Filipino Cardinal Tagle warns against hypocrisy in Lent

March 05,2014: Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of Manila,Philippines says it is hypocritical of Catholics to engage in "religious activities" like fasting and charitable acts in order to benefit oneself. In his Ash Wednesday homily to mark the beginning of Lent, Cardinal Tagle said "engaging in religious activities not in order to return to God but to be full of self is not holiness. That is definitely not a way to return to God. That is hypocrisy”. The prelate cited politicians, without naming them who perform acts of charity with the intention of promoting themselves and soliciting votes. The cardinal also criticized those who fast during Lent only to lose weight. "Before Ash Wednesday, 130 pounds [59kg]. After Lent, 90 pounds [41kg]. Wow! What a joy! There is no need for whatever beauty tips, only fasting," Tagle said. He said Catholics should make use of the Lenten season to truly return to God by way of almsgiving, fasting, and prayer . Cardinal Tagle urged the faithful to support the Church’s Fast2Feed program for children, especially those affected by disasters. He also urged Catholics to fast during the Lenten season and donate the money they save to feed children.