For our salvation, Christ willingly took upon Himself the burden of humanity’s sin (see 2 Corinthians 5:21), allowing the Father to place our iniquities on His only Son. As Pope Benedict XVI once described it, this act of divine mercy marked a profound “turning of God against Himself” (Deus Caritas Est, 12). God’s unconditional love even embraces those who stand in opposition to Him (see Matthew 5:43-48). The relationship God wishes to foster with each person through the suffering, death, and resurrection of Christ is deeply personal and transformative—not shallow or trivial like the idle chatter once heard in ancient Athens, where people were preoccupied with exchanging new and curious ideas (Acts 17:21). This type of superficial engagement, so often echoed in modern media culture, reflects a historical pattern of worldly distraction.
A Treasure to Be Shared, Not Stored Away
Keeping the paschal mystery central in our lives invites us to recognize and unite with the suffering of Jesus on the cross—suffering mirrored in the lives of countless innocent victims of war, violence, and disregard for human life from its beginning to its natural end. It’s also seen in ecological disasters, exploitation through human trafficking, and systems of inequality, including the relentless obsession with profit, which borders on idol worship.
We are urgently called to inspire those with compassionate hearts to practice generosity and share their blessings with the poor and vulnerable. Almsgiving isn’t just a charitable act—it’s a way to humanize our existence. In contrast, clinging to wealth can isolate us in self-centeredness. There’s also a need to examine the deeper, structural flaws within our economic models. That’s why, this Lent, from March 26 to 28, I have convened a meeting in Assisi with young professionals, entrepreneurs, and innovators to envision a more just and inclusive economic future. As the Church has long taught, meaningful political participation is one of the noblest forms of charity (see Pius XI, Address to the Italian Federation).
I call upon the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, asking that our Lenten journey open our hearts to God’s call for reconciliation. May we fix our eyes on the mystery of Christ’s passion and resurrection, and enter into sincere and heartfelt conversation with the Lord. In doing so, we become what Jesus urged His followers to be: the salt of the earth and the light that shines in the darkness (see Matthew 5:13-14).
