Lent and human suffering

Published by the Visayan Daily Star Publications, Inc.

NINFA R. LEONARDIA Editor-in-Chief & President

CARLA P. GOMEZ Editor CHERYL CRUZ Desk Editor PATRICK PANGILINAN Busines Editor NIDA A. BUENAFE Sports Editor RENE GENOVE Bureau Chief, Dumaguete MAJA P. DELY Advertising Coordinator

CARLOS ANTONIO L. LEONARDIA Administrative Officer

The coming of the Holy Week brings mixed emotions to Christians, not only in the country, but worldwide. The turn of events that has affected the lives of many during the past months may have created a vacuum for spirituality among the people.

The Holy Week, however, that opens with the commemoration of Palm Sunday tomorrow, marks a time for reflection, for introspection, and for soul-searching. While the affluent and the more privileged may choose to hold annual retreats in some exclusive resort hideaways, the majority of Filipinos can opt to spend time in local churches.

Such is the wheel of life, so to speak. Equating the sufferings and vicissitudes of our Savior and Redeemer Jesus Christ, to free us from sin, it cannot be denied that ours is still an imperfect world. While there are those who strive to do good, many are not bothered by their conscience despite the brazenness of their acts. While others make an effort to do honest acts, many prefer to look the other way just to make fast, easy money.

But, who are we to cast the first stone, so to speak, and claim we are without sin and without fault? Even Jesus Christ became man to experience how mortals battle life's sufferings. While we are still on earth, life will treat us either fairly or, unfairly.

In this season of Lent, may our hearts and minds be enveloped with God's unconditional love so that, in return, we may perceive the goodness in each person we meet who, after all, is made in God's image. May we imbibe this in our lives, not only during the Lenten season, but all throughout our lives.*