571 introduction becoming the image of God. It is a gift that requires cooperation.4 Father Papczyński particularly emphasizes the different manners of God’s coming and His presence. Let us name at least a few without referring to his written works: God is present in Christ as the Man-God, in the Holy Spirit, in the Church, in the Most BlessedMother, in the saints, in one’s neighbor, in the community of the faithful, in prayers, in the Word of God, in the Sacraments, and particularly in the Eucharist. It is not enough, however, [for someone] to simply acknowledge God’s presence and declare to be His image. It is also necessary to prove through actions the truth that a living and immaculate image of God dwells within us.5 Therefore, everyone should take up the fight against what separates him from God, what blemishes and blurs God’s image in him, and make efforts to acquire virtues (and especially love), thus conforming himself to God and opening for Him the road into the human heart. The allegory of a temple assists in this task. Man is the Mystical Temple of God, more precious than the most famous and most wonderful shrines known to history. For man is an image of God, His dwelling place and His chosen child. Father Papczyński also remarks that material shrines are subject to ruin, while the human soul is immortal. From this comes man’s immense dignity: he is incomparably greater than any other creature. The entire symbolic composition of this work is built around this vision, from which ascetic principles are derived. Father Papczyński left no doubt as to what purpose and to whom this work, which he had written and published, was to serve. The information provided on the title page makes it clear: “This work is beneficial for people of all walks of life, and it is useful especially for sermons at the consecration of a church.” This statement is complemented by an encouragement to the readers at the end of the first chapter: “If anyone reads it with 4 “Let God always remain in the mind of the one who is understanding and loving, so that, just as there can be no moment which man does not use or enjoy God’s goodness and mercy, so there should be no moment in which he does not keep Him present in his memory.” Ibid., p. 27. 5 Ibid., p. 27.
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