Michael Ryan SJ reflects on Pope Leo’s Lenten invitation to respond to three pillars…

It’s amazing how making three points in delivering a message, homily, or exhortation so often really hits the mark and makes an impact. I was taken by Pope Leo XIV’s Lenten message this year which focuses on Listening, Abstinence and Community. Looking back over the last couple of Lenten weeks, I’ve adverted to recalling his encouragement multiple times using these three pillars.

A line from Pope Leo ‘I would like to invite you to a very practical and frequently unappreciated form of abstinence – that of refraining from words that offend and hurt our neighbour’. This could be a timely reminder as we recall how our Lent in 2026 is shaping up. Any revision called for on my part could include how I am attentive to those dear to me, those I work or associate with.

place the mystery of God back at the centre of our lives

Pope Leo encourages us to listen with respect to those we might try to block out or disregard. In suggesting that this liturgical season offers us an opportunity to place the mystery of God back at the centre of our lives, he focused on the importance of listening to God and to those around us, allowing ourselves to enter into authentic relationships.

In these difficult times he highlighted how important is the communal aspect of listening and abstaining, which can be lived out in our parishes, families and religious communities. So, coming to the crunch – take a moment to contemplate your pilgrimage:

What voices do I need to listen to?

Any harmful practices that I will endeavour to abstain from?

How will I engage in these activities in my community?

Together, let us call on God’s grace and mercy to make this Lent a blessed and significant journey.