Yesterday, we had a mass at the office to officiate the start of Lent. The celebrating priest was Father Alberto Guava, a missionary priest from Dominican Republic. In short, he was not Filipino but has accepted and learned how to be a Filipino already. He has already spent 4 years living here in the Philippines.
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Basically, the image above tells exactly what Ash Wednesday means to Catholics which I am too.
My favorite part of the mass is always the homily because this is where we relate the gospel to our own lives. It is where the priests explains the gospel on a present day situation and during this mass, I really loved how Father Alberto talked about the gospel. He mentioned that this is the time where we should open our hearts to the Lord as he is the Way and the Light. I am not a religious person but my faith is rock solid. I was moved by his words and his stories that God really provides and for me that was unquestionable. Me myself is a believer and evidence from it. There so many times that I have proven that God really provides not to mention receiving help from the good samaritans of this platform who helped me with my Mom's eye surgery.
There are also some beliefs that go with the start of Lent we Filipinos do like fasting. From the start of Lent or Ash Wednesday, you will start to do some sacrifices such as not eating any meat. But others follow this just every Friday until Good Friday. Some literally dont eat all kinds of meat while others prefer to omit only pork.
This Lenten season is the perfect time reflect on your daily routine.
Be thankful and be humble of what you have.
Do not boast.
Admit your sins and repent.
