Lithuanian Archbishop Urges Christians to Embrace Mercy and Unity for Fruitful Witness
Archbishop Gintaras Grušas, president of the Lithuanian Bishops’ Conference and president of the Council of Bishops’ Conferences of Europe, delivered a powerful message on the importance of repentance, unity, and mercy for Christians in today’s world. His reflection, based on the Gospel of Luke 13:1-9, called for a renewed focus on bearing fruit and responding to the grace offered by God.
Responding to Suffering with Repentance
Grušas acknowledged the common human question of why suffering and injustice exist, noting that people often ask Jesus for explanations in the face of tragedy. However, he emphasized that Jesus shifts the focus from seeking explanations to a call for repentance. “He shifts the question entirely. He says: ‘Unless you repent…’ This is not a threat. It is an invitation. An invitation to return to what is essential. An invitation to life,” Grušas stated.
A Historical Context of Faith and Freedom
The Archbishop highlighted the particular resonance of this message within the Baltic states, nations with a history marked by occupation, suffering, and the suppression of faith. Despite these challenges, faith endured, and freedom was ultimately regained. “These are nations marked by history—by occupation, by suffering, by long years when faith had to survive under pressure. And yet, through that history, faith endured. Freedom was regained. A new chapter was opened,” he explained.
Bearing Fruit in the Present
Grušas challenged Christians to consider what they are doing with the gift of faith and grace they have received. He questioned whether their lives are bearing fruit, not in remembrance of past struggles, but in response to present opportunities. “God gives time. God gives grace. God does not abandon. But this time is not indefinite. It is given so that something may grow—so that life may bear fruit,” he said.
The Call to Christian Unity
The Archbishop underscored the importance of Christian unity, referencing the Charta Oecumenica, a document outlining the commitment of churches in Europe to operate together. He stated that unity is not optional but essential to their witness. “We are called not only to coexist, but to walk together—to grow together—to bear fruit together,” Grušas asserted.
Addressing Secularization and Emerging Wounds
In the context of the Baltic region, Grušas noted a growing search for meaning, hope, and truth amidst secularization, fragmentation, and uncertainty. He also acknowledged the emergence of new conflicts and wounds in the region and the wider world, posing the question: Will faith become visible? Will unity become a sign?
Mercy as a Path to Unity and Witness
Grušas emphasized that mercy is central to addressing these challenges, serving as a path toward unity and a credible sign for the world. “Mercy becomes a meeting place. A language that all Christians can speak. A mission that unites us,” he said. He concluded with a call for Christian churches to respond to this moment of grace, so that their lives, communities, and witness may bear fruit.
This message was shared during a time when the Ecumenical Prayer Cycle focuses on the churches and people of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, coinciding with the Week of Prayer for Overcoming Racism, Xenophobia, Casteism, and all other forms of Discrimination (March 19–25).
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