All About the Lent

The word Lenten is derived from the Latin word Quadragesima which is traditionally described as lasting for forty days, according to the Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke. Jesus spent fasting in the desert before the beginning of his public ministry where he endured temptation by Satan.  

The observance of Lent started on Ash Wednesday which we observed by fasting, abstinence from meat and repentance - a day of contemplating one’s transgressions.  Ashes were used in ancient times to express mourning. According to the book of 1 Maccabees 3:47 - "That day they fasted and wore sackcloth; they sprinkled ashes on their heads and tore their clothes"  Ezekiel 9  - also speaks of a linen-clad messenger marking the forehead of the city inhabitants that have sorrow over the sins of the people. All those without the mark are destroyed.

The traditional purpose of Lent is the preparation of the believer through prayers, penance, repentance, almsgiving and self-denial. It’s institutional purpose is heightened in the annual commemoration of the HOLY WEEK, marking death and resurrection of Jesus which recalls the events of the Passion of Christ on Good Friday, which then culminates in the celebration on Easter Sunday of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Palm Sunday “Entry of the Lord into Jerusalem” marks the beginning of the HOLY WEEK. This triumphal entry into Jerusalem was mentioned in all four canonical Gospels of Mark (Mark 11:1-11), Matthew (21:1-11), Luke (Luke 19:28-44) and John (John 12:12-19). It is marked by the distribution of palm leaves (often tied into crosses) to the assembled faithful.

It is another year that the Philippine Center for Padre Pio marked another memorable event of the Holy Week. It was a celebration of great awe, love and passion to our savior Jesus Christ. People from different walks of life came to visit and shared their weary, sweat and tears with Christ’s passion on the cross. Enduring the heat of the sun people are waiting, falling in line to bear witnesses of Christ loving cross – His passion on the cross.

Few Faithful who were the first time to see the beautiful sanctuary of St. Padre Pio were astonished with piety as they have experienced and felt solemnity. 

“When I was inside the Station of Cross, I felt the sorrow and agony of Jesus as he was carrying his cross. I was in tears when the blessed Mother Mary wiped his son’s blood” – Pierre Cabahug 

“The holiness of the place is properly observed and proper dress is strictly implemented. I felt the holiness in me as I am journeying my life with the Lord Jesus Christ”. – Jamie Vianzon

 The death of Jesus on the cross was the fruit of obedience and love for mankind. The son of God has to suffer for us as a remedy for our sins and as an example of how we should act.  The passion of Christ completely suffices to fashion our lives. Whoever wishes to live perfectly should do nothing but disdain what Christ disdained on the cross and desire what Jesus Christ desired, for the cross exemplifies virtue. 

 If we seek an example of Love – Greater love than this no man has than to lay down his life for his friends such a man on the cross. If we seek patience – we will find no better example than the cross. Great patience occurs either when one patiently suffers much or when one suffers things which one is able to avoid and yet does not avoid. Our savior Jesus Christ endured much on the cross, and did so patiently, because when he suffered he did not threaten; he was led like a sheep to the slaughter and he did not open his mouth. In patience let us run for the prize set before us, looking upon Jesus, the author of perfecter of our faith who for the joy set before him, bore his cross and despised the shame.

If we seek humility, look upon the crucified one, for God wished to be by Pontius Pilate and to die. If we seek obedience, follow him who became obedient to the Father even unto death. For the disobedience of one man, namely Adam, many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one man, many were made righteous. If we seek of despising earthly things, follow him who is the King of kings and Lord of lords, in who are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Upon the cross he was stripped, mocked, spat upon, struck, crowned with thorns, and given only vinegar and gall to drink. Do not be attached, therefore to clothing and riches because “they divided my garments among themselves”. Nor to honors, for he experienced harsh words and scourging. Nor to greatness of rank, “for weaving a crown of thorns they placed it on my head”. Nor to anything delightful, “for in my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink” -  St. Thomas Aquinas, priest (c. 1225-1274)

Christus resurrexit

Christ resurrection was a victory for all of us as well. In our life’s journey we may face too much pains and misfortunes but after this agony we triumph and live a new life with Christ. Failures are part of God’s design for us to become strong, a time to search and a time to call for HIS help. HE teaches us to follow his steps by obedience, patience and love for ourselves, for our family and towards others. The heart of the gospel message of Christ’s resurrection is the transformation of us to holiness, not to persecute sinners, nor to convince them of being unworthy. Jesus Christ died for us to redeemed ourselves to HIM and become his worthy children again. He shed blood and water for us to be cleansed and his words to be our food spiritually.

May Christ’s resurrection may give us hope and opportunity for ourselves to holiness and may we roll away the stone that blocking us to Christ’s blessings and love.