I really like Pope Leo’s message on Lent entitled, “Listening and Fasting”. His eloquent words leave us with a lot to think about.

As noted by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), this papal message asks Catholics to come together as a community to listen to the word of God and to the vulnerable. The Pope invites 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, the Pope says:

“Let us strive to measure 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.

Let us strive to make our communities places where the cry of those who suffer finds welcome, and listening opens paths toward liberation, making us ready and eager to contribute to building a civilization of love”.

Well said, Pope Leo! God bless you for your words of guidance. May God gives us this grace.

By: Deacon Tom Gryzbek