Monday March 02, 2020 — First week of Lent — Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Matthew 25, 31-46 —Behold, now is the acceptable time, behold, now is the day of salvation

Dear Christians, we are at an ideal moment to convert, to pray more and to fast and practice charity. This is called Lent. This week teaches us: Lent is total self-denial for God. What have we really given up to God? Who is this God to whom we must surrender everything? The Word of God is clear: the destitute, the poor, the wretched, the insignificant in our eyes are all manifestations of the face of God. The priority of Jesus, at the beginning of his mission, was to get close to these poor, those who were left behind. He is the God who is close to the poor, who are none other than our neighbours, our brothers and sisters. He tried to be close to all people and showed them the way to follow, that is to say, love expressed through sharing, mutual visits, hospitality.

How have we responded to all these forms of poverty and the poor? The Lord whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.' It is what we did that would one day determine our place: to his left or to his right.

We will be judged by the way we have lavished love on those around us. Jesus accepted to live our misery, He endured everything from us, even death, to overcome our sins and to set us on the right path. This is the greatest proof of love. Therefore, for us who are following Jesus, it is in the midst of all people, especially among those who need our support, that we will be able to come even closer to Jesus.