Shun hypocrisy, worldly attachments – bishop

MANILA, Philippines — Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula yesterday reminded the Catholic faithful that this year’s Lenten season is a reminder for everyone to shun hypocrisy and worldly attachments as he urged them to return themselves to God.

In his Ash Wednesday homily, Advincula said the daubing of ashes on the faithful’s forehead is a reminder for everyone that everything is not permanent, including wealth and power, except for God’s love for his people.

“Dear brothers and sisters, this is the very heart of our Lenten observance. This season is a blessed time for us to turn away from hypocrisy and worldly attachments and go home into the warm embrace of our loving God,” he said.

The prelate enjoined the faithful to do charity, pray and abstain without selfishness, deception and showing off and serve out of love, instead of aiming to please others or feed one’s ego.

Advincula also reminded the people, who seemed to glorify their wealth and power, that they should use these in helping others as he emphasized that wealth could change over time, including the life borrowed from God.

He stressed that people should also learn how to give importance to the things that are permanent, which is believing the words and the teachings of God.

“The wealth we own can increase and decrease. The power we hold can be gained and be lost. Our bodies age and weaken over time. We can be wounded and hurt. Our feelings come and go – here on earth, no triumph lasts forever, but also no trial lasts forever,” he said.

‘Continue serving fellowmen’

Meanwhile, President Marcos yesterday called on Filipinos to continue to serve their fellowmen as the Catholic faithful observed Ash Wednesday.

“We pray for our nation’s quiet reflection this Ash Wednesday. As we prepare for the season of Lent, may the love of Christ inspire us to endure and faithfully continue our service to others,” Marcos said in a statement posted on Twitter.

Thousands of faithful flocked to various churches across the country yesterday with the resumption of the physical observance of Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of the penitential 40-day Lenten season for the Roman Catholic Church.

The Archdiocese of Manila has allowed the daubing of ashes on the faithful’s forehead, a few years after it was restricted due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The ashes are shaped as crosses to serve as a reminder of the love of God and for everyone to pray with a sincere heart, fast in genuine solidarity with those who are suffering and give alms out of hearts that are truly contrite and compassionate. – Robertzon Ramirez