Primate of Poland at Jasna Góra: Established by Christ, the Church is to follow Christ
“The Church, therefore, need not seek a new agenda. The Church is in no need to be choosing what it stands for. The Church has the program. Established by Christ, the Church is to follow Christ,” said Primate of Poland, Archbishop Wojciech Polak in his homily during the Solemn Mass at the Jasna Góra Shrine, commemorating the Solemnity of Our Lady of Częstochowa.
Referring in his homily to today’s verses of the Gospel about the wedding at Cana, Archbishop Polak pointed out that the hearts of so many people today are hungry for love: “This is not just any love, one that is superficial and elusive, but love that is genuine and profound, a love that only God can give. This is precisely the dream of Mary’s Heart: to fill the dried-up vessels of so many human hearts with the Holy Spirit and with the fire of God's love.”
The Primate of Poland stressed that the modern world is crying out for love. “Love is indispensable in our personal and social lives. Love is necessary in the Church and the Homeland. Love is needed because it is matched by care, fidelity, responsibility, and respect. It is the source of moderation of the judgments and words we utter. The one who loves, does not hurt. The one who loves treats others as sisters and brothers and does not offend, does not manipulate, and does not make false accusations. Whoever is mindful of love seeks concord, reconciliation and good for all,” observed the archbishop.
He continued: “We need love today, but we also need reason, so that we can discern between what is truth and what is confusion-sowing falsehood. We need love so that in the ongoing disputes and feuds that continue to escalate, we do not mindlessly fling mud at one another and deny one another the right to care for the common good and responsibility for our common destiny.”
Archbishop Polak indicated that the entire program of Christian life is contained in Mary’s simple command: “Do whatever he tells you.” Therefore, said the archbishop in his homily, “The Church need not seek a new agenda. The Church is in no need to be choosing what it stands for. The Church has the program. Established by Christ, the Church is to follow Christ. Indeed, the Church must be mindful of the signs of the time yet should respond to them in the light of Christ’s Gospel rather than relying on human wisdom.”
During the Mass, in line with tradition, the congregation reiterated the Jasna Góra Vows of the Nation, written by Blessed Primate Stefan Wyszyński. The Solemn Mass was concelebrated by diocesan ordinaries who participated in the meeting of the Diocesan Council of Bishops, held annually on August 25 at the Jasna Góra Shrine, on the eve of the Feast of Our Lady of Częstochowa.
Press Office of the Polish Bishops’ Conference
Translated by M. Turski / Office for Foreign Communication of the Polish Bishops’ Conference
