The biggest and most serious challenge for Judeo-Christian religion does not come from without. On the opposite, it comes from within. Under many persecutions, the Church rapidly spread and grew and significantly matured. In contrast, with the freedom of religion, many members of the Church turned tepid and lukewarm in faith and even abused their faith for selfish quests and interests.

Western countries used to be called Christendom. But these Christian nations spearheaded all anti-biblical and anti-Christian legislation in the world. Did it happen because small groups of anti-religious leaders took power and control? I think it happened because we baptized Christians fell short of the authentic Christian faith. Still, more than half of the population of this country identifies themselves as Christians. But this Christian majority keeps silent every time their lawmakers and governments legislate laws and policies against Christ’s teaching. Are they silent because of government oppression? First, today’s Christians do not know their faith enough. How many adult Catholics know their faith better than Confirmation-class children? Second, many secular philosophies and ideologies have confused Christians. And these ideas take a deep root in the minds and hearts of many Christians through mass media and social media. Anyone, who reads, watches, and listens to these media without an open and critical mind, subscribes to these ideas and grows hatred against Christ, his Church, and his teaching. Third, as a result of negligence and malformed conscience, Christians believe and behave worse than non-believers. Furthermore, many Christians think now they can and should change the Christian doctrines and morals.

The voice and message of the prophet Isaiah are not for Israel of the past only. His message for the return to faithfulness to God’s commandment should resound in our ears today. Our Lenten observances are helpful for our spiritual growth. However, if we are not faithful to Christ Jesus, abstinence and fast will not nourish our souls. We want to know the groom first and well. Only then, our wedding gifts will be meaningful.