“Take up your cross and follow Me.” Jesus Christ carried His cross to crucifixion without complaint, without curses, and without blame—even when the judgment against Him was manifestly unjust. His example was not merely one of endurance, but of obedience, forgiveness, and love in its purest form.
For years, we Christians have faithfully observed rituals, customs, and traditions. We commemorate His birth, death, and resurrection; we profess adherence to the Ten Commandments. Yet, inwardly, we often remain unchanged. We take pride in being regular churchgoers, in receiving Communion, and in participating in religious observances—sometimes even from outside the Church despite ample space within. But do these acts truly transform us? Our behaviour, attitudes, and actions reveal little real change. Our faith risks becoming a routine rather than a renewal. Life is filled with suffering, pain, and trials. In our distress, we question God’s justice, wondering why we are made to endure such burdens. Often, these are explained as purification—a means to suffer now rather than later. Faith and hope become our refuge, yet they must also inspire transformation, not resignation. Temptation is inherent to human life. Like Christ, we are called to overcome it. Yet too often, we surrender, excusing ourselves under the guise of human frailty. Charity becomes a display for recognition, ignoring the teaching that the left hand should not know what the right hand gives. Forgiveness—so central to Christ’s message—is rarely practiced in its fullness. We nurture grievances within families and communities, sometimes from birth until death. Yet, even on the cross, Christ forgave: “They know not what they do.” He chose mercy over power, love over vengeance. God never asked for grand offerings for Himself. Instead, He taught that feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, and visiting the sick and imprisoned is service to Him. Yet selfishness, greed, and concern only for our immediate circles dominate our actions. We deny others their rights, sometimes humiliating or persecuting them, mistaking power for righteousness. Where is our compassion for the poor, the vulnerable, and the forgotten? We rely heavily on external practices—retreats, novenas, daily Mass, and the Eucharist—yet without inner conversion, these risk becoming superficial. Like cosmetics that mask appearances, they may conceal but do not cleanse the soul. Traditions, when not accompanied by transformation, merely scratch the surface. “Love your neighbour as yourself” is a commandment we often recite but seldom embody. Lenten sacrifices may be sincere, yet they are sometimes temporary, followed by a return to преж habits. Charity to the Church can become so overwhelming that it blinds us to the suffering around us, as if donations alone secure salvation. There is also a danger when religious leadership or structures, at times, unintentionally direct the faithful toward institutional giving over personal acts of compassion. True Christianity demands transparency, honesty, and integrity—values that must be lived, not merely preached. Our pursuit of comfort and luxury can lead us into greed and dishonesty. We seek healing through retreats and devotions, yet the deeper sickness often lies within—selfishness, pride, and a hardened heart. Even during Lent, we sometimes witness the emergence of practices that blend entertainment with religiosity, diluting the spirit of sacrifice. True penance is not merely giving alms, but transforming the heart—rejecting anger, envy, hatred, and injustice. Holy Week, too, risks becoming an observance of rituals without reflection. While the crucifixion is central, it is the Resurrection that offers hope and renewal. Christ has risen—but have we risen from the bondage of empty customs and untransformed lives? The call is clear: transformation must begin within. When individuals are renewed, the Church itself will be renewed—not bound by outdated practices, but alive in the spirit of Christ. Let us not be held hostage by traditions devoid of meaning, but instead embrace a living faith—one that reflects love, justice, humility, and truth. Nelson Lopes Chinchinim https://lopesnelsonnat.wordpress.com
