“Fasting is not about staying hungry,” said Priscella Anthony as she savoured samosas after breaking her fast on Wednesday. “It is about staying away from sin.”
The holy month of Lent, which will culminate in Easter in the beginning of April, began with Ash Wednesday yesterday. Ash Wednesday derives its name from the practice of placing ashes on the foreheads of adherents as a sign of mourning and repentance to God. The ashes used are typically gathered after the palms from the previous year’s Palm Sunday are burned
At the Holy Trinity Church, the faithful took part in hour-long prayers, repenting and asking for forgiveness. They also sang hymns praising Jesus Christ (RA) and observed moments of silence as they pondered their actions.
A Korean priest, Reverend TK Kim, told the devotees in broken Urdu about the Jewish origin of the day of repentance, before touching upon his own religion and explaining about the significance of the fast. He also spoke about the Day of Judgment, telling the worshippers that the sinners will be punished – and the punishment will be decided by those who are innocent. After that, another priest prayed for the forgiveness of the community and of the well-being of the country.
After the prayers, Bishop Sadiq Daniel, who was draped in white robes, became the first to break the fast by accepting the Eucharist, which consists of sacramental wine and the host, which is symbolic of the body of Christ. He was followed by the worshippers who came up to the altar one by one.
Christians believe that the 40-day period is full of special blessings. “Fasting for 24 hours is very difficult,” said Andrew, a student of grade nine, going on to explain the concept of abstinence that is a central tenet. “We can’t watch movies or sing songs.” His 16-year-old sister said that she felt that fasting would wash away her sins. “I am having my practical exams and it is very difficult to study on an empty stomach,” she admitted. “But at least my sins will go away.”
After the prayers were over, the people gathered outside for a little chit chat. “I don’t fast, but my family does. But I pray and read the Bible a lot,” said Alfred who came from Akhtar Colony. “I also try to stay away from wrongdoings such as lying, cursing and abusing.”
While speaking about the significance of Lent, Christian Elvis Steven said, “This is a special time of the year since we meditate on the work and sacrifices of Jesus Christ. We pray for peace, tolerance, justice, stability and love.”
Published in The Express Tribune, February 23rd, 2012.
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