Solidarity among nations, collective efforts for justpeace Filipino Katoliko church's Ramadan and Lent Message
A MESSAGE FROM FILIPINO KATOLIKO IN THE OBSERVANCE OF RAMADAN AND LENT SEASON
We are called upon by the Lord to answer the call of the time.
In this period of armed conflicts and violence, political and economic uncertainties, hunger and suffering, and climate crisis over half the globe population compose of Muslims, Christians and Orthodox Christians is called to do something meaningful by themselves and together for the universal well-being and peace.
The past years have been testimonies of the devastations on creation and relationships between and among nations. Wars and violence persist in Myanmar, Palestine, Sudan, Congo, Ukraine, Palestine, in the Philippines and more that have punished the future generations and the women and older people, the weak and the poor populations. The sad situation of the environment in the Philippines and globally that has not only claimed billions worth of infrastructures and hundreds of thousands of lives but also brought hunger, illnesses, and intense global warming that destroys the natural landscape and balance of the universal biodiversity – lands for food production turned into commercial centers, forests and mountains turned into mining and agrobusiness sites, ancestral domains of the indigenous people attacked by corporate interests.
The source of life and sustainability above Earth are turned into commodity for power and dominance. Totally contrary to the concept and understanding of “stewardship”.
The wrecked relationships between and among humans and nations to humans and nature calls for urgent response from all the stewards and children of God, globally. Making this year for the faithful as an extra-ordinary year.
This year Christians and Muslims’ paths mysteriously cross again as the Lent and Ramadan for almost three weeks. During these days in our respective religious traditions and beliefs, this is the season to reflect our deeds and faiths following God’s paths, reconcile and forgive, share to those in need and submit our bodies to penance and fasting.
Christian community worldwide observed the Lent (penitential) season for self and spiritual reflections and reexamination of one’s principles and discipline based on the teachings of the life of Jesus Christ. Born as a human and lived with the human specially with the working and toiling population that have rallied a movement that challenges the unjust master-slavery power relations between the authorities and the constituency in that particular period. He has died to save the world from sins. We are called not only to abstain from luxuries during Lent but to a true inner conversion of hearts as we seek to follow Christ's will faithfully and with convictions.
Meanwhile, Our Brothers and Sisters in Islam faith are also observing the same spirit of penitence and sacrifice this month. Ramadan is not only fasting of meals but to sins and misgivings. A time of the year for spiritual growth through patience, self-review and act of kindness as a family and community.
We would like, as Filipino Katoliko also submitting our lives to the will of God to pray with you all specially during this year that is so important to everyone.
May these Holy Celebrations both of Islam and Christian faiths bind us all in solidarity to answer the call of the time – renewed selves; strengthened commitment and response to save and restore nature; compassion with our neighbors, the weak and the poor; faithful solidarity between and among nations; and collective efforts to build justpeace world among us.
God Bless Us All.
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