For our sake, He was made to bear sin (cf. 2 Cor 5:21), carrying upon Himself the weight of our transgressions as the Father entrusted this burden to His Son. As Pope Benedict XVI profoundly put it, this is a “turning of God against himself” (Deus Caritas Est, 12) — an astonishing testament to divine love that extends even to His enemies (cf. Mt 5:43-48).
The dialogue God desires with each of us, forged through the paschal mystery of His Son, is far deeper than idle chatter. It contrasts sharply with the ancient Athenians who “spent their time in nothing except telling or hearing something new” (Acts 17:21). Such shallow curiosity, which has echoed through history, now often appears in the misuse of modern media, reflecting a distracted and world-focused mindset.
A treasure meant to be shared, not hidden away
Centering our lives on the paschal mystery calls us to compassion — to stand with the crucified Christ in His suffering, mirrored in the countless innocent victims of conflict, attacks on life at every stage, and all forms of violence. This suffering is also visible in environmental crises, unfair resource distribution, human trafficking, and the ruthless pursuit of profit that borders on idolatry.
In today’s world, the urgent need remains for people of goodwill to share generously with those in desperate need, contributing to a more just and compassionate society. Acts of charity nurture our humanity, while selfish hoarding diminishes it and traps us in isolation. Beyond personal acts, we must also critically examine the systemic structures of our economies. To that end, this Lent, from March 26 to 28, I have convened a gathering in Assisi with young economists, entrepreneurs, and innovators to inspire a fairer, more inclusive economic future. The Church has long taught that political engagement is itself an expression of charity (cf. Pius XI, Address to the Italian Federation).
I ask for the intercession of Mary Most Holy that our Lenten journey may soften our hearts to God’s call for reconciliation. May we immerse ourselves in the paschal mystery and open ourselves to a genuine dialogue with Him. Through this transformation, we become what Christ calls His disciples to be: the salt of the earth and the light of the world (cf. Mt 5:13-14).
