February 22, 2026, 12:00 PM
So, Lent’s begun again. Once more we turn to the old challenges: to fast, to pray, to practice works of charity. Sometimes the list looks pretty familiar: We’ll give up this dessert, this drink… We’ll say our rosary, do the Way of the Cross... We’ll throw that loose change in the Rice Bowl... All good stuff, mind you! But this year Pope Leo suggests another form of fasting. Listen to his words:
I would like to invite you to a very practical and frequently unappreciated form of abstinence: that of refraining from words that offend and hurt our neighbor. Let us begin by disarming our language, avoiding harsh words and rash judgement, refraining from slander and speaking ill of those who are not present and cannot defend themselves. Instead, let us strive to measure our words and cultivate kindness and respect in our families, among our friends, at work, on social media, in political debates, in the media and in Christian communities. In this way, words of hatred will give way to words of hope and peace.
I don’t know about you, but I’m frequently taken aback by the words I read, the words I hear. Social media—on the political left and right—throws around violent and hateful words all the time. Instead of talking to the family member, friend or neighbor about what we don’t like, we smear them in front of the universe. Yes, we can be angry—and many times should be. Yes, we can criticize—and often should. But the human dignity we claim for ourselves and the people we like has to belong to the other side, as well. If “love is love”, then the opposite is true: “Hate is hate.”
But you don’t have to take it from me. Take it from our Holy Father who calls us to a new way this Lent. Fast from harsh words. Pray for those who oppose us. Love our enemies. (And yes, those last two sentences don’t come from me. They don’t come from the Pope. They come from Jesus. And any Lent that’s worthwhile really belongs to him.)
Fr. McCreary
