Several Christian churches began last week the liturgical season of Lent, which prepares our hearts to celebrate the central mystery of our faith: Easter, that is, the definitive victory of the Lord Jesus Christ over death and sin.
Pope Francis, in his Message for Lent 2023, invites us to reflect on the relationship that exists between Lenten asceticism and the synodal experience. “Ascesis” has to do with training, exercise, the practice of something. “Synod” means “to walk together”.
For his message, the Holy Father uses the text of the Transfiguration of Jesus.
“Jesus took Peter, James and his brother John, and led them up a high mountain by themselves” (Mt 17:1). Francis says: “Even when our daily commitments force us to stay where we usually find ourselves, living an often repetitive and sometimes boring daily life, in Lent we are invited to climb a high mountain together with Jesus…”.
Next, the successor of Peter explains to us the meaning of Lenten asceticism: “To deepen our knowledge of the Master, to fully understand and accept the mystery of divine salvation, accomplished in the total gift of self for love, we must let ourselves be led by He to a deserted and elevated place, distancing us from mediocrities and vanities”.
Then the Pope points out to us: “Similarly to the ascent of Jesus and his disciples to Mount Tabor, we can affirm that our Lenten journey is synodal because we follow the same path together, disciples of the one Master.”
“Jesus was transfigured in their presence: his face shone like the sun and his clothes became white as light” (Mt 17,2). Francis tells us: “Here is the summit, the goal of the journey (…). As in any demanding mountain excursion, as you ascend it is necessary to keep your eyes fixed on the path; but the wonderful panorama that is revealed at the end surprises and makes it worthwhile.
The Lenten ascetic path, like the synodal one, has as its goal a personal and ecclesial transfiguration. Also as a society we are invited by Jesus to this collective transfiguration: to set out, uphill, with sacrifice and concentration, being able to overcome all individualism (“every man for himself”) and all fear, to rediscover together the beauty of this wonderful nation that He gives us and commits us.
* Catholic priest. Member of the Interreligious Committee for Peace (Comipaz)
