We begin our Lenten journey. It opens with the words of the prophet Joel, which point us in the right direction. It is an invitation that springs from the heart of God, who, with open arms and longing eyes, implores us: “Return to me with all your heart” (Joel 2:12). Return to me. Lent is a journey back to God. How many times, busy or indifferent, have we said to him: “Lord, I’ll come to you later, just wait… I can’t today, but tomorrow I’ll start praying and doing something for others.” And so on, day after day. Now God is calling to our hearts. In life, we will always have things to do and excuses to make, but, brothers and sisters, today is the time to return to God.

Pope Francis