Colombo (AsiaNews) - Lent, which begins today, Ash Wednesday, is "a time that calls all Christians to a deeper reflection on their lives, not only to repentance and reconciliation", says Msgr. Harold Anthony Perera, chairman of the National Catholic Commission for Justice, Peace and Human Development, introducing the Lenten message of the Bishops' Conference of Sri Lanka (Cbcsl). The theme chosen this year by the Sri Lankan bishops is "Unity through reconciliation".

"Our country - continues the bishop - needs a certain kind of unity, one that will lead us to healing through genuine repentance. Unity does not mean a society free of conflict, but rather a society where all people can enjoy freedom and experience love and compassion. "

Quoting a passage from the prophet Joel (2:13) " Rend your hearts, not your garments, and return to the Lord, your God, For he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, abounding in steadfast love, and relenting in punishment", Msgr. Perera added: "rending our heart is certainly a difficult task, because human nature is frail. However, its fruits are priceless and true repentance requires it."

Finally, the bishop exhorted the faithful: "Let us not confine ourselves to its mere rituals. Let us build a close and deep relationship with Our Lord, experience a deep change in our inner lives and dedicate ourselves to the service of our brethren so that we could share with the Lord the real experience of Easter. "