The Vatican releases Pope Francisâ Message for Lent 2020, in which the Holy Father invites the faithful to embrace the paschal mystery as the basis for conversion.
In his Message for Lent 2020, Pope Francis points to the paschal mystery â the mystery of Jesusâ Passion, Death, and Resurrection â as the basis of conversion. The Message bears the title "We implore you on behalf of Christ: be reconciled to God", a quote from St Paul's Second Letter to the Corinthians.
An invitation to relationship with God
âThis kerygma [fundamental proclamation of the Gospel message] sums up the mystery of a love âso real, so true, so concrete, that it invites us to a relationship of openness and fruitful dialogueâ (Christus vivit, 117)â, the Pope writes. âWhoever believes this message rejects the lie that our life is ours to do as we willâ.
Pope Francis says that during this season of Lent, he wants to invite the faithful to fix their eyes on the crucified Lord, and allow ourselves âto be saved over and over againâ. âJesusâ Pasch is not a past event; rather, through the power of the Holy Spirit it is ever-present, enabling us to see and touch with faith the flesh of Christ in those who sufferâ.
The importance of prayer
The Holy Father emphasizes the importance of prayer during Lent, as a means of responding to Godâs love, âwhich always precedes and sustains usâ. We are also called to hear and respond to the Word of Jesus, in order to experience âthe mercy He freely gives usâ.
God is always engaged in a âdialogue of salvation with usâ, despite our weaknesses and failings, the Pope says. This desire to save us âled the Father to burden His Son with the weight of our sins, thus, in the expression of Pope Benedict XVI, âturning of God against Himselfâ (Deus caritas est, 12)â.
A commitment to building a better world
âPutting the paschal mystery at the centre of our lives means feeling compassion towards the wounds of the crucified Christ present in the many innocent victims of wars, in attacks on life, from that of the unborn to that of the elderly, and various forms of violenceâ. This means being personally committed to and involved in âthe building of a better worldâ, the Pope says. In commending charitable giving, the Pope notes the meeting he has convened for the end of March âwith young economists, entrepreneurs and change-makers, with the aim of shaping a more just and inclusive economyâ.
Pope Francis concludes his message with a prayer to the Blessed Virgin Mary âthat our Lenten celebration will open our hearts to hear Godâs call to be reconciled to Himself, to fix our gaze on the paschal mystery, and to be converted to an open and sincere dialogue with Himâ.
Source: Vatican News
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