Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula on Wednesday called on Catholics to become “ambassadors” of Jesus Christ this Lenten Season by helping people reconcile with God.
“Let us help each other return to Him, who fell to and kiss the dust while carrying the cross of our salvation,” Advincula said during the Ash Wednesday Mass at the Manila Cathedral.
“Huwag natin ipadamot ang Diyos sa iba lalo na sa mga inaakalang nating hindi karapadapat sa kanya,” he added.
(Let us not hide Christ to others, especially to those who we think are not worthy of Him.)
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, a 40-day season of prayer, fasting, abstinence, penance, and alms giving in preparation for Eastern Sunday or Jesus Christ’s resurrection.
Advincula said God is waiting for the faithful’s reconciliation with Him.
“(As ambassadors), we will call on people to reconcile with God not just for them to be cleansed from their sin, offense, evil and guilt but more for them to avail of the life-giving encounter with the compassionate and forgiving love.”
During Ash Wednesday, ash from the burnt blessed palms from last year’s Palm Sunday celebration is placed on the forehead.
“Indeed we are but dust and unto dust, we shall return. Through the imposition of ashes, may our hearts feel that we are dust, formed, held and infused by the spirit of God,” Advicula said. — RF, GMA Integrated News
