Pope Francis' Lent Advice: Give Up *This* Instead Of Sweets

Are we truly giving up enough this Lent? Pope Francis urges us to look beyond the traditional sacrifices and embrace a deeper, more compassionate form of fasting.

The call to observe Lent, a period of spiritual reflection and renewal, resonates across the Catholic faith each year. Traditionally, this time is marked by self-denial, a giving up of certain pleasures or habits. Sweets, in particular, have often been a target for Catholics seeking to demonstrate their devotion. However, in recent years, particularly with the guidance of Pope Francis, the focus has shifted, prompting a reconsideration of the very essence of Lenten practice.

On Wednesday, marking the commencement of Lent, Pope Francis unveiled a modern perspective, expanding the traditional list of abstentions to encompass areas that extend beyond simple dietary restrictions. His message, delivered during a homily on Friday at morning mass in the Casa Santa Marta, included a warning against what he termed "fake fasting," underscoring the importance of aligning Lenten practices with genuine acts of compassion and the enrichment of others.

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This year, the Pope's Lenten message diverts attention from the usual practices of giving up candies and other such items, and instead, directs attention to a more significant form of temptation: indifference. In his annual Lenten letter, dated February 6, while the Holy Father was still in the hospital, the focus is on cultivating a more profound sense of empathy and action within the faithful. The message released on February 25, 2025, from Vatican City, at 10:55 AM, emphasizes the essential nature of this journey.

This year's message, themed "Let us journey together in hope," encourages a constant journey of conversion, promoting peace and empathy for fellow human beings.

The message, based on St. Pauls exhortation to the Galatians, encourages perseverance in good deeds. Pope Francis draws from the passage, "Let us not grow tired of doing good, for in due time we shall reap our harvest, if we do not give up." This concept of unwavering dedication to goodness forms the cornerstone of his Lenten counsel.

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The essence of true fasting, according to Pope Francis, lies in opening our hearts to others, especially those most in need. Lent becomes a time to create concrete commitments to assist those most in need. He concludes his message by urging us to fast from indifference towards others.