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Christ bore the weight of humanity’s sin (cf. 2 Cor 5:21), an act Pope Benedict XVI called a “turning of God against Himself”—the deepest sign of divine love, extended even to those who oppose Him (cf. Mt 5:43–48).

Unlike the empty chatter of the Athenians (Acts 17:21), God’s dialogue with each soul through the paschal mystery calls us to real engagement. Today, we encounter Christ’s suffering in war victims, the marginalized, the exploited, and in environmental and economic injustice.

This is why generosity—especially almsgiving—is essential. It connects us to one another and challenges the idolatry of wealth. We must also question the systems that deepen inequality. To that end, I have invited young thinkers to Assisi (March 26–28) to imagine a more just economy.

Let us entrust this Lenten journey to Mary, asking for hearts open to true reconciliation. By embracing the paschal mystery, we become what Christ calls us to be: salt of the earth and light of the world (cf. Mt 5:13–14).