Lent — an opportunity or a burden?

Mar 28, 2014

TAWAU(Herald Malaysia): Reflecting on the meaning of Lent, some say it is a season of fasting and abstinence, some accept it as an ordinary moment whereas others think it is the time to discern and struggle to be a better individual.

Continuous formation in gathering spiritual food seems to be the perfect way to understand more deeply the meaning of Lent. Acknowledging this need, another recollection was held on March 15 for members of the Parish Liturgical Committee, facilitators of the Children’s Liturgy of the Word and lectors and commentators. Some 40 participants attended the session.

The session began with Holy Mass in the chapel at 9.00am presided over by Fr David A. Garaman. In his reflection during homily, he said, “Lent is a time for us to be more aware of our spiritual needs and deny the demand of earthly desire. It is a time of repentance. Continue to be perfect children of God. Such intention and action requires self-discipline and perseverance. However, once we have overcome our weakness, then we will know that Lent indeed is an opportunity for each one of us to grow closer and be reconciled with our Lord.”

He continued saying that the Lenten season is always an opportunity and never a burden. It is an opportune and wonderful moment given by the Church for us to value the gift of the sacrament of reconciliation in our faith journey.

 In winding up the session, Fr David stressed on the following:
-- Lent is a time for repentance and fasting to recall and discern on the suffering of Jesus our Saviour so that all can participate in His resurrection
--A time of prayer and meditation by spending time with the Lord through His Word of Life - the Sacred Scripture
-- A time to deny ourselves our earthly desires and endeavour more to fulfil our spiritual thirst.

Lent is an opportunity for us to ensure that our lives are right with God through repentance of self and forgiveness of others. This will open the door for us to turn to God and to see things in a different light. God is always forgiving and abounding in love so that we will open our hearts to change for the better as we are precious in the eyes of God.

The session ended at 12noon.