Each year Lent is a time for renewal. It could be renewal in the sense of abstinence both of hunger and temperament action or simply self-renewal. However, it could mean beyond that. Lent derives from a Greek word, metanoia which connotes a change of minds and heart. As we celebrate the season of Lent (to all Catholics), let us always remember the poor and the needy. Ultimately, this is spiritual renewal as well and helps us grow closer to our Lord who tells us that if we wish to love Him, we must express that love as love for the least of our brothers and sisters.
Listening to the news-locally, nationally, globally- is a beginning. Who appears to be suffering? Who seems to be tremendously burdened? Nevertheless, not all poor are in the news, but a sensitive scan of the news is a place to start. Or, without our realization, all these while those who are in need are just around us. Lend them a hand this Lent season. It could be in any form, prayers or almsgiving (could be in any form affordable). Remember that more than 800 million people who go to bed hungry each night.
According to HERALD, we tend not to think of the poor very much because to do so can render us sad or feeling “unable to cry”. But if we use a time like Lent to try to reflect upon the situation of the poor near us and around the world, then the world will help us come to know God’s special love for them. In this reflection we will discover God’s love for us because we will experience solidarity with the poor. We can become aware of how narrow our concerns are or how self-centered we have become. Reflection upon the situation of the poor will draw us closer to them, helping us understand the mystery of radical dependence on God. Ultimately, our closeness with the poor during Lent will make us more “Christ-like” for He is the one who became completely one to us.
Hence, let us dedicate ourselves to the ways that He wants us to be especially during this Lent season.
Listening to the news-locally, nationally, globally- is a beginning. Who appears to be suffering? Who seems to be tremendously burdened? Nevertheless, not all poor are in the news, but a sensitive scan of the news is a place to start. Or, without our realization, all these while those who are in need are just around us. Lend them a hand this Lent season. It could be in any form, prayers or almsgiving (could be in any form affordable). Remember that more than 800 million people who go to bed hungry each night.
According to HERALD, we tend not to think of the poor very much because to do so can render us sad or feeling “unable to cry”. But if we use a time like Lent to try to reflect upon the situation of the poor near us and around the world, then the world will help us come to know God’s special love for them. In this reflection we will discover God’s love for us because we will experience solidarity with the poor. We can become aware of how narrow our concerns are or how self-centered we have become. Reflection upon the situation of the poor will draw us closer to them, helping us understand the mystery of radical dependence on God. Ultimately, our closeness with the poor during Lent will make us more “Christ-like” for He is the one who became completely one to us.
Hence, let us dedicate ourselves to the ways that He wants us to be especially during this Lent season.
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