Christians have yet again been reminded to deeply reflect on their spiritual fitness as they start lent.
The call, was made by Rev.Fr.Titus Winyi, the Parish Priest Virika, while delivering homily to the Congregants of evening Mass at the cathedral on Ash Wednesday.
Ash Wednesday, also marks the start of the 40 days of fasting, when ashes are applied to the worshipers’ foreheads in the shape of the cross symbolizing the crucifixion of Jesus.
In Fr.Winyi’s homily, he asked believers to consider reflection of their relationship with God basing on three key aspects of Prayer,Fasting and alms giving.
Fr.Winyi on Lent
Why Fast?
Fr. Winyi, further explained that the fasting should be done with clear and specific intentions, and that Christians must fast from what their bodies want most , so as to share on the pain and agony of Jesus Christ in the Wilderness.
Although the fasting rules are usually observed on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, some Catholics practice them throughout the entire Lenten period.
Christians speak out
Rebecca Tugume, a Student at King of Kings College who attended the same Mass, lauded schools that host such important days in their premises, saying the practice increases spirituality and respect for religion.
Tugume, further explained that during this season, students at their school fast in various ways including laying on Mats instead of beds, dry fasting, resistance from certain foods and sharing their possessions with the poor.
In some religions however, some Christians give up a bad habit such as smoking, drinking, Watching TV, Swearing, a food or a drink.
Pope’s message for lent 2023
In the holy father’s message to the Season, Pope Francis emphasizes the four statements;
- “Lent is a time of grace to the extent that we listen to him as he speaks to us. And how does he speak to us? First, in the word of God, which the Church offers us in the liturgy. May that word not fall on deaf ears”.
- “Lent leads to Easter: the “retreat” is not an end in itself, but a means of preparing us to experience the Lord’s passion and cross with faith, hope and love, and thus to arrive at the resurrection”.
- “While our ordinary commitments compel us to remain in our usual places and our often repetitive and sometimes boring routines, during Lent we are invited to ascend “a high mountain” in the company of Jesus and to live a particular experience of spiritual discipline – ascesis – as God’s holy people”.
- “Lenten penance is a commitment, sustained by grace, to overcoming our lack of faith and our resistance to following Jesus on the way of the cross”.
Dear brothers and sisters, may the Holy Spirit sustain us this #Lent2023 in our ascent with Jesus. May we experience His divine splendour and thus, confirmed in faith, persevere in our journey with Him, the glory of His people and light of the nations.https://t.co/qCYq2VUYft
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) February 22, 2023
