Are we Ready to Trust the Holy Spirit to Lead us these 40 Days of Lent?

As this is the beginning of Lent, let us enter into these 40 days with the intention of a retreat with reflection and prayer. The church invites us into the practice of prayer, fasting and almsgiving, to let us grow in our spiritual life and love for others.In fasting, we encounter hunger which makes us vulnerable, especially in the face of temptation, giving up easily. We look towards Jesus, who, despite his 40 days in the desert, did not succumb to the devil’s temptation. This gives us strength as we face our own temptations. Also, in fasting, our hunger reminds us of those who have to deal with hunger daily and hence, allows us to be more sensitive to the needs of others. Can we support others in the giving of our love, care, time, attention or money?In almsgiving, we have to recognise that our possessions are all blessings from God and hence we have to be willing to share our blessings with others.Let us pray for one another during this season and make a greater effort to recognise the Holy Spirit- the same Holy Spirit that led Jesus into the desert, was with him, as well as empowering him. The same Spirit is with us- dare we trust him to lead us into the desert, showing us what needs to change and giving us the courage to change?- Sunday Homily by Fr. Simon Tan, C.Ss.R. (9 March 2025)