There is a time for everything under heaven. Yesterday it rained within the environs of Ogoja. By implication, the dry season is gradually fading away. In the same way, the Church also moves through different liturgical seasons, each with its own purpose and grace.
The Church celebrates four main seasons: Advent, Christmas, Lent and Ordinary Time.
During Advent, we prepare for the Second Coming of Christ. Advent ushers us into the joyful celebration of Christmas, where we celebrate the birth of our Savior. After Christmas, we enter a short period of Ordinary Time Six weeks, and now we find ourselves in the holy season of Lent.
Lent is the season in which we celebrate and prepare for the Paschal Mystery, the suffering, death, and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. The Church presents readings that reflect this sacred season. It is a time to refrain from sin, to give alms, and to fast. In doing these, the Church calls us to be spiritually alive, to turn away from wickedness and embrace love.
The first reading invites us to open our hearts and recognize that we have offended God and our neighbors. God desires not merely external signs like wearing sackcloth, but true interior conversion. He calls us including the children seated here to turn away from sinful ways and embrace righteousness.
During this season, the Church invites us to reflect deeply on three important spiritual practices: Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving (Charity)
We are called to intensify our prayer life. It is through prayer that we overcome the challenges of life. Prayer strengthens our relationship with God and keeps us spiritually alert.
The Church encourages fasting, often through abstinence. But the best form of fasting is abstaining from sin and immorality. When we abstain from food, we discipline the body and strengthen the spirit so that it does not lead us away from God. True fasting also means detaching ourselves from material excess so that we may share with the poor. There is none of us who does not have something to give.
This period also calls us to offer good and charitable words. When we speak ill of others, we damage their dignity. Let our words build up, not destroy.
As our Lord teaches us “I was hungry and you gave me food.” Recently, Pope Francis encouraged us to be charitable even in our thoughts and words.
Charity is said to begins at home. Some of our homes are in chaos because we are not charitable in speech toward our husbands, wives, and children. We may not always have material things to give, but we can always give kind and loving words.
In the Gospel, Jesus teaches us not to fast like hypocrites. When we give alms, it should not be for public recognition. Those who seek public praise have already received their reward. Our acts of prayer, fasting, and charity must come from sincere hearts.
My prayer is that God, who has given us the grace to be among the living today, will grant us the strength to express kindness in all we do. May He help us to turn away from sin, embrace love, and live this season faithfully.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.