The WORD in other words (2018) by Fr Jay Baliao SVD – Timor Leste (East Timor)
Friday 2nd Week of Lent
As we once again enter the Lenten Season, we are called to intensify our prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.
Pope Francis says, “I distrust a charity that costs nothing and does not hurt. Whenever our interior life becomes caught up in its own interests and concerns, there is no longer room for others, no place for the poor. God’s voice is no longer heard, the quiet joy of his love is no longer felt, and the desire to do good fades.” He deplores the attitude which he labels the “globalization of indifference”.
We may say that “globalization of indifference” already existed during the time of Jesus as depicted in the lives of the Pharisees and Scribes. Their self-gratifying attitudes led them to tragically miss recognizing the Lord of the Sabbath Himself in the person of Jesus.
A popular question we ask these days is: “What are you going to give up this Lenten Season?” For the body’s sake, one may give up sweets, carbohydrates, cigars or alcohol; but if you want a change of heart, a more serious fasting is needed.
A “fasting” from pride and to reach out to those we’ve marginalized; more quality time listening to God in prayer; almsgiving that calls us to meet the poor in person. In the end, our “fast” (self-giving and denial) brings more room in our lives for love and compassion, freely given even if it hurts. Thus, in our self-giving and self-denial, our neighbor experiences new hope and new life.
When we understand this calling, when we imbibe and integrate this mission in our everyday lives, we can understand what it means “to celebrate life.” May this Lenten Season allow us to become better persons than before!
