The truth about Christ’s resurrection he said was “the cornerstone of our faith.” About the day of the Resurrection – that it is “the beginning of a new hope”. He recalled the first words of the Risen One who, entering through the closed door to the Upper Room, greeted the Apostles, saying: “Peace be with you”. Already in the first year of his pontificate, John Paul II explained what this peace meant. “Peace of consciences and peace of hearts” – he said. “This peace cannot be attained until each of us is aware that we are doing everything in our power so that all men– brothers of Christ, loved by Him even unto death – will be assured from the first moment of their existence of a life worthy of the children of God.” Begin with yourselves – his former secretary explained the Pope’s words. May this peace, as this resurrection, first of all take place in you. The Holy Father wanted us to be nourished by the joy of Christ’s resurrection in order to change ourselves and change the world. For the better. “May the Risen Christ awaken in all, Christians and non-Christians” – John Paul II said in 1979 – “a feeling of solidarity and generous love for all our brothers and sisters in need.” He said it many times, but when said on Resurrection Sunday, it sounded like a challenge. As if he wanted to tell us: be good to yourselves – said the Archbishop – because an innocent man – Jesus Christ – gave His life for you, for your sins. Appreciate it and do something for others too. Compared to the sacrifice of life, any other sacrifice will be within reach. Here and now. A wise priest once told me that doing good cannot wait. That if we feel that we should help someone, forgive someone, talk to someone, we should do it as soon as it is possible. What John Paul II said also on the occasion of Easter was always such a call to do good, and immediately – said Archbishop Mokrzycki. Man wanted to act right away. It was great wisdom. And, the great charisma of the Holy Father. What he said and how he lived transformed people’s hearts. John Paul II was counting on it very much. To change our hearts.
With the consent of Archbishop Mieczysław Mokrzycki – “Place for everyone”
Znak Publishing House, Kraków 2013.
