Let us begin this new month unified with the prayer intention of Pope Leo for March: “Let us pray that the nations move toward effective disarmament, particularly nuclear disarmament, and that world leaders choose the path of dialogue and diplomacy instead of violence.” In a world weighed down by conflict and fear, Lent invites us to deepen our discipleship by seeking peace — not only in global affairs, but in our own hearts. True peace flows from Christ, the Prince of Peace, who teaches us that “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9).
In the first reading today, we hear the call of Abram: “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you” (Genesis 12:1). At God’s word, Abraham sets out without knowing his destination. He departs from familiarity, security, and certainty — and he walks by faith. Scripture tells us simply, “Abram went, as the Lord had told him” (Genesis 12:4). This obedience, rooted in trust, makes Abraham the father of faith for all believers.
Lent is a spiritual pilgrimage modeled on Abraham’s journey. God calls each of us to leave behind what holds us back: habits that harden the heart, attachments that obscure God’s voice, fears that keep us from love. Just as Abraham had to trust God’s promise — “I will make of you a great nation” (Genesis 12:2) — so we are invited to trust that God is faithful, even when the path ahead seems unclear.
Saint Leo the Great reminds us that faith is not a passive hope but an active trust in God. He wrote that the Christian life is a “march of faith toward the reward of hope.” This march isn’t always easy. It requires letting go of our desire for control, our fear of uncertainty, and the weapons of resentment and pride we carry within ourselves.
This Lent, as you reflect on Abraham’s call, ask yourself: What is God asking me to leave behind? What fears or attachments keep me from fully trusting God’s promise of life and peace? When we surrender these things to God, we are spiritually “disarmed” — and in that disarmament, we become instruments of peace in our families, communities, and world.
May this season of Lent strengthen your trust in God, deepen your faith, and lead you ever closer to Christ, the source of lasting peace.
