The mystery of God’s love reaches its most astonishing depth in the revelation of Christ’s sacrifice. Pope Benedict XVI once spoke of the striking image of God “seeming to turn against Himself,” a powerful expression of how far divine love is willing to go for humanity. In this breathtaking act of self-gift, God shows a love that stretches beyond human comprehension, extending even toward those who oppose Him or turn away. This is the heart of the paschal mystery. It is not a distant or abstract concept, but a profound reality in which God steps directly into the drama of human suffering and brokenness. Through Christ, divine love becomes personal, tangible, and transformative.
This salvific love stands in clear contrast with the idle curiosity described in the Book of Acts, where the Athenians spent their days chasing novelty, always eager for something new yet rarely seeking anything meaningful. In many ways, our modern world faces a similar challenge. With constant notifications, endless scrolling, and a culture obsessed with the next trend, life can easily become filled with noise. Misused digital media and surface-level communication can distract us from deeper reflection and drown out the gentle but persistent call to spiritual conversion. The Gospel, however, invites us to something far richer than momentary fascination. It calls us into an encounter that opens the heart, changes our priorities, and renews our way of seeing others.
Sharing in the paschal mystery means learning to recognize Christ’s presence in the wounds of our world. Every act of violence, every form of injustice, and every moment of human pain echoes the suffering He embraced. The struggles of the poor, the loneliness of the forgotten, and the cries of innocent victims all mirror the passion of Christ. At the same time, our own failures—our selfishness, indifference, and the harm we cause to one another or to creation—reveal how easily our hearts can drift from God’s love. Yet these wounds are not the end of the story. They are invitations to return, to heal, and to rebuild.
Authentic conversion naturally leads to generosity. Almsgiving is not meant to be a simple obligation or a seasonal act of goodwill. Instead, it is a powerful way of reshaping our inner life. When we give with sincerity, our hearts expand. We learn compassion, we restore dignity, and we take part in repairing the injustices that weigh on our communities. In giving, we become more aware of how interconnected we all are, and how much the world needs hope, kindness, and solidarity.
This year, from March twenty six to March twenty eight, young economists and innovators will meet in Assisi to explore new paths toward an economy rooted in justice and care. Their gathering reflects the growing global desire for systems that uplift the vulnerable and respect the dignity of every person. Their voices and ideas remind us that change is possible when compassion and creativity come together.
As we journey through this season of renewal, may Mary Most Holy guide us with her gentle presence. May our hearts be purified, strengthened, and inspired to become instruments of peace. And may we faithfully live the mission Christ entrusted to His followers: to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world, shining with hope in every corner of life.
