In the evening of Good Friday, the worship of the Cross is held in the churches.
We are currently living in the period of Lent, which is often described by clergy as a time of concentration, seriousness and reflection. At this time, it is very important for every believer to remember that every Friday is special and there are obligations that must be observed. Klaipėda St. told about it. Mindaugas Šlaustas, priest of Virgin Mary Queen of Peace Parish.
The priest revealed why the Lent period is particularly significant and what it is important to know about fasting.
You need to take a closer look at yourself
The period of Lent in Lithuania began on Ash Wednesday, February 14, and will last until Easter, March 31. M. Šlaustas revealed what is important to know at this time.
“Every year, the church goes through two such pauses before major holidays: before Christmas we have the time of Advent and before one of the main holidays of the year, St. Easter, we have the season of Lent. In its own sense, this period is really impressive.
This is the time to calm your heart, to look deeper into yourself. Different parishes organize different hours of concentration and retreats. At this time, there is more talk about spiritual things, about human vices in everyday life. Also about the relationship with God. Even if that relationship was forgotten, it is currently being renewed,” said the priest.
He added that at this time it is important to take a closer look at yourself and your loved ones: “Every year during Lent, it is very important to take a look at yourself. When we look at ourselves, we always look at the other person – what is my relationship with the other person? What is my empathy? What is her degree?’
It is time to remember the suffering of Jesus
Another important highlight of Lent is the rethinking of Christ’s suffering. According to the priest, every believer should think about this on a daily basis, but it is extremely important during Lent.
“Also, Lent is viewed through the suffering of Christ. Why exactly? To a person of today, that suffering, when faced with everyday trials, difficult situations, seems very difficult. But when we think about suffering during Lent, we think about the way of Jesus, the way of the cross, which is the way of love. That suffering in which the Lord loves us.
We try to understand this, to walk the way of the cross through our everyday trials and difficulties, as if walking the way of the cross. But together we realize that we are not left alone, but we walk together with Jesus, who understands that path of suffering very well.
It helps us humans to better understand our relationship with God. He is not somewhere far away, God walks by and understands man well. It all depends on how much we open ourselves to God. The meaning of Lent is renewal, getting out of despair, loneliness,” the interviewer explained.
Church (photo 123rf.com)
Fasting time is especially important
One of the essential features of the Lenten period is fasting. M. Šlaustas told how it is significant.
“Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, which is a fast day declared by the church. Other fast days are all Fridays until St. Easter. It means that we have to give up something in our life. Why do you need to do this? For others.
We can not eat meat, we can do what is asked of us by fasting. But after all, we can eat fish, seafood, and spend a lot of money on it. However, fasting is, after all, a commitment to live that day by depriving yourself of a certain part of pleasures and to contribute to the works of love for your neighbor.
Especially now, food package campaigns are being organized or at our Klaipėda St. A fasting box is organized in the parish of Virgin Mary Queen of Peace. It is when a person can share his food or other necessary things, as if withdrawing from himself, with those who live in poverty. It is important to help others,” explained the priest.
He urged to give up not only meat
According to the priest, not only meat is also very important during fasting, but also several other pleasures that are often loved by people.
“Fasting is also about those who have certain addictions: smoking, alcohol and others. During these Fridays, it is very important to refrain from certain habits, from certain pleasures. That day should be dedicated to your spirit, to develop your will.
This whole fast is sometimes considered a fasting day, simply not eating meat, but there is nothing like it. It is observed on Fridays and every believer is called to observe it because Jesus died on Friday.
It is this day that I fast out of love and gratitude for Christ’s suffering. This is like such a spiritual beginning of me as a person of faith,” said M. Šlaustas about the most important highlights of the fast.
