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2.Ā The urgency of conversion
It is good to contemplate more deeply the paschal mystery through which Godās mercy has been bestowed upon us. Indeed, the experience of mercy is only possible in a āface to faceā relationship with the crucified and risen Lord āwho loved me and gave himself for meā (GalĀ 2:20), in a heartfelt dialogue between friends. That is why prayer is so important in Lent. Even more than a duty, prayer is an expression of our need to respond to Godās love which always precedes and sustains us. Christians pray in the knowledge that, although unworthy, we are still loved. Prayer can take any number of different forms, but what truly matters in Godās eyes is that it penetrates deep within us and chips away at our hardness of heart, in order to convert us ever more fully to God and to his will.
In this favourable season, then, may we allow ourselves to be led like Israel into the desert (cf.Ā HosĀ 2:14), so that we can at last hear our Spouseās voice and allow it to resound ever more deeply within us. The more fully we are engaged with his word, the more we will experience the mercy he freely gives us. May we not let this time of grace pass in vain, in the foolish illusion that we can control the times and means of our conversion to him.
3.Ā Godās passionate will to dialogue with his children
The fact that the Lord once again offers us a favourable time for our conversion should never be taken for granted. This new opportunity ought to awaken in us a sense of gratitude and stir us from our sloth. Despite the sometimes tragic presence of evil in our lives, and in the life of the Church and the world, this opportunity to change our course expresses Godās unwavering will not to interrupt his dialogue of salvation with us. In the crucified Jesus, who knew no sin, yet for our sake was made to be sin (cf.Ā 2 CorĀ 5:21), this saving will led the Father to burden his Son with the weight of our sins, thus, in the expression ofĀ Pope Benedict XVI, āturning of God against himselfā (Deus Caritas Est, 12). For God also loves his enemies (cf.Ā MtĀ 5:43-48).