Last March 2, 2022 Wednesday, I and my wife went to the church to attend a Holy Mass as to witness the opening of the Lenten season through signing a cross on the forehead that is known as Ash Wednesday. It is a Catholic Christian holy day of prayer and fasting. It is initiated by the priest and extra-ordinary Eucharistic Lay Minister having said, "Repent and believe the gospel."

Stop, Look, & Listen. Why are we supposed to do that? We've encountered these words probably in the street when we cross the line particularly in the high way. Many vehicles are passing by, beeping its horn for us to stop, then look sideways from left to right before crossing the line and listen the sound of noise to avoid unexpected circumstances. In dangerous area, we need also to stop, look around and listen the precautions.

Stop, Look, & Listen. How significant are these in our lives? As a christian, these three words are very important in this season to be meaningful in commemorating the paschal mystery of our Lord JesusChrist. In this season, we are challenged to pray deeply, fast of earthly things, abstinence, and almsgiving.

Prayer

Stop, look and listen. We are supposed to pause for a while. Being temporarily stopped, it's the time to pray, meditate, and reflect. Check ourselves how far or close we are to God. Because the more we attach to earthly things, the less we desire on heaven. In contrary, the more we desire on heaven, the less we attach to worldly things. Prayer is the only best way that we are always connected with God. Stop for a while, look around you if someone left behind and listen to God's message in His house.

Fasting

Stop, look and listen. The purpose of fasting is mainly to discipline us. Refrain from eating favorite foods that are unhealthy. Refrain from drinking hard liquor that ruins our bodies which are the temples of Spirit. Avoid getting into the lives of others. Stop for a while and check your health status, look and help the needy and listen to what others say.

Abstinence

Stop, look and lisen. The law of abstinence is to forbid eating meat, but eggs and milk products may be eaten. During Lenten season, we are not supposed to eat any meat on Ash Wednesday and on all Fridays. We do this as a form of penance.

Almsgiving

Stop, look and listen. Action speaks louder than words. In this season, we are also challenged to visit the sick, prisoners and the oppressed people. This is also the time to give alms to the last, lost and least people in our community.

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Final Thoughts

These four; prayer, fasting, abstinence and almsgiving are the best practices of all Catholic Christians during this Lenten season.

This season reminds us the amazing work of God on how Jesus saved us from being sinfulness. He came on Earth to reconnect our relation closely to His father.

Thanks for reading my article up to here.

I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to @Zhyne06 who introduced me this platform, to my first sponso who has a big heart @Talecharm and to all my inspirers. Thank you so much.