For our sake, Jesus bore the weight of sin (see 2 Cor 5:21), with the Father placing the burden of our transgressions upon His Son. As Pope Benedict XVI eloquently stated, this act is a “turning of God against himself” (Deus Caritas Est, 12). God’s love reaches even to His enemies, as reflected in the words of Jesus in Matthew 5:43-48, showing that His grace extends beyond all boundaries, even to those who oppose Him.
The dialogue God desires to establish with each person through the Paschal Mystery of His Son is far more than mere idle chatter, unlike the ancient Athenians who “spent their time in nothing except telling or hearing something new” (Acts 17:21). Such trivial conversation, born from shallow curiosity, epitomizes worldliness throughout history and, in our modern times, is evident in the misuse of media for trivial purposes.
A Wealth to Be Shared, Not Hoarded
Placing the Paschal Mystery at the center of our lives calls us to empathize with the suffering of the crucified Christ, which mirrors the suffering of countless innocent victims: from those affected by conflict and assaults on life—from the unborn to the elderly—to the victims of violence. This suffering is also reflected in environmental disasters, the unjust distribution of the world’s resources, human trafficking, and the relentless pursuit of profit, which often becomes a form of idolatry.
Today, there is an urgent need to inspire individuals of goodwill to share their resources, through almsgiving, with those who are suffering, and to actively contribute to building a better world. Acts of charity strengthen our humanity, while hoarding diminishes it, trapping us in selfishness. But we must also examine the broader, structural dimensions of our economic systems. With this in mind, I have organized a gathering in Assisi, from March 26 to 28, bringing together young economists, entrepreneurs, and innovators to foster a more inclusive and equitable economy. As the Church has long taught, political engagement is an important expression of charity (cf. Pius XI, Address to the Italian Federation).
I ask for the intercession of Mary Most Holy, that our Lenten observance may soften our hearts and enable us to respond to God’s invitation for reconciliation. May we focus on the Paschal Mystery and engage in an authentic and open dialogue with Him. Through this transformation, we will become what Christ calls His disciples to be: the salt of the earth and the light of the world (cf. Mt 5:13-14).
