"A time of particular commitment in the spiritual fight opposing us to the evil which in present in the world, in each of us, and around us": thus the Pope defined Lent at yesterday’s Angelus. The liturgical time starting with Ash Wednesday, went on Benedict XVI, "means facing up to evil and getting ready to fight against its effects, above all, against its causes, until the ultimate cause: Satan. It means avoiding shifting the evil problem onto others, onto society or God. It means acknowledging one’s responsibilities, being aware of taking them on". For the Christians, recalled the Holy Father, "the cross, however heavy it may be, is not synonym with misfortune, or with disgrace to be avoided as far as possible. It is rather an opportunity to be as Jesus, and thus acquire strength in the fight against sin and evil". Therefore, entering Lent "means renewing the personal and community decision to face evil together with Christ". This means that, explained the Pope, "the Cross path is the only one leading to the victory of love over hatred, of sharing over egoism, of peace over violence". "Under this point of view concluded Benedict XVI, – Lent is really an opportunity for strong spiritual and ascetic commitment".
