Prayer, Fasting and Almsgiving are the three pillars of Lent and it is a time for reflection, repentance and reconciliation.

Let us examine each of these words.

Prayer is the attempt to communicate with the Divine.

Fasting is an attempt to purify the mind, body and soul, enabling a deeper spiritual connection, self-devotion and self-discipline.

Almsgiving is the act of giving charity to another.

Reflection is contemplation, musing and meditation.

Repentance is recognizing one’s sins and wrong actions.

Reconciliation is the restoration of broken harmony between God and humanity, caused by sin.

Dear ones, I need to ask all of you and myself this question. Am I not supposed to base my existence on these tenets and to practice the three Rs?

Why should one only do this during the time of Lent?

Lent is a solemn Christian season but why can we not make the practice of praying, fasting, charity part of our daily life. Then also understanding the meanings of reflection, repentance, and reconciliation and their self-application.

Is it so difficult for us to follow these tenets? Let us all collectively attempt to inculcate these beliefs into our lives.

Aim Hrim Klim