Pope Leo XIV has some reflections for this Lent:
First, listening to the Word of God in the liturgy, and through that, to “those who are anguished and suffering.”
“Our God is one who seeks to involve us,” the Holy Father wrote. “Even today he shares with us what is in his heart. Because of this, listening to the word in the liturgy teaches us to listen to the truth of reality. In the midst of the many voices present in our personal lives and in society, Sacred Scripture helps us to recognize and respond to the cry of those who are anguished and suffering. In order to foster this inner openness to listening, we must allow God to teach us how to listen as he does. We must recognize that ‘the condition of the poor is a cry that, throughout human history, constantly challenges our lives, societies, political and economic systems, and, not least, the Church.’”
Second, fasting — both fasting ascetically, from food, and “fasting” spirituality from harsh or undue criticism.
“Abstaining from food is an ancient ascetic practice that is essential on the path of conversion. Precisely because it involves the body, fasting makes it easier to recognize what we “hunger” for and what we deem necessary for our sustenance. Moreover, it helps us to identify and order our “appetites,” keeping our hunger and thirst for justice alive and freeing us from complacency. Thus, it teaches us to pray and act responsibly towards our neighbor,” Leo explained.
Further: “I would like to invite you to a very practical and frequently unappreciated form of abstinence: that of refraining from words that offend and hurt our neighbor. Let us begin by disarming our language, avoiding harsh words and rash judgement, refraining from slander and speaking ill of those who are not present and cannot defend themselves. Instead, let us strive to measure our words and cultivate kindness and respect in our families, among our friends, at work, on social media, in political debates, in the media and in Christian communities. In this way, words of hatred will give way to words of hope and peace.”
Brothers and Sisters, let us all enter this holy season with hearts fully open to the grace of Christ. May we engage more intentionally in prayer, fasting, and almsgiving (charity). This will allow us to listen to Christ, unite ourselves with Him, and express our love for Him in serving our neighbors.
May you all have a blessed and holy season of Lent, and prepare well for the great feast of Easter!
Leave a Reply