Clergy Preparations for Lent

Towards the middle of the entire celebration in this season of Lent, let us offer some preparations needed for the clergy. If the laity need preparations for a meaningful Lent, how much more for the clergy who are supposed to inspire in “Listening and Fasting: A Time of Conversion”.

The clergy may better first examine his relationship with God. The fact that he says Mass almost daily, the expectation of his being faithful to his daily office and devotions, and his personal time for prayers do not exempt him to look deeper to where he is in his spiritual life at this time of the year. He must ask himself whether he puts God first or just live in comfort, seeking for money and approval or may even have spent lots of time on screens. Encountering the Word should be his priority before he can share the same.

Moreover, he needs also to attend to his personal and authentic self. He must guard himself against self-abuse, purity and pride. He must be careful not to indulge in overdoing his ministry or complacency, of being envious instead of gratefuness, of feeling always right than remaining humble.

Additionally, through fasting that leads to purification, he must increase his desire for God and to do good. His fasting may be manifested in his compassionate and tender words. Purified through his austere life, his speech should bring about harmony, healing and communion among believers. Beyond the confines of the Church, through his sensitivity, his words most reach out to the greater society and awaken the market, politics and economics the divine providence.

Finally, he must stands out as a symbol of walking together. He must draw all walks of life to undertake the common journey in attending to our least brothers and sisters. He should motivate others to live in true dialogue and in welcoming those who are at the peripheries.

With heartfelt prayer for our clergy, may they be genuinely prepared in this demanding time of the year through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary.