As we move through Lent, we are reminded that the fragility and vulnerability of Jesus demonstrates his power. Christ’s openness and uncompromising self-sacrifice models for us as individuals and as nations a way to dialogue into peace and reconciliation.On February 29, US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad and Taliban co-founder Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar signed a peace deal designed to end the United States^ war with Afghanistan, our nation’s longest armed conflict. Provisions of the peace deal include the withdrawal of a significant number of US and allied forces, the Taliban’s’ agreement to offer no support to Al-Qaida and a potential prisoner exchange. Afghanistan and Taliban leaders will soon begin negotiating details of what all hope will be a peaceful society. May these leaders, their people and all of us come to know what Our Lady knew: that the mercy of God extends from age to age.