Strive against a 'globalization of indifference'

Pope Francis's Lenten message: 'A merciful heart does not mean a weak heart'

Pope Francis has a smile for Lent. Do you?
Photo credit: catholicnews.org.uk

Ash Wednesday is Feb. 18. The solemn 40 days of Lent are around the corner. Here are some highlights of the Pontiff's musings on Lent:

1.  "As long as I am relatively healthy and comfortable, I don't think about those less well off. Today, this selfish attitude of indifference has taken on global proportions, to the extent that we can speak of a globalization of indifference."

2.  "The world tends to withdraw into itself and shut that door through which God comes into the world … hence the hand, which is the Church, must never be surprised if it is rejected, crushed, and wounded."

3.  "Lent is a favourable time for letting Christ serve us so that we in turn may become more like Him. This happens ever whenever we hear the word of God and receive the sacraments, especially the Eucharist."

4.  The current Vicar of Christ recalled Pope Benedict XVI's saying, "the formation of the heart."

Pope Francis wrote: "A merciful heart does not mean a weak heart. Anyone who wishes to be merciful must have a strong and steadfast heart, closed to the tempter but open to God. A heart which lets itself be pierced by the Spirit so as to bring love along the roads that lead to our brothers and sisters."


Want to read more of this papal fireside chat on Lent?  Click here to go to Vatican Radio.