THE glitz and bliss of Christmas season—mostly due to gift shopping, party hopping, corporate incentives and fireworks—charm the Catholic faithful, especially the young, not as Lent does. But a bishop reminded the faithful that Lent—with its association to fasting, abstinence, alms-giving and sacrifice—is the most important season of the Church.
Legazpi Bishop Joel Baylon made the reminder as the commercialization of Christmas has swayed the faithful from observing Christmas more faithfully than they do during Lent.
“Lent is the most important season of the Catholic Church more than Christmas because it is Lent that leads to Easter, when we are reminded that Jesus sacrificed his life for our sins,” he said.
Baylon, who chairs the CBCP Episcopal Commission on Youth, said it is necessary to mend the faithful’s improper perspective about Lent vis-à-vis Christmas, especially among the youth.
The prelate urged the youth to see deeper values of life than caprice, leisure and comfort.
“Lent is an opportunity to know Jesus who was sent by the Father to be our savior. Fasting, alms giving and abstaining this Lent remind us of the great sacrifice that Christ did for human salvation,” he added.
Baylon advise the youth to allot time for prayer, self reflection and recollection.
“Give time for prayers, especially with the Scriptures. Read the Gospel or read the last part of the Gospel books as these describe the passion, death and resurrection of Christ,” he said.
“Also find time to be alone for self reflection or with a group in a quiet recollection. Assess where your lives are headed and the meaning behind it. Use Lent as an opportunity to see that there is more to life than earthly things,” he added. (YouthPinoy)
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