During this season of Lent, we are reminded of the opportunity to renew our hearts, minds, and souls in preparation for Easter. Lent is a time to reflect on our faith, to pray, fast, and respond with kindness to those who need help. However, with the recent tragic events in our world, it can be difficult to understand how God is calling us to Him. Natural disasters and the ongoing pandemic have brought out great suffering, but they have also shown us unprecedented compassion and charity.
As we go through the 40 days of Lent, we must keep in mind that it is not just a temporary commitment, but a way of life that we should aim to keep throughout the year. We must continue to open our hearts to trust that God can bring out the best in us as we respond with kindness and charity to those who need it most.
One group that needs our support is the Christian community in the Holy Land. For centuries, Christians in the Holy Land have faced great challenges in remaining in their homeland. Today, they make up less than 2% of the population, and around 300 families leave the Holy Land each year. The political, religious, and economic strife in the region has made life almost unbearable for many, and it is the main driver of the tragic exodus of Christians.
Franciscan Foundation for the Holy Land (FFHL) is focused on helping meet the needs of the underserved and unemployed in the Holy Land. FFHL funds education, provides subsidized housing, and offers sustainable employment. These programs are made possible through the generosity of faithful donors who contribute to FFHL’s mission. Your invaluable sacrifices of financial support allow our Christian brothers and sisters to continue living in the home of our Lord and Savior.
As we strive to keep the spirit of Lent throughout the year, we must remember to bless others, particularly those who are struggling. We must also keep in mind the hardships of our Christian brothers and sisters in the Holy Land and support them. By doing so, we honor our commitment to God and continue to spread His love and compassion throughout the world.
Keeping the spirit of Lent alive means more than just a temporary commitment to prayer, fasting, and charitable giving. It means making a commitment to support those in need, including the Christian community in the Holy Land. Through our support, we can help to strengthen the body of Christ in the region and ensure that the living stones of our faith continue to have a presence in the land where Jesus was born, lived, and died. Without support, the Christian population in the Holy Land may cease to exist, and it is up to us to ensure that this does not happen.
