By divine coincidence, two main religions in Nigeria, Christianity and Islam, begin their religious fasting observances today, February 18, 2026.
Catholics, in particular, kickstart the lenten season, marked by three cardinal injuctions of fasting, almsgiving and prayer, with the symbolic sign of ashes on the forehead, with the message, "repent and believe in the gospel." Hence, today is called, Ash Wednesday.
"Repent and believe in the gospel."
It is not the first time the faithful would hear the message. Every now and then, the same message is preached. Every year, the same ritual is performed. But each time, the congregation walks away probably retaining the same old garb.
"Repent and believe in the gospel."
This was the very first message of Jesus Christ at the beginning of his public ministry. The Gospel of Mark reports, "Now after John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, 'The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel'” (Mark 1:14-15).
This inaugural command of Jesus Christ, calling for a radical shift in personal conducts and transformation of heart and mind (repentance) and total trust in God, has always posed a big challenge to mankind.
If the hearers have heeded the message, the world, as it is today, will definitely be different, less judgmental, less hateful, and more tolerant, more accommodating.
Why do we fast, denying ourselves of delicacies, when tears and blood of our fellow men and women intermingle with our prayers?
St. John Chrysostom (c. 347–407) teaches that true fasting is not merely abstaining from food, but from vices, sins, and harmful speech. Fasting from meat, he says, is useless if one "devours the flesh of his brother through slander, gossip, anger, or injustice."
Waging psychological or emotional warfare against others is as the same as engaging in a physical or spiritual combat against neighbour. It undermines spiritual growth.
What is the meaning of almsgiving when what is given is a part of 'a stolen bread,' derived from cheating, or proceed of crime?
Can prayer permeate the sky when evil and misgiving is harboured in the heart?
Jesus warns against the "yeast" of the pharisees. A "yeast" simply is a pretentious and hypocritical attitude or lifestyle. It corrupts the bearer, unknowingly, and misleads the public, unsuspectingly.
Everyone has yeast, according to a measure.
"We are all sinners and have fallen short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23).
"To thine own self be true," says William Shakespeare.
Lent or Ramadan season goes beyond rituals and symbolism. It is about the substance of the exercise: the conversion of heart.
May God give us the grace to take a sober look at ourselves and humbly admit the areas of our failings.
May God also grant us the grace of mercy and forgiveness of our sins. Amen.
"Repent and Believe in the Gospel"
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