Formation of the Heart

In his Message for Lent, Pope Francis, in his typical way, speaks clearly, simply and directly.
As a way of overcoming indifference and our pretensions to self-sufficiency, I would invite everyone to live this Lent as an opportunity for engaging in what Benedict XVI called a formation of the heart (cf. Deus Caritas Est, 31).  A merciful heart does not mean a weak heart.  anyone who wishes to be merciful must have a strong and steadfast heart, closed to the tempter but open to God.  A heart which lets itself be pierced by the Spirit so as to bring love along the roads that lead to our brothers and sisters.  And, ultimately a poor heart, one which realizes its own poverty and gives itself freely for others.
During this Lent, then, brothers and sisters, let us all ask the Lord:  "Fac cor nostrum secundum cor tuum: "Make our hearts like yours".  (Litany of the Sacred Heart of Jesus).  In this way we will receive a heart  which is firm and merciful, attentive and generous, a heart which is not closed, indifferent or prey to the globalization of indifference.
It is my prayerful hope that this Lent will prove spiritually fruitful for each believer and every ecclesisal community. I ask all of you to pray for me.  May the Lord bless you and Our Lady keep you.--Francis...
Bro. Rene