Pope calls for deeper reflection on “love” this lent season

By; Jjunju Francis

25^th Feb. 2020

Catholics world over are starting the lent season a period of intense prayer and conversion, fasting and almsgiving.

It is a 40 days period in reflection to the period taken by Jesus Christ in his last days to save humanity by crucifixion on holy Friday and resurrecting on Easter Sunday after three days. This year lent starts on February 26^th to April 12^th 2020.

Pope Francis the head of 1.313 billion Catholics According to the Census of the 2019 Annuario Pontificio (Pontifical Yearbook), in his Lenten message for the year 2020 has called for a renewed spirit in Christ the Crucified who brings Hope, Love, Patience and Strength in faith.

The Lenten message is themed; “We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God”  (2 Cor 5:20)

He says Lent is a time to prepare to celebrate with renewed hearts the great mystery of the death and resurrection of Jesus, the cornerstone of personal and communal Christian life.

Describing it as “kerygma” Pope Francis says lent sums up the mystery of a love “so real, so true, so concrete, that invites every person to a relationship of openness and fruitful dialogue”.

Drawing from his Apostolic Exhortation Christus Vivit Pope Francis says the Lent of 2020 invites Christians to keep eyes on the arms of Christ Crucified to save humanity through self conversion that renews individual relationship with God despite short falls.

Pope Francis has called for 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 violence.

He also warns against environmental degradation, the unequal distribution natural resources, human trafficking, and the unbridled thirst for profit, which is a form of idolatry.

He appealed to men and women of good will to share, by almsgiving, with those most in need, as a means of individual participation in the building of a better world for all.

This allows individual participation in the building of a better world for all if the faithful are to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world (cf. Mt 5:13-14).