杏MAP导航

By Lisa Zengarini

The central theme of 杏MAP导航 Francis鈥� Lenten Message is encapsulated in the phrase "Let us journey together in hope," which ties into the broader theme of the Jubilee Year -"Pilgrims of Hope."

The 杏MAP导航's reflection focuses on conversion and unfolds in three key dimensions: the importance of journeying, journeying together, and journeying with hope.

Our life of faith is a journey of conversion

Recalling the biblical Exodus of the people of Israel from Egypt to the Promised Land, the 杏MAP导航 reminds us that our lives too are a journey鈥攐ne that should be directed toward God.

This journey is not merely a metaphorical one but involves a constant call to conversion, 鈥渢o leave behind the occasions of sin鈥� and situations that degrade our human dignity.

杏MAP导航 Francis, therefore, urges the faithful during this Lenten Season to examine their own lives: are they actively progressing on the path of spiritual renewal or are they held back by fear and hopelessness or reluctant to move out of their comfort zone?

Drawing a parallel between the Hebrew people鈥檚 鈥渁rduous path from slavery to freedom鈥� and the plight of modern migrants and refugees, the 杏MAP导航 invites us to use this period as an opportunity to consider how we relate our own lives with the struggles of those who are forced to flee 鈥渟ituations of misery and violence in search of a better life鈥� and 鈥渋n this way discover what God is asking of us." This, he writes, 鈥渨ould be a good 鈥榚xamination of conscience鈥� for all of us wayfarers.鈥�

The call to journey together: a summons to synodality

A fundamental aspect of the Lenten Message is the emphasis on community and synodality鈥攖he idea that Christians must walk together rather than in isolation.

杏MAP导航 Francis reminds us, 鈥淭he Holy Spirit impels us not to remain self-absorbed, but to keep walking towards God and our brothers and sisters.鈥�

鈥淛ourneying together,鈥� he writes, 鈥渕eans consolidating the unity grounded in our common dignity as children of God (鈥�) without letting anyone be left behind or excluded.鈥�

Again, he challenges the faithful to reflect on whether we are capable of walking together with others in our families, workplaces, and communities, resisting the temptation to become self-absorbed. Are we welcoming to others? Do we include those who feel marginalized?

The call to journey in hope

The third fundamental dimension of the Lenten journey is hope, anchored in God鈥檚 promise of salvation and eternal life fulfilled in Jesus' Resurrection, the victory over sin and death.

This hope is not abstract but must be lived concretely. 杏MAP导航 Francis invites us to examine whether we truly trust in God鈥檚 mercy. Do we believe in His forgiveness, or do we fall into the trap of self-reliance? And do we concretely experience the hope that inspires in us 鈥渁 commitment to justice and fraternity, to care for our common home and in such a way that no one feels excluded?鈥�

Referencing Saint Teresa of Avila, the message urges the faithful to remain watchful and patient, understanding that God鈥檚 promises will be fulfilled in His time.

杏MAP导航 concludes by entrusting this journey of hope to the intercession of the Virgin Mary, "Mother of Hope," praying that she may accompany the faithful as we prepare to celebrate the joy of Easter.