For our salvation, Christ was made to bear the weight of sin (cf. 2 Cor 5:21), as the Father placed upon Him the burden of our transgressions. As Pope Benedict XVI beautifully put it, this act represents a “turning of God against Himself” (Deus Caritas Est, 12). God’s love extends even to His adversaries (cf. Mt 5:43-48), a love that is both radical and redemptive.
The dialogue God seeks with each person through the paschal mystery is far from trivial conversation. It is not idle chatter, like the ancient Athenians who “spent their time in nothing except telling or hearing something new” (Acts 17:21). Such fleeting talk, rooted in shallow curiosity, represents a form of worldliness seen throughout history and is echoed today in the misuse of media. The paschal mystery, however, invites us into a much deeper, more profound exchange—a call to transformation.
Placing the paschal mystery at the center of our lives calls us to empathize with the suffering of Christ on the cross, which mirrors the suffering of countless innocent victims: those caught in the ravages of conflict, victims of violence against life—from the unborn to the elderly—and those affected by environmental disasters, injustice, and human trafficking. This suffering is also a consequence of the insatiable pursuit of profit, which can become a form of idolatry, overshadowing the dignity of human life.
In today’s world, there is an urgent call for those of goodwill to share their resources through acts of charity, especially toward those who are most in need. Such generosity contributes to the creation of a more just and compassionate world. Charity enriches our humanity, while hoarding diminishes it, leaving us trapped in self-centeredness. But the call to charity goes beyond personal acts; it also challenges us to examine the structures of our economic systems.
To this end, I have organized a gathering in Assisi this year, from March 26 to 28, bringing together young economists, entrepreneurs, and innovators to explore ways of fostering a more inclusive and equitable economy. As the Church’s teachings have often reminded us, political engagement is a vital 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 open our hearts to God’s invitation for reconciliation. Let us focus on the paschal mystery and engage in true, transformative dialogue with God. In doing so, we will live out Christ’s call to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world (cf. Mt 5:13-14).
