Season of Lent: Time for Self-reflection

       Annually, we celebrate the Lenten season that lasts for 40 days. These long days reflect the time Jesus had spent in the desert. Many Christians choose to give something up for that period of time, as how Jesus fasted for a long period of time. This practice shows people's self-discipline and self-reflection.

    This season gives us an opportunity to strengthen our bonds within our families and discipline ourselves spiritually. This is the time for us to absorb the real meaning of the season, which is the sacrifice of Jesus for humanity's salvation.

    Here in Vigan City, due to the pandemic, two years have already passed wherein we had not celebrated the season of Lent the way it was used to be. Normally, there are masses on weekdays especially Thursday and Friday. Moreover, during the Good Friday, there is a procession or "libut" being held around the city as our, Biguenos, way of celebrating the solemnity of the season. There used to be also a bargain in front of the city hall, where different sorts of things can be bought from there. There is also an activity, "Domingo Sabet", where there is a portrayal of Jesus, who is risen on Easter Sunday, meeting His mourning mother, Mama Mary; and all the angels sing joyfully and wholeheartedly. However, due to the current restrictions, online masses are done and all activities that gather masses are canceled.

    The season of Lent is the right time for us to reflect as a loyal follower of Jesus. This is the time to think and consider the things we might add to our lives, not those things we should subtract. Also, this is the time where we consider the things we will give up for God and what we will give to God. This is the time where we acknowledge that only Jesus Christ is the only one who can quench our thirsts and feed us in our hunger and desires. 

References:

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.unspokenelements.com%2Fblogs%2Fhope%2Fthe-lent-season&psig=AOvVaw0DMfhxdzEy5m7Ul3imYPCa&ust=1622350828598000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAIQjRxqFwoTCPiWkrfX7_ACFQAAAAAdAAAAABAJ

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fportlanddiocese.org%2Flent-resources&psig=AOvVaw0DMfhxdzEy5m7Ul3imYPCa&ust=1622350828598000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAIQjRxqFwoTCPiWkrfX7_ACFQAAAAAdAAAAABAO

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fdphx.org%2F10-things-to-remember-for-lent%2F&psig=AOvVaw0DMfhxdzEy5m7Ul3imYPCa&ust=1622350828598000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAIQjRxqFwoTCPiWkrfX7_ACFQAAAAAdAAAAABAU