The Lenten (Fasting) period begins with the Holy Miracle at the Wedding of Cana and culminates in the glorious celebration of Easter. In the Maronite Church, Lent starts on Ash Monday, with the preceding Sunday known as Al-Marfah Sunday (أحد المرفع) or Forgiveness Sunday (أحد الغفران).
Lent is a sacred season meant to be dedicated to deep contemplation, self-humility, repentance, penance, forgiveness, prayer, and reconciliation with oneself and others. It is a privileged time of interior pilgrimage toward Jesus, the fountain of all love, mercy, and salvation. During this spiritual journey, Christ Himself accompanies us through the desert of our human frailty, sustaining us as we move toward the profound joy of Easter.
Lent is a spiritual battle, a conscious choice to resist bodily desires and earthly temptations, striving instead for purity in thought and deed. It is a time to fortify our faith and hope, resisting the snares of Satan and keeping far from the despair and corruption of sin. Through prayer and contemplation, we affirm that Almighty God is our protector, guiding our steps throughout this sacred period.
By fasting and praying, we carve out time for God, embracing His eternal truth: “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.” (Mark 13:31). In this sacred practice, we enter into profound communion with Jesus, ensuring that no force can shake our faith and hope.
Fasting is a spiritual discipline through which we seek to emulate Christ, who, during His time of fasting in the wilderness, overcame Satan’s temptations. Inspired by His victory, we endeavor to purify our hearts, minds, and souls, striving for holiness and unwavering devotion.
With trust in the Lord as our Shepherd, we hold firm to the words of Psalm 23:4:”Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff comfort me.”
Reading the Holy Bible and engaging in deep prayer immerse us in the divine Word of God, strengthening our souls and minds with His truth. By meditating on His teachings and listening attentively to His voice, we nourish the faith that was instilled in us at Baptism.
Through fasting and prayer, we gain a renewed understanding of time, redirecting our steps toward boundless hope, divine joy, and eternal salvation.
Church Readings On Al-Marfah and Cana Wedding Miracle Sunday Cana Wedding Miracle
John 02/01-11: The third day, there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there. Jesus also was invited, with his disciples, to the marriage. When the wine ran out, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They have no wine.” Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does that have to do with you and me? My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Whatever he says to you, do it.” Now there were six water pots of stone set there after the Jews’ way of purifying, containing two or three metretes apiece. Jesus said to them, “Fill the water pots with water.” They filled them up to the brim. He said to them, “Now draw some out, and take it to the ruler of the feast.” So they took it. When the ruler of the feast tasted the water now become wine, and didn’t know where it came from (but the servants who had drawn the water knew), the ruler of the feast called the bridegroom, and said to him, “Everyone serves the good wine first, and when the guests have drunk freely, then that which is worse. You have kept the good wine until now!” This beginning of his signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.
Tear your heart, and not your garments
Joel/02/13-18: Tear your heart, and not your garments, and turn to Yahweh, your God; for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abundant in loving kindness, and relents from sending calamity. Who knows? He may turn and relent, and leave a blessing behind him, even a meal offering and a drink offering to Yahweh, your God. Blow the trumpet in Zion! Sanctify a fast. Call a solemn assembly. Gather the people. Sanctify the assembly. Assemble the elders. Gather the children, and those who nurse from breasts. Let the bridegroom go forth from his room, and the bride out of her room. Let the priests, the ministers of Yahweh, weep between the porch and the altar, and let them say, “Spare your people, Yahweh, and don’t give your heritage to reproach, that the nations should rule over them. Why should they say among the peoples, ‘Where is their God?’” Then Yahweh was jealous for his land, And had pity on his people.
Judge this rather, that no man put a stumbling block in his brother’s way, or an occasion for falling.
Paul’s Letter to the Romans/14/13-18: Therefore let’s not judge one another any more, but judge this rather, that no man put a stumbling block in his brother’s way, or an occasion for falling. I know, and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus, that nothing is unclean of itself; except that to him who considers anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean. Yet if because of food your brother is grieved, you walk no longer in love. Don’t destroy with your food him for whom Christ died. Then don’t let your good be slandered, for the Kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. For he who serves Christ in these things is acceptable to God and approved by men.
