In a fast-paced metropolis like Hong Kong, most people have to work from dawn to dusk—even beyond, and we often speak about being “busy” as if 24 hours in a day are not enough. Let’s stop for a while and take a moment to ask ourselves: In these 24 hours, how much time do we devote to God?
When we wake up every morning and before we start our work for the day, do we pray to our heavenly Father? Before we eat, do we express appreciation and give thanks to God for providing us with food? Let’s also consider the content of our prayers. Are we usually asking for his help to achieve certain goals, or are we expressing gratitude and sharing our joys? As Catholics we must attend the Sunday Mass to fulfill our obligation [except for the sick, disabled, and elderly]. However, afterward, do we simply go home and become mere “Sunday Catholics”? Or do we put God’s words into practice in our daily lives, willingly participating in parish activities to build up the Church as a family?
God sent his only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to become human to invite all the people to repent and return to him. Jesus was nailed on the cross and suffered death, but then resurrected. His unconditional love for us should never be ignored or treated as a second priority in our lives. Indeed, in good times, when everything is going smoothly in our lives, we tend to forget about God. It is often only in times of adversity that we suddenly remember him and ask for help. No matter what time it is, God never ignores us. Instead he hopes that we repent and turn our hearts to him with love, redemption, and sacrifice.
On March 17, Pope Francis observed the “24 Hours for the Lord” which included prayer and the sacrament of Reconciliation in the context of Eucharistic adoration. The pope promoted this event since his first year in office, and this year marks the 10th anniversary. During the event, Catholic churches around the world are open all day for all people to draw closer to God in the presence of the Eucharist.
“Be merciful to me a sinner” [Luke 18:13] is this year’s theme, let us spend the last week of Lent reexamine ourselves, repent, entrust everything to God, and welcome the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. SE
