Fr German’s
message
GIVE ALMS, FAST AND PRAY
During Lent, the Church specifically invites us to share, to fast, and
to pray.
These three roads, offered to all Christians to prepare themselves to
experience the feast of Easter, permit us to progress in our relationship with
God, with ourselves, with our brothers and sisters, and with Creation.
We are relational men and women. Our entire life is built on, and
depends on, relationships that mold our personality and shape our way of life.
There are very different relationships in our life, and they are all
important for our personal stability. We can think of the relationship that a
fetus has with its mother and father, the relationship of the baby with the
family, the relationship of the child with those around him, the relationship
of the adolescent with himself, the relationship of the adult with others, the
relationship of the older person with his friends, the relationship of all men
and women with Creation and with God, who is present at the beginning, middle,
and end of our life.
Sharing helps us to become aware that we have received everything from
God, and that we should think of those around us and those that are in need.
Fasting invites us to discover what is important and essential for our
wellbeing. With fasting, we discern what is not necessary to avoid waste.
Fasting allows us to discover the real value of material things that Creation
gives us to respect them, protect them, and conserve them for future
generations.
Prayer is indispensable in life for all believers. We cannot advance in
faith if we do not take the time to listen to God’s voice and confide to him
our joys and sorrows. By prayer we receive the light of the Holy Spirit that
guides us and gives us God’s strength that helps us fight against all injustice
and against all suffering. How joyous it is to be able to share, fast, and pray
to purify our hearts to celebrate the feast of Easter in a Christian way.
May our sharing, fasting, and prayer help us, in this time of Lent, to
improve our relationships with our brothers and sisters, with ourselves, with
Creation, and with God.
Best wishes on the road to Easter.
Fr Germán March
23rd 2014