Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Lilongwe (Agenzia Fides) - “Lent is a period when Christians reflect on the Sufferings, Death and the Resurrection of Jesus Christ thus our salvation history. It is a period in which we as Christians are challenged to uproot anything that is evil from our hearts, our families, our Churches and our Nation. Since 2009 is an Election Year here in Malawi, the Lenten will be an opportune time to reflect seriously on the choice of leaders we have to make!” This is what is found in the Lenten Pastoral Letter written by the Justice and Peace Commission of the Malawi Bishops' Conference.
In the letter, a copy of which was sent to Agenzia Fides, the faithful are reminded of the “three major areas we are asked to pay attention to in Lent”: prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. “Prayer life should animate all our activities. Jesus teaches us to pray always. To pray is to be in touch with God and to let God direct our daily life. Prayer should be the most important thing in our lives. God is our Father and He is the only one who satisfies our ambitions and desires. What is important is not to be hypocrites in our prayer. Prayer is not about forcing God to do what we want but being in touch with and listening to God. This Lenten period may we intensify our prayer life so that God may enlighten our minds and hearts to choose our leaders wisely.”
In regards to fasting, the Bishops of Malawi recall that “we are urged to deny ourselves certain things like food and drinks in a spirit of suffering with Jesus. This is the time to train ourselves to focus our attention on God alone. Self denial is a virtuous way of training ourselves to fight against evil.”
These privations are also useful in helping us offer others what they need: “During Lent we are challenged to be charitable to the needy and the poor. We deny ourselves of certain food and drinks so that the needy may eat and drink.”
Lastly, social justice should be at the heart of voters' reflections, because “in the fourth coming elections we should choose leaders who have the welfare of all Malawians especially the poor and the marginalized at heart. We need leaders who can build our nation and who can usher into our country unity, justice, development and peace. We do not want leaders who are greedy and self centered. We should not be lured by leaders who promise easy life without sacrifice and hard work.” (LM) (Agenzia Fides 3/4/2009)
