Pope Francis’ Lenten Message concentrates on the theme of poverty. ‘Lent is a fitting time for self-denial; we would do well to ask ourselves what we can give up in order to help and enrich others by our own poverty. Let us not forget that real poverty hurts: no self-denial is real without this dimension of penance. I distrust a charity that costs nothing and does not hurt.’    The Message forms a good basis for reflection at this time of year.