My dear people of God in the Archdiocese of Manila,
In the Scriptures, in moments of difficulties such as plagues, defeat in battle, impending attack of the enemy, and famine, the call to the people by the prophets, kings and priests was to fast and pray. This expresses the belief that our intense connection with God is vital for our survival, and that He does intervene when together as a people we turn to him in earnest. So we are told: “If then my people, upon whom my name has been pronounced, humble themselves and pray, and seek my face and turn from their evil ways, I will hear them from heaven and pardon their sins and heal their land.” (2 Chr. 7:14)
So the CBCP instruction last March 13, 2020 states: “We are enjoining all the Local Ordinaries and the Diocesan Administrators to call for a Day of Prayer and Fasting for all those who are infected with the COVID-19 and those who have died, and for our deliverance from this pandemic.” In response to this appeal the bishops of Metro Manila wrote: “We call for days of penance, prayer and fasting during all the Fridays of Lent (March 20, 27, & April 3), including Good Friday (April 10).” (Pastoral Letter of Metro Manila Bishops, March 16, 2020)
Let us all be one in prayer and fasting, although we are in our homes. Let us together seek Divine intervention. On these days let us take time to pray, especially pray as a family. You can join in the online Holy Mass, you can pray the rosary, even all the four mysteries, and you can read the Scriptures as a family and have some kind of Bible sharing. Let us pray for the healing of those afflicted by the virus, let us pray for the eternal repose of those who have died and their families, let us pray that the spread of this contagion be stopped, let us pray for the protection of the health care workers.
As for fasting, you can lessen the intake of food, like no merienda, or only two meals, or take only one full meal that day, depending on the health condition of each one. These Fridays are also days of abstinence from meat. Let us be reminded, though, that fasting is not just measured by the feeling of hunger. The Lord says: “Is this the manner of fasting I would choose, a day to afflict oneself? To bow one's head like a reed, and lie upon sackcloth and ashes? Is this what you call a fast, a day acceptable to the LORD? Is this not, rather, the fast that I choose: releasing those bound unjustly, ….. and breaking off every yoke? Is it not sharing your bread with the hungry, bringing the afflicted and the homeless into your house; clothing the naked when you see them, and not turning your back on your own flesh?” (Is. 58:5-7)
Real fasting brings us in solidarity with the sufferings of others. This COVID 19 brings a lot of suffering. I refer not only to the suffering of those afflicted with the virus, not only to the great sense of fear and uncertainty of many. I refer most specifically to many in the Archdiocese who are in dire physical and economic need because they have no income at all – the street people, the daily wage earners, those who are engaged in the informal sector for a living, and many others. We are also called to be in solidarity with the health care workers. They are in the frontline helping people, thus exposing themselves to the disease. Being in solidarity with them does not only mean to feel sorry for them. Solidarity challenges us to go out of our way to extend help to them.
I appeal to all to set aside whatever they may have saved because they have fasted and give this to those who are in need. Those who are capable can even go much further. They can donate more generously to the poor and the health care workers. Our call of entreaty to God will be heard if we also hear the silent cry of those who have none. You can send your donations to your parishes or to Caritas Manila. The Archdiocese has a program to reach out to them through the parishes and other church institutions.
I take this opportunity to call on Christian businessmen and women and those who employ people. Be generous to your employees in these times. It is no longer just paying them for their work. They are unable to work not because they do not want to, but they are prevented from doing so. True justice is always tempered by love, and love is also expressed in gratuity. Be gratuitous to them. God will bless you for being so. The Lord promises: “Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer, you shall cry for help, and he will say: ‘Here I am!’” (Is. 58:9)
Let our prayer be intense. Let our fasting be generous! Let us all enter set aside the remaining Fridays of lent as days of prayer and fasting.
Mother Mary, Health of the Sick, interceded for us.
Yours truly in Christ,
Bishop Broderick Pabillo
March 18, 2020
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