Lent is a solemn religious observance in the Catholic liturgical calendar that begins on Ash Wednesday and ends six weeks later, before Easter Sunday. The purpose of Lent is to prepare the believer through prayer, doing penance, repentance of sins, almsgiving, atonement, and self-denial.
This special season comes with its extraordinary supply of grace and endurance to withstand temptation. The season of Lent is as special as the season of Christmas.
‘Lent can be said to be a celebration of passing through suffering.’
“The Son of Man must suffer many things and be killed and after three days rise again” [Mark 8:31]
Sunday 5th of March’s homily by the chaplain, Rev. Fr. Wisdom Chikezie resounded aloud to the roofs of the church his zeal for parishioners to go for confession.
‘Temptations comes our way so we can be purified, tested and fit to be called a child of God’, said Fr. Wisdom.
Overcoming temptations in the clime we find ourselves in needs extra special perseverance because the external world has more influence over situations than we do. It is in relying on the absolute grace of God that wins us victories.
‘Jesus allowed the devil to tempt him so he can teach us humility.’
I too as a believer have gleaned from various scenarios that humility in times of turmoil, challenges and misunderstandings goes a long way in showing the other party your willingness to make peace.
“Blessed are the peace makers, they shall be called children of God” [Matthew 5:9]
How often do we rely on our ability to withstand temptation or solve a problem? How fast are we to recollect and let go so God can take full control?
Let us, we can, God willing.