I got this message from coolcatholics.org, attributed to Pope Francis:

“Do you want to fast this Lent?”

“Fast from anger and be filled with patience.”

The Lord Himself was angry at the merchants in the temple who had turned the place of worship not just into an ordinary market place but one in which the authorities had forced mostly the poor worshippers into buying their sacrificial offerings from the temple stalls at exorbitant prices when they could buy these at much lower prices elsewhere.

There is a place for patience in anger.

“Fast from sadness and be filled with gratitude.”

One can be filled with gratitude despite the dismal state of Philippine education for the inspiring work of teachers like Sadat Minandang, Jesus Insilada, and Jerwin Valencia who were honored by a Thailand-based foundation for innovative projects they have introduced to help indigent and displaced youth in their areas.

“Fast from bitterness; fill your hearts with joy.”

One is filled with joy despite the deteriorating state of the Philippine environment when the spoon-billed sniper, which is “rarest, most endangered migratory shoreline bird” was spotted in Balanga, Bataan. This is now causing much excitement among wildlife enthusiasts.

Pope Francis gives us more food for thought:

“Fast from pressures and be prayerful.”

“Fast from words; be silent and listen.”

“Fast from grudges and be reconciled.”

“Fast from hurting words and say kind words.”

“Fast from selfishness and be compassionate.”

“Fast from worries and have trust in God.”

“Fast from pessimism and be filled with hope.”

“Fast from complaints; contemplate simplicity.”

May these words of inspiration serve best our observance of the Holy Week. ([email protected].)