INTRODUCTION
If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my presence and turn from their wicked ways, then I will listen from heaven and forgive their sins and restore their country. 2 Chronicles 7:14
Lent is a time of penance and conversion, a time for serious prayers. A time we prepare ourselves both physically and spiritually. May our efforts during these forty days journey with the Lord never be wasted.
FASTING
: It means reduction of food and drinks intake. We are to eat a moderate or normal meal for a day. But we must not only fast from edible, we can equally fast from our sinful ways. We can:
Fast from judging others.
Fast from anger, fill yourself with patience.
Fast from bitterness, fill your heart with forgiveness.
Fast from being discontented, fill your heart with gratitude.
Fast from useless worries, fill yourself with trust in God.
Fast from complaining, fill yourself with esteem.
Fast from hurtful feelings and words, fill yourself with phrases that heal.
Fast from everything that separates you from God.
HOW TO START FASTING
: Gradual process, start in a little way.
: Take it gentle, keep it simple.
: Make it moderate, so it doesn't affect you or others.
: Make it confidential, between you and God. Do not blow the trumpet.
: Make a plan for your fast.
IMPORTANCE OF FASTING
: According to St. Augustine, “fasting cleanses the soul, raises the mind, subjects one's flesh to the spirit, renders the heart contrite and humble, scatters the clouds of concupiscence, quenches the fire of lust and kindles the true light of chastity".
: Fasting helps one to be spiritually alert and also enables the Holy Spirit to reveal spiritual messages.
: St. Ambrose also says, “ fasting is the death of sin, the destruction of our crimes and the remedy of our salvation”.
: “Fasting and sackcloth are the arms of penance, the help of sinners “{St. Jerome}
: “No one fasts for human praise, but for the pardon of his sins”. Says St. Augustine.
BIBLE QUOTATIONS ABOUT FASTING.
_ King David said, “ I humbled myself by fasting. Psalm 35:13
_For spiritual growth. Matthew 6:16-18
_Fasting to be humble. Ezra 8: 21-23
_Fasting to seek God's will or direction Exodus 34:28
E.t.c
Now let us talk about the second one.
PRAYER
: It is a deliberate communication, a supplication or intercession between you and God. According to St. Theresa of Avila , she says,” prayer is to realize how much it means to you to have God's friendship and how much He loves you “ In prayer we can find the true light of Christ, more grace, strength, virtues and knowledge.
NOTE : Before jumping into your request, these are the four steps by which you should follow or pass through.
: Prayer of Adoration, you are to adore and glorify His name, for He deserves all praises and glory.
: Prayer of Contrition, Here you are to confess your sins to Him, ask for His forgiveness. Feel remorse for your sins.
: Prayer of Thanksgiving, thank Him for His wonders in your life and family. Appreciate His love, thank Him for His protection and providence. etc
: Prayer of Intercession/ Petition: Now you are free to place your humble request.
Some of us don't know the benefits of prayer, and that's why we do allow ourselves to be tormented by the devil. Because we relax and rely on others' prayers . Instead of opening our hearts and mouths to pray. So here are the benefits of prayer:
. It makes us more like Christ.
. It enlightens us about spiritual/ heavenly things
. It allows us to have interior peace and joy.
. It humbles the proud.
. It makes you willing and ready in following Christ's ways.
. It brings us closer to God our Father. etc.
But unfortunately some of us pray only when we're in difficulties. We are to keep communicating with our Father in heaven season and out of season. Both in bad and good times.
Now, let us talk about the third one.
ALMSGIVING
According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church 2462, it considered almsgiving as “a witness to fraternal charity” and " a work of justice pleasing to God.” It is an act of donating or a charity given to the less privileged. It must be voluntarily, not giving to gain, or giving with grudges. Do not give to be praised or gain favor. Because some of us prefer exchanging our gifts with the rich who have enough, instead of giving to the poor who don't have. And you will see others making a show of their gifts. Some prefer giving in public for everyone to see, even when they give you in secret, they go around to broadcast what they have offered, what a shame.
Romans 12:20
And more: If your enemy is hungry, give him something to eat; if thirsty, something to drink. By this, you will be heaping red-hot coals on his head.
Ephesians 4:32
Be generous to one another, sympathetic, forgiving each other as readily as God forgave you in Christ.
If we can enter the church day and night and implore God to hear our prayers, how careful we should be to hear and grant the petitions of our neighbor in need.”
– St Francis of Assisi
In case you are not aware, charity washes away our iniquities. Remember, God loves a cheerful giver, give from your heart without expecting human praises, and see what will be done to you by God.
In conclusion, I want to remind you once again that this is a season of repentance, a season of penance, a season of interior renewal. May God bless us all as we journey wit
h Him in these forty days FASTING, PRAYER AND ALMSGIVING. Peace be with us.
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