Already in the first year of the pontificate, he said, “Christ himself indicates to us in the Gospel the rich program of conversion.” He explained what fasting is, what alms means, so that we could understand well what this is all about. “Fasting means self-mastery – he said – it means being demanding with regard to ourselves; being ready to renounce things—and not just food—but also enjoyment and the various pleasures. And alms deeds—in the wider and essential acceptation—means readiness to share joys and sadness with others, to give to one’s neighbor, to the needy in particular; to share not only material goods, but also the gifts of the spirit.”
John Paul II cared a lot about the gifts of the Spirit. During Lent, every Friday the Papal Preacher provided a retreat for the Holy Father – recalls Archbishop Mokrzycki – the retreats for the Holy Father and for all Cardinals and workers of the Curia. As it was during the Advent when we were preparing to Christmas, so during the Lent Fr. Raniero Cantalamess was preparing us for Easter. The Archbishop describes how the Pope was very concentrated during these retreats, as he listened with attention, took notes. There was great humility in it – he says. –But, also some hunger for the word of God. He really wanted to prepare for these celebrations in the best possible manner. Are any of us so zealously preparing for the death and resurrection of Christ? That was important to him. And, he really wanted us to become better people in Lent. That was the goal of his work on himself: prayers, fasting, and alms giving. That’s why he was directing our attention to the weakest. And, he called our consciences to account for those who suffer poverty and hunger.
With the permission of Archbishop Mieczysław Mokrzycki – “A place for everybody”
Znak Publishing House, Kraków 2013
