As Lent begins, The Catholic Register opens its editorial space to the Lenten message of the Holy Father, Pope Francis, as we pray, too, for his recovery.

This Lent, as we share in the grace of the Jubilee Year, I propose reflections on what it means to journey together in hope, and on the summons to conversion that God in his mercy addresses to all of us, as individuals and as a community.

First of all, to journey. The Jubilee motto, “Pilgrims of Hope”, evokes the lengthy journey of the people of Israel to the Promised Land, as recounted in the Book of Exodus. This arduous path from slavery to freedom was willed and guided by the Lord, who loves His people and remains ever faithful to them. It is hard to think of the Biblical exodus without thinking of our brothers and sisters who in our own day are fleeing situations of misery and violence in search of a better life for themselves and their loved ones. 

A first call to conversion comes from (realizing) all of us are pilgrims invited to ask how our lives reflect this fact. Am I ron a journey, or am I…immobilized by fear and hopelessness, reluctant to (leave) my comfort zone? Am I seeking ways to leave behind occasions of sin and situations that degrade my dignity? 

It would be a good Lenten exercise to compare our daily life with that of some migrant or foreigner, to learn how to sympathize with their experiences and discover what God is asking of us so we can better advance on our journey to the house of the Father. This would be a good “examination of conscience” for all wayfarers.

Second, to journey together. The Church is called to walk together. Christians are called to walk at the side of others, and never as lone travellers. The Holy Spirit impels us not to remain self-absorbed, but to leave ourselves behind and keep walking towards God and our brothers and sisters. Journeying together…means walking side-by-side, without shoving or stepping on others, without envy or hypocrisy, without (leaving) anyone behind. Let us all walk in the same direction…attentive to one another in love and patience.

This Lent, God is asking us to examine whether in our lives, in our families, where we work and spend our time…resisting the temptation to become self-absorbed and think only of our own needs. Let us ask ourselves in the presence of the Lord whether…we cooperate with others. Whether we show ourselves welcoming with concrete gestures, to those near and far. Whether we make others part of the community or keep them at a distance. This, then, is a second call to conversion: a summons to synodality.

Third, let us journey together in hope, for we have been given a promise. May the hope that does not disappoint, the central message of the Jubilee, be the focus of our Lenten journey towards the victory of Easter. As Pope Benedict XVI taught us in the Encyclical Spe Salvi, “the human being needs unconditional love.” Christ, my hope, has risen! He lives and reigns in glory. Death has been transformed into triumph, and the faith and great hope of Christians rests in this: the Resurrection of Christ!

This, then, is the third call to conversion: a call to hope, to trust in God and his great promise of eternal life. Let us ask ourselves: Am I convinced the Lord forgives my sins? Or do I act as if I can save myself? Do I long for salvation and call upon God’s help to attain it? Do I experience the hope that enables me to interpret the events of history and inspires in me a commitment to justice and fraternity, to care for our common home (so) no one feels excluded?

Thanks to God’s love in Jesus Christ, we are sustained in the hope that does not disappoint. Hope is the “sure and steadfast anchor of the soul.” It moves the Church to pray for “everyone to be saved” and to look forward to her being united with Christ, her bridegroom, in the glory of heaven. This was the prayer of Saint Teresa of Avila: “Hope, O my soul, hope. You know neither the day nor the hour. Watch carefully, for everything passes quickly, even though your impatience makes doubtful what is certain, and turns a very short time into a long one.” 

May the Virgin Mary, Mother of Hope, intercede for us and accompany us on our Lenten journey.