Lagos – A Catholic Priest, Rev. Fr. Anthony Okeke said on Friday that fasting during the season of Lent would be meaningless if you cannot put a smile on the face of your neighbour.

Okeke, the Assistant Parish Priest, Saints Joachim and Anne Catholic Church, Ijegun, Ikotun, urged Christians in his sermon not to fast if they fail to restore their brothers’ happiness.

“Today being the first Friday after Ash Wednesday, we are warned that if our fasting does not put food on the table of your brother, it is fruitless.’’

“We are reminded that good works and concern for our neighbour were more pleasing to God than abstinence, wearing of long faces and offerings.”

Okeke advised the Christian faithful to emulate the spirit of giving freely during this season as was advised by Prophet Isaiah in the Bible.

“If we fail to be a source of life and joy to our fellow man throughout the 40 days of Lent, all our efforts would be in vain.’’

The cleric noted that charity works, the third traditional pillar, were a sign of care for those in need and an expression of gratitude to God.

“ Works of charity and the promotion of justice are integral elements of the Christian way of life which we began when we were baptised.’’

NAN reports that the Catholic faithful today commemorated the first Stations of the Cross after Ash Wednesday being a special devotion in Lent as part of the sufferings and injustices which Christ endured.

The Stations of the Cross recall the resurrection as an integral part of the paschal mystery to the three traditional pillars of Lenten; observance through prayer, fasting and works of charity.

Okeke said: “Fasting should be linked to our concern for those who are forced to fast by their poverty, those who suffer from the injustices of our economic and political structures, those who are in need.

“More time should be given to prayer during Lent to pray especially for the grace to live out the true Christian life.”  (NAN)