For our sake, Christ was made to bear sin (cf. 2 Cor 5:21), as the Father placed upon His Son the burden of our transgressions. Pope Benedict XVI described this as a “turning of God against Himself” (Deus Caritas Est, 12), revealing divine love that reaches even His adversaries (cf. Mt 5:43-48). Through the paschal mystery, God seeks not idle conversation like the Athenians, “who spent their time in nothing except telling or hearing something new” (Acts 17:21), but a profound dialogue of salvation—one often obscured today by superficial distractions and misuse of media.

The paschal mystery invites us to share in the suffering of Christ reflected in the pain of the innocent, the poor, and the marginalized. Violence, greed, and environmental destruction echo humanity’s distance from God. True conversion leads to generosity—almsgiving that transforms both giver and receiver. During Lent, from March 26 to 28, a gathering in Assisi will unite young economists and innovators to promote a just, inclusive economy. May Mary Most Holy intercede for us, that Lent renew our hearts and make us instruments of reconciliation, embodying Christ’s call to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world (cf. Mt 5:13-14).