Lent

Today is Holy Monday... the start of one of the most holy activities of the Christian world - the Lent. Actually, the Lenten season started way back several weeks ago when Ash Wednesday was celebrated. It was supposed to be the starting point when Christians examine themselves once again, going back to their faith, and understanding that they should be cleansed and be renewed... "for thou art dust, and unto dust thou shall come back..."

In this region, the celebration of this season is very much different from the way it is celebrated back home. Being predominantly Muslim, the place has different activities and different priorities... at least, it is good to see that the minority Christian population still finds time celebrating Lent in the Gulf. Two weeks ago, I received a phone call from a friend who is active in church services. She told me if I can participate in the celebration of Lent by reading some passages from the Seven Last Words in their church. I said yes. It is an opportunity to do some indulgences for the Lord. I know that eventually, what will count is everyone's personal relationship with his creator, no matter what his faith is, or his religion may be. However, taking an active part in the church when you are a Roman Catholic will not do any harm... it will actually do more good for one's relationship with his God...

So, this coming Good Friday, Alice and I, and probably some of our closest friends, will celebrate some important moments in the Church... we don't know if we could come back for the most important celebration of the Easter Sunday, the day being a regular working day in this area, and the church being almost 200km away... nevertheless, we know that by being there on Good Friday, our Lord knows that we are not forgetting him... and I know that he knows we are one of his children too...