For our sake, Christ was made to bear the weight of sin (cf. 2 Cor 5:21), as the Father placed upon His Son the burden of our transgressions. As Pope Benedict XVI poignantly expressed, this moment signifies a profound “turning of God against himself” (Deus Caritas Est, 12)—a dramatic revelation of divine love. In this act, God’s love reaches even to His enemies (cf. Mt 5:43–48), demonstrating a mercy that transcends all human understanding.
The dialogue God seeks with each person through the Paschal Mystery of His Son is far deeper than idle chatter. It stands in stark contrast to the behavior of the Athenians, who “spent their time in nothing except telling or hearing something new” (Acts 17:21). Such superficial exchanges, driven by empty curiosity, have always epitomized worldliness. In our times, they often take the form of thoughtless or inappropriate use of media, where noise replaces depth and distraction replaces true encounter.
When we place the Paschal Mystery at the center of our lives, we are compelled to see and feel the suffering of Christ mirrored in today’s world—in innocent victims of war, in attacks on life from conception to natural death, and in all forms of violence. This suffering also appears in environmental destruction, the unjust distribution of resources, the scourge of human trafficking, and the relentless pursuit of profit—an idolatry of wealth that corrodes human dignity.
In response, there is a continuing urgency to inspire people of goodwill to embrace almsgiving, generously sharing their resources with those in desperate need. True charity not only uplifts the recipient but also deepens the giver’s humanity. In contrast, hoarding isolates and diminishes us, locking us into cycles of selfishness and fear.
But beyond individual acts of generosity, we must also confront the systemic roots of inequality. That is why, during Lent this year—from March 26 to 28—I have convened a gathering in Assisi with young economists, entrepreneurs, and innovators. The goal: to imagine and build a more just and inclusive economic model. As the Church has consistently taught, political involvement is a vital expression of love for neighbor (cf. Pius XI, Address to the Italian Federation).
I entrust this Lenten journey to the intercession of Mary Most Holy, asking that she guide us toward hearts softened and open to God’s call for reconciliation. May this sacred season draw us more deeply into the Paschal Mystery, inspiring us to enter into sincere and transformative dialogue with the Lord. In allowing His grace to renew us, may we become what Christ calls each of His disciples to be: the salt of the earth and the light of the world (cf. Mt 5:13–14).
