The season of Lent is a season of joy even if it is a season of penance. Penance must not be a gloomy sad spiritual exercise. As we look at our sins and our lives in need of conversion, our hearts also gaze on the loveliness of the Lord—rich in mercy, rich in love. He is the reason for our Lenten joy.
The Lenten season is a season to remember the faithfulness of God in spite of human treachery and infidelity. How is God’s fidelity shown?
God shows His faithfulness by forgiveness. His tender mercy is a proof of His faithfulness. In the same vein, people who are unforgiving are also unfaithful. Faithfulness and forgiveness are twins.
God shows His faithfulness by His humility. He saved us from sin and the first sin is pride. He has reversed the ancient curse of pride by stooping down at the Upper Room to wash our feet. The greatest is the one who stoops down to serve.
God shows His faithfulness by His courage. He will not withdraw from a good fight. He will not retreat in fear against Satan. He holds evil by its horns, wrestles against evil for our sake and shares His victory with us. Cowardice and unfaithfulness are twins. Faithfulness and courage are brothers.
As we continue to pray that the Holy See may send a new Bishop for San Fernando de La Union soon, let us make this period of vacancy as an opportunity for renewal in the faith and an occasion to deepen our faithfulness to the Lord and His Church. Let us make La Union a true Church of forgiveness and compassion; a true community of disciples steeped in humility and a real family of courageous fidelity to the Gospel values.
Let this season of grace be a season of celebrating faithfulness. His faithfulness is our reason for Lenten joy. His faithfulness is our challenge and mission.
From the Cathedral of Saint William the Hermit, San Fernando City, February 22, 2012
+SOCRATES B. VILLEGAS
Archbishop of Lingayen Dagupan
Apostolic Administrator of San Fernando de La Union
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