The Ghana Catholic Bishops Conference is urging Catholic faithful across the country to embrace reconciliation with God during the Lenten season. This call comes as part of the 2024 Lenten Pastoral letter issued by the Bishops Conference on Tuesday, February 13, 2024.
In their statement, the bishops express concern over the diminishing sense of sin within society, lamenting that many people deviate from Christian moral norms and trivialize their sinful actions as mere mistakes.
Titled “We Implore You on Behalf of Christ, Be Reconciled with God” (2 Corinthians 5:20), the Lenten pastoral letter underscores the importance of acknowledging one’s sins and seeking reconciliation with God through the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation.
“We are, therefore, exhorted to recognize our sins for what they actually are. We should learn to accuse and pass sentence on ourselves whenever we go astray as the prodigal son did: ‘I have sinned against heaven and against you, I am not worthy to be called your son’ (Luke 15:21),” the GCBC states.
According to the pastoral letter signed by Most Rev. Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, President of the GCBC, seeking reconciliation with God also entails a commitment to a ministry of reconciliation with others.
“Lent provides an opportunity not only to seek forgiveness from God but also to reconcile with those who have caused us pain and hurt,” the bishops stress.
The GCBC emphasizes the importance of adopting a reconciliatory attitude, urging believers to forgive one another and seek reunion with grace rather than pride.
“Every Christian is called to be an ambassador of reconciliation, promoting unity and extending God’s grace to others,” the bishops stress, adding that Lent presents an opportunity for believers to reflect on their actions and strive for a renewed commitment to reconciliation with God and others.”
The Catholic Church across the world has stepped into the season of Lent, a 40-day period of prayer, fasting, and acts of goodwill in preparation for the 2024 celebration of the Passion of Christ Jesus.
During this sacred time, the church encourages all faithful to deepen their spiritual journey by embracing reconciliation with God and others, reflecting on their actions, and renewing their commitment to living in accordance with Christian principles of love, forgiveness, and compassion.
The pastoral letter of the Bishops Conference reinforces the call for commitment as the church embarks on this Lenten journey.