QUEZON CITY | February 26, 2020 – Cubao Bishop Honesto Ongtioco reminds the faithful to seek reconciliation and avoid sin as the lenten season begins this Ash Wednesday.
In an interview by the Diocese’s Social Communications Ministry, the prelate likens human sins to leprosy, a disease that gradually eats up the character of a faithful Christian.
He emphasized the importance of uniting oneself with Christ and striving to imitate His life as we journey and prepare for the paschal triduum– the suffering, death, and resurrection of our Lord Jesus.
“Ang kasalanan parang ketong, unti-unti kinakain ang laman ng tao, unti-unti naaagnas, unti-unti namamatay. Kaya sana kilalanin natin ang kapangyarihan na manira ng kasalanan at sa kabilang banda ating kinikilala ang kapangyarihan ng pagbabalik-loob at pagpapatawad,” he said.
The Bishop also reminded the faithful to pray not only for their own intentions but to remember also our non-Christian brothers and sisters.
As the church celebrates the theme “Ecumenism, Interreligious Dialogue, and Indigenous People”, the Lenten season is also a reminder that the Catholic faithful should renounce hatred and embrace love, peace, and harmony among our brothers and sisters from other religions.
“Kapag mayroon kang galit sa iyong kalooban o mababa ang tingin mo sa ibang tao dahil hindi mo karelihiyon, hindi maka-Kristiyano yan. Ang maka-Diyos, maka-Kristiyano ay kumikilala sa lahat ng tao bilang ating kapatid, kahit na iba ang kanilang paniniwala. Ang ating dasal, makiisa tayo kay Kristo. Balang araw tayo’y magkakaisa, nagmamahalan, isang pamilyang nagmamahal sa Diyos.” the Bishop added.
The prelate hopes that the Lenten season will prepare the lay faithful to receive Christ in His resurrection.