Written by That Beauty That Dwells Within Us
Dear Sisters, each one of us is inhabited by a beauty that, almost without realizing it, we begin to cover with “makeup” or allow to wither away. The season of Lent that we have begun offers us a time to awaken and to allow to shine that beauty that beats deep within us and longs to express itself in the ordinary moments of life. How can we do this?
During these 40 days of Lent, fasting, prayer, and almsgiving are emphasized, and we make great efforts to live them out. But I wonder if, amid the routine of what is familiar—like the liturgical season of Lent—we can recognise the true meaning of these three modes: that is, to live with greater intensity and joy our love for God who, on the Cross, gives us his very life which is eternal love. That beauty that dwells within us is nothing other than the love of God, which constantly creates and gives us life and that is stronger than any ugliness, sin, or death. (Ct 8,6).
I invite you, then, to take the first step, for everything begins with the desire to move forward, to get under way, to awaken that beauty that you already carry within but may have neglected due to hurry, distance from God, fear, routine… or even excessive work. Lent, through prayer, fasting, and charity, is a time to beautify your life—if you choose to do so, of course! It is an invitation to pause, look inward, and rediscover the grace that dwells within you, bringing true fulfilment to your life. The Spirit urges you to step outside of yourself, to encounter God and your brothers and sisters, to walk alongside others without trampling or dominating, without envy or hypocrisy, ensuring that no one is left behind or feels excluded.
Lent shakes the “makeup” off and encourages you to move, to step out of passivity, to walk with an open heart, to blow on the embers and rekindle the love with which God loves you. Lent is a season that reminds you of the importance of the journey—we are pilgrims. Yours is not a blind wandering; there is a goal prepared for you. We know that Lent is essentially directed toward Easter, the very Heart of God’s love for you and for all mankind.
Lent, then, is not just a time of renunciation of your time, your things, your pleasures, the excess of communication in networks; above all, it is a time of multiplications, awakenings and beautifications. As we begin Lent in this Jubilee of Hope Year, do not fast or abstain from living in the Love as a humble service to others. Do not fast or abstain from discovering and celebrating the seeds of God’s love in your life and in the lives of those around you. It is your hopeful gaze that perceives the hidden beauty within people—beauty that needs your trust to dare to bloom.
Lent is not a time of “no, no, no,” but of “yes, yes, yes.” It is not enough to simply give up material things; the real invitation is to engage your heart. It’s not just about giving up sweets, smoking less, or stepping away from social media—it’s about asking yourself how you can follow God more closely, with humility, honesty, and deep joy. It calls you to rejoice in what you can give more of: more time for others, more truth, more reconciliation, more acts of love, more trust, more words of kindness that heal and strengthen those around you and those you serve with such dedication. How am I loving others? How can I love them better?
Lent is also a time for silence, for prayer, for meditation, for rereading your own story from God and with His all-healing love. Prayer is experiencing God’s visit—not to deafen Him with your words, but to attune your heart to the melody of His. It is a time to supplicate to God to fulfil His will in you, letting go of your own, which is often selfish, self-interested, earthly, and egotistical. It is always a time to say “yes,” together with Mary, to everything that comes from God, from the depths of your being, longing to flourish in truth, goodness, and beauty.
Lent is undoubtedly a time to beautify your life—not with grand gestures, but with the tenderness of a heart willing to be transformed by God’s loving touch who for you dies to resurrect. It is a time to deepen the belief that we are “beloved daughters”. Do not be afraid! God will take care of you along the way because He is with you, walking beside you. In the end, what truly matters is eternal life, which is opened to you through the Cross and Resurrection of Christ. The Pope invites us to “cross the threshold of hope.”
Joyful pilgrimage! May the Virgin Mary, Mother of Hope, intercede for you and accompany you on this Lenten journey, making your life more beautiful shining as a beacon of hope for others.
F. Marcelo Gidi S.J.
Ecclesiastical Assistant
WUCWO – UMOFC