For the benefit of humanity, He was made to bear our sins (cf. 2 Cor 5:21), so the Father made Him take on the responsibility for our wrongdoing. Pope Benedict XVI told us in Deus Caritas Est that this act appears almost as if God goes against himself (12). Love for one’s enemies is also part of the Christian lifestyle (Mt 5:43-48).
God’s dialogue with each individual that begins through the paschal mystery of His Son is not like the idle talk of the people in the city of Athens (Acts 17:21). Even in the past, mild and uninterested conversations have been a symbol of worldliness; in today’s world such conversations may appear as misuse of technology.
Let us make sure not to hoard what we have, rather share it with those in need.
When the paschal mystery lies at our center, we are called to feel sorry for the innocent people who are hurt by conflict, attacks on life, unfair ordinances and other practices of cruelty. The oppression we see includes environmental damage, unequal access to resources, cases of human trafficking and people’s uncontrolled desire to make money which leads to exploitation.
Encouraging decent people to share their funds with those in urgent need is necessary today to build a better community. By giving to others, we become more compassionate, but being attached to our own things may turn us into people who only care for themselves. Plus, we need to investigate the underlying structures that make up our economic systems.
Thus, for this year’s Lent, on March 26 to 28, I have set up a meeting in Assisi with young economists, entrepreneurs and innovators to encourage a more just and inclusive economy. Many times, the Church has pointed out that engaging in politics demonstrates a strong sense of charity (as Pius XI did, Address to the Italian Federation).
I hope that Mary Most Holy will help us to become more open to responding to God’s desire to have us close to Him again. May we pay attention to the paschal mystery and have an honest conversation with Jesus. As a result of this change, we will become the salt of the earth and the light of the world, as called for in Matthew 5:13-14.