Beloved brothers and sisters in Christ,
Today, we stand at the threshold of Great Lent, a season of spiritual renewal, repentance, and transformation. The Church, in her wisdom, calls us to enter this sacred time not as a burden but as a gift—a journey back to the heart of God.
The Gospel reading today reminds us of the words of our Lord: “When you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance… But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place” (Matthew 6:16-18). Christ’s teaching underscores the spirit with which we are to approach this holy season—not outwardly, for show, but inwardly, with sincerity, humility, and joy.
Lent is a time for us to focus on three interconnected disciplines: prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.
- Prayer:
Lent invites us to deepen our communion with God. Set aside time each day for heartfelt prayer. Bring before Him your struggles, joys, and hopes. Let your prayer be honest and fervent, seeking to align your will with His. In the quiet of your heart, you will hear the gentle whisper of His love, calling you to draw nearer.
- Fasting:
Fasting is not merely about abstaining from certain foods; it is about turning away from all that distracts us from God. Let us fast from anger, bitterness, and selfishness, replacing them with kindness, patience, and love. As we discipline our bodies, may our souls be freed to hunger for the Bread of Life.
- Almsgiving:
Lent calls us to open our hearts and hands to those in need. Whether through acts of charity, words of encouragement, or a listening ear, let us serve others as Christ serves us. In doing so, we become vessels of His mercy in a world yearning for hope.
As we begin this sacred journey, let us remember that Lent is not an end in itself but a preparation for the joy of Pascha, the glorious resurrection of our Lord. Every step we take, every struggle we face, and every sacrifice we make leads us closer to the empty tomb and the victory of life over death.
May this Great Lent be a time of spiritual awakening for each of us. Let us embrace it with gratitude and determination, asking God to create in us clean hearts and renew the right spirits within us.
May His grace sustain us as we walk this path together, and may the light of Christ shine brightly in our lives, guiding us to the eternal joy of His kingdom.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
