POUR OUT A SPIRIT OF KINDNESS

“Rejoice and be glad. The Lord is risen, indeed! Alleluia!” This good news is received early on Sunday morning, and the entire church resounds with this proclamation. This Sunday is not like any other; it is an extraordinary day when we celebrate the joy of our true faith that the Lord has truly risen. We become an Easter community, and “Alleluia” is our song!

 

We began our Lenten journey on 14 February 2024, with Ash Wednesday coinciding with Valentine’s Day. The Lenten and Holy Week observances will end with Easter on 31 March 2024, just a day before April Fool’s Day. 

 

Despite the heat wave, we have remained committed to our Lenten practices of fasting, almsgiving and prayer. These observances have helped us strengthen our faith, traditions and beliefs. Our steadfastness has renewed our faith and prepared us to come together as a parish family to celebrate Christ’s victory. 

 

We are grateful to our church for guiding us - through daily readings, prayers, formations, activities and various spiritual celebrations. We recognise that to grow closer to Jesus Christ, we must discipline ourselves in every aspect of our spiritual life. This meaningful Lenten season has had a positive impact on our faith and way of life. Let's not diminish the efforts we have made to strengthen our personal faith, and the faith of our community.

 

When it comes to Easter, what should we do? Throughout Lent, we have been dedicated and committed to our spiritual practices. However, our efforts should not end here. As we rejoice in the celebration of Easter, we must continue to strengthen our Christian faith by maintaining a spirit of kindness and prayer at all times, in every season. As the Prophet Zechariah said, “I will pour out a spirit of kindness and prayer over the House of David and the citizens of Jerusalem” (Zec 12:10). The Lord will always continue to pour out His good spirit upon us, allowing us to experience a community filled with the spirit. Therefore, we should continue striving for personal improvement and cultivating good dispositions in our lives.

 

As a priest, I always look forward to Lent and Easter, as they are my favourite celebrations of the year. Lent allows me to connect with my parishioners during the 40-day period of preparation. Through self-denial and self-discipline for Easter, we work together on rebuilding our personal spiritual commitment. The Easter season lasts for fifty days, allowing us to refresh our spiritual fruits and gifts, leading to the celebration of the Lord's Ascension and the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.

 

Numerous signs and symbols emerge, each with its own meaning, helping me understand the knowledge of salvation and Jesus' presence through them. Additionally, all the readings that occur during this time are fitting for spiritual preparation and the celebration of the Sacraments – allowing me to live in peace with all men and to be holy (Heb 12:14)

WISHING YOU A PEACEFUL AND JOYOUS EASTER WITH YOUR LOVED ONES. 

MAY GOD'S BLESSINGS BE UPON ALL OF YOU.