The Spokesman of the Polish Episcopate: Lent is a time of openness to God and others
Lent is a favourable time to draw near to God, to draw from Him strength and courage for the journey ahead. It is also a time to be more open to others, especially the sick, those in need, and those ailing in body and soul – said the Spokesman of the Polish Bishops' Conference, Fr. Leszek Gęsiak SJ, on Ash Wednesday, which begins the liturgical period of Lent.
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The Spokesman of the Polish Episcopate noted that the liturgical period of Lent is a time of preparation for the proper experience of the great paschal mysteries. It is meant to help us become even more open to God and neighbour. “Lent is a favourable time to draw closer to God, to draw from Him the strength and courage to continue on our journey. However, in order to be able to do this, it is necessary to stop and calm one’s inner self, which is usually immersed in the fervour of daily affairs and the events that absorb us, including political and social ones” – he pointed out.
Fr. Gęsiak acknowledged that it is not a matter of worshipping God with one’s lips alone, but of being close to Him with one’s heart (cf. Mk 7:6). “God takes us out into the desert during this Lenten season to teach us to trust Him more and to trust in the plan He has for each of us without exception. The idea is not just to believe in God, because after all even Satan believes in Him, but to learn to believe God, to trust that He really knows what is good for us. Then His words will be a simple and unambiguous signpost for us in all matters in which we will have to make decisions” – he stressed.
The Spokesman of the Polish Episcopate pointed out that Lent is also a time to be more open to others, especially the sick, those in need, ailing in body or soul. “By stopping in our daily routine, we also suddenly begin to notice the people around us, their suffering, sometimes powerlessness, helplessness, weakness. Maybe we can notice those who are waiting for our time and interest, and for concrete help. These days mark the second anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, so we should remember especially the victims of the war taking place across our eastern border, showing support for those who have remained in their country, who are suffering as a result of this armed conflict and who need our help all the time. After all, as refugees, they live and work among us! May we not fall into the passivity of getting used to their suffering and become weary of helping and sacrificing for them” – he pointed out.
The Spokesman of the Polish Bishops’ Conference admitted that the Lenten devotions offered by the Church can be helpful in living Lent. “Lenten devotions, retreats, days of recollection and spiritual exercises are meant to help us to know and delve into God’s love, which was most fully revealed on the Cross. Aware of the love God has given us, we can more easily open up and turn towards Him, and thus try to imitate Him in this love” – he said.
Press Office of the Polish Bishops’ Conference
