March 9, 2011. During
the general audience, the pope explained that Lent is a spiritual
path that prepares for the commemoration of the Passion, Death and
Resurrection of Jesus. He also pointed out that Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent and the road to Easter.
Benedict XVI
"
Today the
Church celebrates Ash Wednesday, the beginning of her Lenten journey
towards Easter. The Christian life is itself a constant journey of
conversion and renewal in the company of the Lord.”
The
Pope recalled that fasting, alms-giving and prayer help to deepen
faith and commit to living the Gospel.
He noted that fasting
is not just to deprive yourself but to lead
a more moderate
life. He
asked everyone
to give alms and do good deeds for others as
well as stressing
the importance of
pious
and intense
prayers
during Lent.
Benedict
XVI also said that Lent is a good time to renew the commitments that
are acquired
in Baptism.
Benedict XVI
“
As
we accompany the catechumens preparing for Baptism, we open our
hearts anew to the grace of our rebirth in Christ. This spiritual
journey is traditionally marked by the practice of fasting,
almsgiving and prayer.” For
the pope,
Lent is less about
the
observed laws and precepts and
more about the person coming closer to Christ.
Among
the 7,000 people
in the audience was a German
band that
dedicated a song for their countryman, Benedict XVI.
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CTV
JM
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