Pope Leo XIV’s
Lenten message: Abstain from harsh words and rash judgement
Titled,
"Listening and Fasting: Lent as a Time of Conversion," the papal
message asked Catholics to come together as a community to listen to the word
of God and to the vulnerable.
The pope also
invited the faithful to engage in a "very practical and frequently
unappreciated form of abstinence: that of refraining from words that offend and
hurt our neighbor."
"Let us
begin by disarming our language, avoiding harsh words and rash judgment,
refraining from slander and speaking ill of those who are not present and
cannot defend themselves."
Instead, he
asked, "let us strive to measure our words and cultivate kindness and
respect in our families, among our friends, at work, on social media, in
political debates, in the media and in Christian communities. In this way,
words of hatred will give way to words of hope and peace."
Lent is a time
to "place the mystery of God back in the center of our lives, in order to
find renewal in our faith and keep our hearts from being consumed by the
anxieties and distractions of daily life," the pope wrote.
The season of
Lent begins on Wednesday, February 18th. The Church prescribes “3
Pillars” to assist us during Lent:
1.
Prayer –
helps heal our relationship with God
2.
Fasting
– helps heal our relationship with ourselves
3.
Almsgiving
– helps heal our relationship with others
As Lent begins
let us take time to focus on our relationships – with God, with myself, with
others. May these days be filled with many blessings.