Life without prayer equates to spiritual suicide -Fr. Muhindo

As Christians start Lenten season period, they have been asked to pray more than they have been doing so as to tap and get more spiritual blessings.

Celebrating holy mass to mark the start of lent period at Vision Group main offices in Kampala today, Fr. Charles Muhindo from Kasese district who is in Kampala for studies, but attached to Naguru Parish said there are many challenges in this world and to overcome them, people must pray regularly.

"There are many waves, challenges in homes, places of work, in the world and at individual level, but to overcome them, prayer is very crucial.

A person who never prays commits spiritual suicide, as we start Lenten season, this is the time for our spiritual evaluation, let us pray more and avoid committing spiritual suicide," he said

"Let us put a lot of emphasis on spiritual activities like attending mass every day, meditating on our lives, having time to pray with our families in our homes," he added

The mass was led by the choir from St. Joseph's Girls S.S, Nsambya

What lent means

Explaining to Vision Group Christians who attended mass, Muhindo said lent period is a preparation for Easter season to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

"Without Easter, we would probably not be Christians; because it is the centre of Christian faith, therefore lent season is to prepare us celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ," he said

He further noted that this season stands on four pillars including penance, fasting, prayer and almsgiving.

Why smear ashes on foreheads?

Regarding ashes, Muhindo said they are obtained from previous year's palm leaves sanctified, burnt and turned into ashes.

"Smearing the ashes on the forehead is a sign of submission to the will of God and for us to accept that from the dust we came, and to the dust we shall all return," he said

"The ashes also remind us much as we are on earth; we are mortal, fragile human beings who are on journey in transition and one time, we shall return to our creator," he added

He explained that unlike sacraments which are only meant for baptized catholics, anyone can be smeared with ashes regardless of their faith as long as they are interested.
 
There are seven sacraments in the church including baptism, penance, confirmation, Eucharist, anointing of the sick, holy orders and matrimony.

Who is not supposed to fast?

Fr. Muhindo said according to the christian guidelines, anyone above 18 years and below 60 is obliged to fast unless sick.

For example, people with illnesses like diabetes, pregnant women, infants, adults beyond 59 years and those sick and on medication are not supposed to fast.

He also said the church does not allow christians to eat meat on Fridays during lent period, but personally, he advised Christians to fast from the things they love the most.
 
Muhindo said this is the time to reconcile with God and called upon Christians to pray, fast, give to the needy with love to make meaningful lent period