February 22, 2012
ASH WEDNESDAY
Jl 2,12-18 . 2Cor 5,20-6,2
Mt 6,1-6.16-18
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As the Church heralds the beginning of the Lenten Season, it listens intently to its Master's words, 'Take care not to perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them; otherwise, you will have no recompense from your heavenly Father.'
Throughout the year, we often encounter people (including ourselves) proclaiming their self-pity in front of the public. We see the 'taong-simbahan' perform his Church duties, and the 'manangs' act as the elders. But we ask ourselves, is this necessary?
WE ARE CALLED ALL THE MORE TO BE CHRISTIANS, not by names and titles, BUT IN WORDS AND DEEDS. Being a true Christian demands our total responsibility, not only as stewards to God's creation, but more as brothers and sisters who care for one another.
WE ARE CALLED TO FAST. Not only from the pleasures of food and drink, but most of all, from the pleasures of this world.
WE ARE CALLED TO GIVE ALMS. Let us show care for one another, let us love our neighbor and never dispute them.
WE ARE CALLED TO PRAY. Every endeavor is nothing without God's grace and guidance. He knows our needs, but we must learn how to be open to His fount of blessings.
Should we do it in public? Not necessary, for what's important is that God knows what sacrifice are we doing. What's important is that we faithfully do our penance, not out of fanaticism, but most of all, because of love, the same love that Jesus exhibited when he died on the Cross for us.
Throughout the year, we often encounter people (including ourselves) proclaiming their self-pity in front of the public. We see the 'taong-simbahan' perform his Church duties, and the 'manangs' act as the elders. But we ask ourselves, is this necessary?
WE ARE CALLED ALL THE MORE TO BE CHRISTIANS, not by names and titles, BUT IN WORDS AND DEEDS. Being a true Christian demands our total responsibility, not only as stewards to God's creation, but more as brothers and sisters who care for one another.
WE ARE CALLED TO FAST. Not only from the pleasures of food and drink, but most of all, from the pleasures of this world.
WE ARE CALLED TO GIVE ALMS. Let us show care for one another, let us love our neighbor and never dispute them.
WE ARE CALLED TO PRAY. Every endeavor is nothing without God's grace and guidance. He knows our needs, but we must learn how to be open to His fount of blessings.
Should we do it in public? Not necessary, for what's important is that God knows what sacrifice are we doing. What's important is that we faithfully do our penance, not out of fanaticism, but most of all, because of love, the same love that Jesus exhibited when he died on the Cross for us.
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