At the 4:00pm Mass last Saturday, we held the first scrutiny to our Catechumens. I told them that they are like Jesus who thirsts for water...not just for the element of water that quenches our thirst, but for the faith (Baptism) and the Holy Spirit who guarantees eternal life. And in the process, they gradually discover Jesus as the ordinary man, the prophet, the Messiah and the Savior of the world. And the secret is just they have to be attentive and be focused on Jesus, especially on his words - the words of Jesus that lead to the truth. Like the Samaritan woman, who was able to proclaim Jesus as the Savior of the world to her people.

It is interesting to note that the word "Lent" comes from the old English term "Lencten" which means springtime. Indeed, Lent is the time of spiritual renewal, a kind of spiritual "springtime" wherein we try our best to allow our souls and spirits to bring forth shoots of hope, vigor, purpose and holiness. Let us allow Christ to transfigure us into a new man or person who understand that it is necessary for us to undergo suffering and pain in order to transverse into life.

One of the ways to keep the spirit of Lent is to gaze at Jesus, to listen to his words, and to follow his ways. Last Sunday, he taught us how to overcome our temptations by not giving in to human desires and wants, but focusing on the Word of God. Allowing it to convict us. By avoiding the occasion of sin, and avoiding "short-cuts" devoid of pain and suffering. And by totally being dependent on God, asking the Holy Spirit to help us overcome our temptations and sins.