With the commencement of Lent on Wednesday 5 March, Pope Francis has this week invited the faithful to embark on a pilgrimage marked by hope, communal journeying, and conversion.
As the world faces ongoing challenges, including the ongoing war in Ukraine, flood and cyclones right here in Queensland, Australia, a worrying impact on the cost of living, his message, titled “Let us journey together in hope,” resonates profoundly, urging us to reflect on our path towards spiritual and communal renewal.
Journeying in Faith and Hope
Pope Francis opens his message by drawing upon the rich symbolism of Lent, a time when Christians are reminded of the triumph of life over death through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
This period is an opportunity to deepen our faith and to embrace the hope promised by Christ’s victory over sin.
The Holy Father emphasised the continuous call to conversion—turning back to God and embracing a life that reflects our faith’s ideals.
Reflection on the Exodus as a Modern Metaphor
Central to his message is the comparison of our spiritual journey to the biblical exodus, where the Israelites travelled from slavery to freedom under God’s guidance.
This narrative is especially poignant today as we witness countless individuals and families forced to flee from war, poverty, and persecution in search of a better life.
Pope Francis calls on each of us to see ourselves as pilgrims in this life, challenged to move beyond our comfort zones and respond to the needs of these modern-day exiles with compassion and action.
The Call to Synodality
A significant aspect of Pope Francis’ Lenten reflection is the call to synodality, which means walking together in faith.
This communal journey involves listening, sharing, and mutual support embodying the unity that comes from recognising our common dignity as children of God.
The Holy Father challenges us to consider how well we are walking alongside others in our daily lives, particularly within our families, workplaces, and church communities.
A Call to Hope and Conversion
Pope Francis emphasises hope as a “sure and steadfast anchor of the soul.”
This hope is not passive but active, demanding a response that is grounded in a deep trust in God’s promises.
It calls for a conversion that sees beyond the immediate challenges of our world to the eternal perspective of God’s kingdom.
The Holy Father asks us to examine whether we truly believe in the forgiveness of sins and whether our actions demonstrate a longing for salvation and a commitment to justice and fraternity.
Application to Current World Events
Pope Francis’ message is particularly relevant in light of recent global events.
The ongoing conflict in Israel and Ukraine, the emergency situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and even the climate situation right here in our own backyard in Queensland, call for a response from the Catholic community that is both compassionate and proactive.
The Lenten call to conversion and synodality invites us to not only care for our common home but also to ensure that no one, especially the most vulnerable, is left behind or excluded from our efforts.
Pope Francis’ reflections for Lent 2025 encourage us to engage with the world in a way that brings the hope of the Gospel into the darkest places of human experience.
As we journey through Lent, we are reminded that our hope is based on the resurrection of Christ—a hope that compels us to act justly and to love mercy, walking humbly with our God and our fellow human beings.