Lent Reflections (5)

Lent: a time for renewal

For the last few days the clerical sexual abuse has been the central theme in most of the discussions/chat I had with other people. I have been listening to people speaking against the Church and defending the Church. It all began with the publication of Dublin Archdiocese’s clerical sexual abuse report last year. Since then, the media has been covering the issue intensely without any pause. Initially I had followed the news reports. Meanwhile I read a book titled, ‘the betrayal of trust’ by Chris Moore. All these readings helped me to see a ‘hidden reality of misuse of power and trust’ of which I was unaware till recently. The topic is so vast that I am afraid to speak of or make any comment.

Lent Reflections (4)

Lent: a time to come out of our little world

Recently I had a chat with the manager of a charitable trust. While talking on fundraising, she said, “We do a lot of fundraising during Lent.” When I asked her what was the reason behind, she said “many people generously donate during Lent. They consider it as a part of their penance and a good practice to be united with the suffering people.” I found it is a noble way to observe Lent.

Lent Reflection (3)

Lent: a time to return to God


Christians in general tend to perform or observe some pious practices during Lent, and these include going for Mass, Stations of the Cross, Confession and praying Rosary. I have no idea of any historical reasons or rationality behind all these pious practices. But all I understand is, that these practices directly or indirectly show our desire to return to God.

Lent Reflection (2)

Lent: a time to let go and let live!


The readings of the second Friday of Lent remind us of our sinful activities and give us guidelines of how to begin a new life. The first reading invitees each one of us to say goodbye to our sinful life and begin a new life. One the other hand, the Gospel is more concrete as it says, reconcile with your brothers and sisters and do not call anyone fool. A close glance of these two readings will us that the first reading is theoretical and the Gospel is practical. We might even just say, one gives theory of what to do and the other gives practical implementation.

Lent reflection (1)

Lent: a time to fall in love with Jesus


The Liturgical season Lent has just begun with Ash Wednesday. The ashes which are placed on our foreheads by the priest remind us that Lent is a season of repentance. Lent also reminds us that Jesus Christ loves us unconditionally. Therefore I would prefer to describe Lent as a joyful season.