual life, "If you wish to fill a jar with fresh water, you must first empty it of all impurities." Lent is our time to empty ourselves of all that distances us from God. It is a time to renew our relationship with Him, to cleanse our hearts through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, as Jesus teaches in today’s Gospel (Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18). Many years ago, I met a man who had drifted far from the Church. He was successful, wealthy, but restless...
Comments
Post a Comment