Lent is a sacred season in the Christian tradition, a time to reflect on Christ’s sacrifice and prepare our hearts for Easter. Often, we think we must make grand gestures to grow closer to God. Yet sometimes it is the seemingly small daily practices—done with love and devotion—that draw us into a deeper relationship with Christ. Below is a set of 12 simple suggestions, each accompanied by reflections on why they matter and how you might incorporate them into your everyday life.
Unless we admit our refusals, repent of our sins, and have the same attitude as Christ, who “emptied himself, taking the form of a servant” (Phil. 2:7), we choose to lurk in the dark rather than walk with the Lord Jesus into his light.
O Clarim presents a five-part series this Lent, authored by Fr. Fausto Gomez OP. In the fifth and concluding article of this series, Fr Gomez writes that during Lent, we journey towards Holy Week, reflecting on the passion and death of Christ. Through his suffering, Jesus reveals his infinite love, shows us the gravity of sin, merits grace for us, and provides an example to follow. As disciples, we embrace our own crosses, imitating Christ’s love and compassion for others.
O Clarim presents a five-part series this Lent, authored by Fr. Fausto Gomez OP. In the fourth article of this series, Fr Gomez writes that the journey of Lent calls us to embrace self-denial, detachment, and the carrying of our crosses daily. Through fasting, asceticism, and simplicity, we seek spiritual growth and closeness to God. By following Christ’s example, we find true happiness and fulfilment in love and service to others.
O Clarim presents a five-part series this Lent, authored by Fr. Fausto Gomez OP. In the third article of this series, Fr Gomez writes that in a world where sin is often denied and God forgotten, Lent calls us to confront the darkness within ourselves. Sin disrupts our relationship with God and others, leading to disharmony and unhappiness. As we journey through Lent, let us turn away from sin and embrace love.
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.
O Clarim presents a five-part series this Lent, authored by Fr. Fausto Gomez OP. In the first article of this series, Fr Gomez explores the profound significance of Lent, inviting readers to embark on a transformative journey of self-reflection and spiritual renewal. Through insightful reflections and practical wisdom, he offers guidance on how to make the most of this sacred season, encouraging us to embrace the opportunity for growth and deeper communion with God.
Macau, the enchanting blend of Chinese and Portuguese cultures, holds a rich history of religious traditions. Among the various devotions cherished by the Catholics of Macau, the veneration of Senhor Bom Jesus dos Passos (Our Lord Bom Jesus dos Passos) stands out as a remarkable testament to the enduring faith and cultural heritage of this vibrant city.
Fr Timothy Wan Kwok Kwong shares his encounter with Bom Jesus dos Passos and how it led him to consider his journey to the priesthood. He explains how the event inspired him to offer himself to Jesus and consider his vocation. Fr Tim talks about his experience with the procession and how Jesus called him, leading to a series of events that ultimately led him to enter the seminary.
We are—all of us—sitting on a lot of unresolved rage. Thomas Aquinas defines the deadly sin of anger in his typically pithy manner as an irrational or excessive desire for revenge. Every one of us has been hurt by someone else, aggressed, unjustly harmed, insulted, perhaps to an extreme degree. And so, naturally enough, we harbor a desire to respond in kind.