For Roman Catholics worldwide, they started observing Lent yesterday, which was Ash Wednesday.
However, a priest said that you don’t have to be Catholic, Anglican, Episcopal or any other denomination to observe Lent.
“The discipline of setting aside about six weeks to prepare for Easter will do your spirit, and probably your body, good,” the priest is quoted as having said.
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Pope Francis I said: “In our preparation for Easter, God in His providence offers us each year the season of Lent as a “sacramental sign of our conversion”.
“Lent summons us, and enables us, to come back to the Lord wholeheartedly and in every aspect of our life.”
The Pope also invited all non-Catholics who are disturbed by the increasing injustice, inertia and indifference in the world, to “join us in raising our plea to God in fasting and in offering whatever you can to our brothers and sisters in need.”
Lent is about “giving up” something.
For those observing Lent it can be refraining from indulging in their favourite food, consumption of alcohol and consuming yaqona, smoking, watching movies and so on.
A priest said: “But the “giving up” is hardly the main point. It’s almost beside the point. This practice should be similar to fasting. The purpose is not refraining, but reminding.
“Giving up” should serve two greater purposes: Every time you crave whatever you’re giving up, you are reminded of Jesus’ self-denying sacrifice for our salvation and our gratitude for the grace that redeems us.
“And if you’re giving up something of monetary value, you can save what you normally would spend and use it as a blessing to others.”
The priest added that “the emphasis of observing Lent should be private, just between you and God.
And, it should focus on enabling you to consider God’s love for the world, Jesus’ passionate sacrifice for our souls and our grateful response to divine love and mercy.
It might involve one or more actions. It should be sustained, daily and disciplined.”
For those observing Lent, be firm.
Happy Valentine’s Day
Yesterday, too, was Valentine’s Day.
Be reminded that no other day is as special to couples as Valentine's Day.
An author said: “This is a dedication to the boyfriends and husbands who take care of you when you were sick, give you a shoulder to cry on, encourage you to try something new, make you laugh when you are low and much more.”
On Valentine's Day, it is hoped you let your partner know how thankful you are that they are in your life
Valentine’s Day is associated with romance and love, the spirit is certainly not lost in Fiji where the romantics took time out to celebrate the occasion.
Wikipedia says Valentine's Day, also called Saint Valentine's Day or the Feast of Saint Valentine, is celebrated annually on February 14.
Valentine's Day is a time to let your dear ones know that you love them.
We hope this was the crux of your message to your loved ones.
