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This Lent, Pope Francis gives warning about the ‘globalisation of indifference’:

‘Usually, when we are healthy and comfortable, we forget about others (something God the Father never does): we are unconcerned with their problems, their sufferings and the injustices they endure. Our heart grows cold. 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. It is a problem which we, as Christians, need to confront.’

To do so he tells us to ask the Lord:

‘“Fac cor nostrum secundum cor tuum”: Make our hearts like yours (Litany of the Sacred Heart of Jesus). In this way we will receive a heart which is firm and merciful, attentive and generous, a heart which is not closed, indifferent or prey to the globalization of indifference. 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. And, ultimately, a poor heart, one which realizes its own poverty and gives itself freely for others.’

So let us take up this challenge and allow the suffering of others to call us to conversion. Pray with the whole Church for those in need. Look for opportunities for charity, no matter how small. Use your fasting to stand in solidarity with those who depend only on God because they have nothing else.

Have a read of the Holy Father’s message for this Lent, in the Catholic press or by searching online for “Pope Francis Message for Lent 2015”.

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