Pope’s Lenten message emphasises generosity

VATICAN CITY, Feb 4 (VIS) – “He became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich” is the title of the Holy Father’s Message for Lent 2014. The title is drawn from the Second Letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians in which the apostle encourages them to show their generosity by helping their brothers in Jerusalem, who were experiencing difficulties. In the document, dated 26 December, feast of St Stephen protomartyr, the Pope explores the meaning of St Paul’s invitation to evangelical poverty in our times. Excerpt of text of the message is published below:

“Dear Brothers and Sisters,

As Lent draws near, I would like to offer some helpful thoughts on our path of conversion as individuals and as a community. These insights are inspired by the words of Saint Paul: ‘For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich’. The Apostle was writing to the Christians of Corinth to encourage them to be generous in helping the faithful in Jerusalem who were in need. What do these words of Saint Paul mean for us Christians today? What does this invitation to poverty, a life of evangelical poverty, mean to us today?” more