The liturgy of the 5th Sunday of Lent shows us Christ who offers himself to us in every Eucharist, who wants to win us through love. Experiencing his love opens us to a new life
During this Lenten season, we are invited to meet Christ in the sacrament of penance and reconciliation, where we can experience his mercy.
“God cares about every human being. Each of us is priceless to God. That is why God's love bends down to each of us. God is interested in our existence, He looks at our heart full of love. We are His creation, His children, made to love and live for eternity. He never forgets about us or crosses us out. Staring with love, he supports each of us in the realization of our vocation, the greatest longing of our heart, ”said Fr. Janusz Kumala, MIC, in the homily delivered during the Holy Mass in the Licheń basilica at 12.00.
The custodian priest also asked the gathered people whether, like God at man, do we look intensely at God's face, do we miss him? Are we making use of our time on earth to fulfill our desire for eternal life?
“We should especially ask ourselves these questions during our Lenten journey, when we are called to conversion and penance. This is the message that Mary gave during the apparitions in 1850 - that we would always return to God. "
In every Eucharist, Christ offers himself to me anew, he goes out first and wants to win me through love. His love offer is valid and has no time limit. What am I rushing on every day? To what end, to what fulfillment? What do I want?
From today until the Liturgy of the Lord's Passion on Good Friday, crosses are veiled in the churches. Where does this habit come from?
In the past, the image of Christ placed on the crucifix was not the image of a martyred man but of a triumphant King. For example - it had a crown, but not a crown of thorns, but a royal one, or it had no signs of sustained wounds. The image of Christ triumphant or the cross itself richly decorated with precious stones was covered in order to help the faithful to focus on the Savior's passion.
After the end of the Eucharist, a surprise awaited the children present in the basilica - figurines of the Easter lamb. The lambs blessed during the liturgy can be placed in a Christmas basket. It is an important symbol for a Christian as it signifies the redemption of sinners and the overcoming of evil. Most often it takes the form of a sweet figurine, either chocolate or sugar.
Text and photos: Sanctuary Press Office
