Lenten Fast Day

Today is Lent Fast day, a time when we give up a little so that others can receive a lot. This year Lent fast is focusing on Rwanda. Ten years ago over a million people were murdered because they belonged to a minority tribe. Men, women and children were hacked to death and thousands maimed and mutilated. The legacy of those evil days lives on. Many are still traumatised, and many women and children suffer from Aids as a result of brutal assaults. It could seem a hopeless situation. But it is not. People are seeking to rebuild their lives and to make a better future for their children. Cafod is working in partnership with other organisations to help that rebuilding process.

What we give up today - crisps, chocolate, fizzy drinks - we won’t miss, and in fact will be better for not having. If we give the money we save to Cafod then it will do so much good. The wonderful thing about Fast Day is that it costs us so little to do so much. And we can all take part, whatever our age and whatever our income. By practising this little bit of wealth redistribution we show the true nature of the Church as a community of believers. P.D.