It is only in the absence of priests that we are able to fathom the vital role that they play in our salvation. As human and weak as they are, they are still indomitable instruments of God’s grace. It is our duty as lay Catholics to sacrifice and pray for them.
O Clarim presents a five-part series this Lent, authored by Fr. Fausto Gomez OP. In the second article of this series, Fr Gomez writes that Lent emphasizes penance through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. The Church Fathers stress the importance of these practices, especially prayer for the poor. Fasting must be accompanied by almsgiving to be meaningful, and almsgiving is considered an act of justice and charity. Charity, especially during Lent, covers a multitude of sins and embodies all virtues.
The story of Saint Hippolytus reminds us to be wary of the dangers of human pride, but it also shows us how humility and God’s grace can win in the end.