Bishop Báez during Lent: 'Those who use power to oppress are serving the devil'
In his homily on the First Sunday of Lent, auxiliary bishop of Managua, Monsignor Silvio Báez, reflected on Jesus' temptations in the desert and warned that power, when it becomes idolatry, destroys the freedom and hope of peoples. From Miami, he called to live Lent as a time of conversion, discernment, and brave commitment to personal and social challenges.
TL;DR
- Jesus experienced temptation at the start of his ministry, similar to all humans.
- Temptation offers something attractive that can ruin life and distance one from God.
- Jesus resisted the temptations of satisfying material needs, misusing God, and seeking worldly power.
- The temptation to seek power, fame, and success at any cost is present in everyone.
- Power used for oppression serves the devil and destroys people's freedom and hope.
- Lent is a time for inner unification, ordering one's heart, body, and time.
- The season calls for prayer, Bible reading, meditation, listening to God and each other, and acts of kindness.
- Fasting and penance are tools for ordering life and growing in love, not punishments.
- The call is to renounce selfish possession and enjoyment to help the needy.
- Limiting social media use and ending harmful relationships are encouraged.
- The faithful are asked to pray for strengthened freedom and the ability to rectify wrong paths.