During Lenten season we observe the tradition of fasting and abstaining from meat as penitential practice. People outside the age limits, the physically or mentally ill or individuals suffering from chronic illnesses are exempted. But as foreign domestic workers we may have difficulties in following these practices too because we need enough food to give us strength to work. Another reason is that, employers required cooking a meat dish every day.
The important thing we should do during Lent is to pray and ask God to enlighten our heart and mind, give time to listen to him. God sees the intentions of our heart.
— Imie Esquijo
It is really hard to fast and abstain when I am the cook and have no choice but to do it because it is part of my job. Most of the times, the devil is tempting me because the food that I am preparing are my favourites. It took a lot of self-control and prayer not to give in to the temptation of the devil. But as God is faithful when he said, “Ask and it will be done unto you!” So I am more able to resist and do my fasting and abstaining.
— Lily Gregorio
In my workplace, fasting or abstaining is very difficult for me specially if I cook dishes for my employer. So I find some alternatives to make sacrifices. That is to abstain from junk food, coffee or favourite meals.
— Rhubie Magtoto
Fasting and abstaining from meat is really a battle especially when cooking and smelling the delicious aroma of it. I have really tried so hard to restrain myself and be reminded that I’m doing this for my soul. The hungrier I am, the more I focus my attention to prayer and scripture reading. I also think of how Jesus fasted and fought the temptations in the desert. With that in mind, I was able to fast and abstain without difficulty.
— Fe Orejana
As we celebrate the 500 years of Christianity in the Philippines. The Chaplaincy to Filipino Migrants organises an on-line talk every Tuesday at 9.00pm. You can join us at:
https://www.Facebook.com/CFM-Gifted-to-give-101039001847033
In order to practice my religious obligation of fasting, I have to have self-discipline in my food intake. But as a domestic helper I need to comply to what dishes my employer asks me to prepare and eat what was prepared.
— Gina Calica Pablo
Having a vegetarian employer is a big help for me in fasting or abstaining from meat during this Lenten season, but I believe that abstinence this season is not about not eating meat or not, it is to make sacrifice and do more on prayer, almsgiving and remember the love of God that poured out through Jesus Christ on the cross on his death.
— Arlene Peñaflor
The hardest thing to do during Lent is to do fasting or abstaining especially when it is your duty to cook. I truly struggle in doing it. But as I recall the passion and death of Jesus Christ in my place, I was reminded that my struggle in fasting or abstaining is just a drop in the bucket compared to what Jesus suffered. With that in mind, I did it without much difficulty.
— Myra Venturina
In our Christian tradition fasting and abstinence is an important part of preparing ourself in a particular liturgical season during Lent. It is a performance of penance for our sins, that reminds us Jesus Christ sacrificing himself for us on the cross. When we choose not to eat meat it’s our choice on our spiritual belief, but temptation will always exist. It’s up to you to choose to act on the temptation or not. Just hold on into your faith and believe the promises of God. It really does not affect my decision to abstain from meat regardless of the food I prepare for my employer.
— Remilda Yong
