Real Change Real change starts with humility. In the Bible, ashes symbolize humility and repentance. We smear our foreheads with ashes to remind ourselves that we are nothing if we are separated from the Lord because of sin. We are ashes but the Lord alone can bring back the fire in our hearts Real change is supported by fasting and abstinence (mandatory on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday; while any sacrifice is encouraged on all Fridays). Fasting means, above all, avoiding too much food and depriving ourselves of comfort. Abstinence impels us to avoid meat and other delightful fare. Fasting and abstinence help our souls because we have become too addicted to many things in today’s milieu – eating, texting, television, internet, gimmicks, vices, recreation. Real change grows with almsgiving. Jesus calls us to grow in His likeness by opening our hearts in charity. We must be ready to embrace real acts of charity. We do not believe in giving away scraps. We do not believe in dole-outs that do not help others grow but only inspire them to be lazy and dependent. Charity is life-giving and life-changing for others. When we give, we must want to become part of a real transformation in our brothers and sisters. Most of all, real change comes through prayer. There are so many prayer opportunities during Lent. We have our processions and Stations of the Cross. We have meaningful Masses, recollections, and Bible studies. Most specially, we have the sacrament of Reconciliation. Jesus is waiting for us to unload our sins and begin a new life in Him. (Fr. Ramil Marcos / I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS - reflection to Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18)
Posted on: Wed, 05 Mar 2014 03:43:58 +0000
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