A reading of Pope’s 1st Lent letter, for busy people

The Heart of the Letter

At its core, Pope Leo XIV's Lenten message is about one thing: encounter. Not encounter as an abstract theological concept, but as a daily, practical reality. The Pope challenges every Christian to ask: "When was the last time I truly encountered Christ—not just thought about Him, but met Him?"

This echoes the beautiful invitation of the Psalms: "Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him" (Psalm 34:8). Faith, the Pope insists, is not primarily intellectual—it is experiential.

Key Theme 1: The Desert as Gift

The Pope draws on the rich biblical imagery of the desert—not as punishment but as preparation. Just as Israel wandered forty years in the wilderness before entering the Promised Land, and Jesus spent forty days in the desert before His ministry, Lent invites us into our own desert experience.

"Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the wilderness these forty years, to humble and test you in order to know what was in your heart" (Deuteronomy 8:2). The desert strips away distractions and reveals what truly matters. For busy people, this might mean something as simple as turning off the phone during dinner or spending the morning commute in silence instead of podcasts.

Key Theme 2: Fasting That Transforms

Pope Leo XIV distinguishes between superficial fasting—giving up small pleasures as a spiritual transaction—and transformative fasting that changes how we see others. He quotes the prophet Isaiah's powerful challenge:

"Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter?" (Isaiah 58:6-7).

For the busy person, this means: your Lenten sacrifice should make you more available to others, not just more uncomfortable.

Key Theme 3: Prayer as Conversation

Perhaps the most refreshing section of the letter addresses prayer. The Pope acknowledges that many Christians feel guilty about their prayer lives—they don't pray enough, don't pray well enough, can't concentrate. His response is disarmingly simple: start talking to God as you would a friend.

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God" (Philippians 4:6). Prayer doesn't require perfect conditions or eloquent words. It requires honesty and availability.

Key Theme 4: Almsgiving as Encounter

The Pope's most challenging words concern almsgiving—not merely as charity but as encounter. He asks: do you know the names of the people you help? Do you see their faces? Or is your generosity anonymous and comfortable?

Jesus said: "Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me" (Matthew 25:40). Pope Leo XIV pushes this further: almsgiving should disrupt our routines, challenge our priorities, and bring us face to face with Christ in the poor.

The Busy Person's Lenten Plan

Based on the Pope's letter, here is a practical plan for those with limited time:

Morning (2 minutes): One Scripture verse read slowly. One honest prayer: "Lord, what do You want from me today?"

Midday (1 minute): A moment of silence. Recall the morning verse. Offer a brief prayer for someone in need.

Evening (3 minutes): Review the day. Where did you encounter Christ? Where did you miss Him? Thank God for His presence.

Weekly: One concrete act of service—not just giving money, but giving time, attention, or presence to someone who needs it.

Why It Matters

Pope Leo XIV concludes his letter with a reminder that Lent is not an endurance test—it is a love story. God is not counting your sacrifices; He is counting the moments you turn toward Him. "The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth" (Psalm 145:18). Even in the busiest life, there is room for that turning.