Jesus took on the weight of our sins so that God could place our failures on His own Son (see 2 Corinthians 5:21). As Pope Benedict XVI once described, this was the moment when God, in a mysterious and painful act of love, turned against Himself (“Deus Caritas Est,” 12). Even those who opposed Him were embraced by His mercy (see Matthew 5:43–48).
God doesn’t want empty talk or surface-level faith. He wants a real conversation with each of us through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus—the Paschal Mystery. Unlike the ancient Athenians, who were obsessed with the latest gossip or trends (Acts 17:21), we’re called to go deeper. In today’s world, that same kind of shallow distraction often shows up in how we use social media, where scrolling replaces real connection and meaning.
When we put the cross at the center of our lives, we’re drawn into the suffering of Christ—and the suffering of so many innocent people today. From victims of war and violence, to the unborn and the elderly whose lives are treated as disposable, to those affected by climate disasters and human trafficking, we see the pain Christ took on. And when we treat money like a god, chasing profit at the cost of others, we fall into modern-day idolatry.
There’s an urgent need for all of us—especially people of goodwill—to step up and share what we have. Generosity isn’t just about giving; it’s about reclaiming our humanity. Hoarding wealth closes us off. Giving opens our hearts. But we also need to go beyond individual acts of charity and ask harder questions about the fairness of the systems we live in.
That’s why this Lent (March 26–28), I’ve invited young economists, entrepreneurs, and changemakers to gather in Assisi. Together, we’ll imagine a more just, inclusive economy—one that reflects the values of the Gospel. As the Church has always taught, getting involved in politics and public life can be one of the strongest ways to live out our love for others (see Pius XI, Address to the Italian Federation).
As we journey through Lent, I ask for the prayers of Mary, the Mother of God, to help soften our hearts. Let’s use this season to renew our relationship with God—through honest, personal conversation. When we do, we become what Jesus called us to be: the salt of the earth and the light of the world (see Matthew 5:13–14).
