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For our sake, Christ bore the weight of sin (cf. 2 Cor 5:21); as Pope Benedict XVI wrote, this is a “turning of God against Himself” (Deus Caritas Est, 12), showing divine love even for His enemies (cf. Mt 5:43-48). God seeks authentic dialogue with each person through the paschal mystery—not idle chatter like the Athenians “telling or hearing something new” (Acts 17:21), nor the shallow curiosity often seen in today’s media.
Placing the paschal mystery at the heart of life urges us to share in Christ’s suffering, visible in innocent victims of war, attacks on life, environmental disasters, human trafficking, and the idolatry of profit. Lent calls us to give generously, not hoard, fostering justice and solidarity. Almsgiving humanizes us, while selfishness imprisons us.
From March 26-28 in Assisi, I will meet with young economists, entrepreneurs, and innovators to encourage a fairer economy, recognizing politics as a vital form of charity. With Mary’s intercession, may Lent renew our hearts, reconcile us to God, and make us truly the salt of the earth and light of the world (cf. Mt 5:13-14).
