Adult Faith Formation & Initiation

Reconciliation.  We Catholics know this word through the Sacrament of Reconciliation, what we used to call “confession” or “penance.”  The act of approaching God, through the priest, to seek forgiveness of our sins.  To let go of the baggage that prevents us from being in right relationship with God and his Church.  That reconciliation is what allows us to share in God’s glory, but it also can be our greatest challenge. The Word for the 4th Sunday of Lent Joshua 5:9a, 10-12 Psalm 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7 2 Corinthians 5:17-21 Luke 15:1-3, 11-32 We open with a reading from the Book of Joshua.  Joshua, of course, the protégé of Moses who is tasked with leading the people into the Promised Land.  The passage opens with God telling Joshua “Today I have removed the reproach of Egypt from you.”  What does that mean?  Some other English translations of the Bible use the word “disgrace” or “shame.”  In other words, shame of having to live in slavery has now been lifted.  The disgrace of h

Repent and prepare the way of the Lord!   While we may recall these words as the cry of  John the Baptist announcing the coming of the Christ, we should not forget that these words have followed us since the dawn of creation all the way down to this very day.  God’s mercy is there waiting for all, but have we answered the call? The Word for the 3rd Sunday of Lent Exodus 3:1-8a, 13-15 Psalm 103:1-2, 3-4, 6-7, 8, 9 1 Corinthians 10:1-6, 10-12 Luke 13:1-9 Our readings during this Lent have reminded us of our Covenant relationship with God… answering God’s call to be his people.  Last week we heard the story of Abram, and this week we witness God’s call to the next great patriarch… Moses.  At this point in our narrative Moses has fled Egypt, and has been living in the land of Midian.  While tending the flock, Moses is drawn up the mountain of God by the burning bush.  There God makes himself known to Moses, and directs him to go to the Israelites held captive in Egypt.  This no

Revelation and covenant.  These are two core elements of our faith.  Revelation in that which God has “revealed” about himself to us.  Covenant is what God seeks of us; a continuing relationship with us.  Both these elements play an role in understanding our readings on this 2nd Sunday of Lent: The Word for the 2nd Sunday of Lent Genesis 15:5-12, 17-18 Psalm 27:1, 7-8, 8-9, 13-14 Philippians 3:17-4:1 Luke 9:28b-36 Our first reading is from the book of Genesis.  Here we witness the second covenant with Abram.  In the story of Abram (who is later named Abraham), there are three “covenant” moments.  The first, when God promises Abram that he will make from him a “great nation” with many decedents.  Our passage for this Sunday reminds us of that moment in it’s opening lines.  From there we witness God’s second great promise to Abram… the gift of the land (what Moses would refer to as “the promised land).  To commemorate this moment Abram prepares a sacrifice.  He spends the da

With Ash Wednesday we begin our 40-day journey through the Season of Lent.  While this is an important time for all Catholics, it is particularly important for those adults preparing to receive their Sacraments.  While they are preparing for their Baptism, those of us who are already baptized are meant to reflect on their own Baptism.  Like Jesus in the desert, we use this time to deepen our faith through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving (Pray – Fast – Give)… a faith that reminds us that even with our flaws, we are chosen by God to be his people. The Word for the 1st Sunday of Lent Deuteronomy 26:4-10 Psalm 91:1-2, 10-11, 12-13, 14-15 Romans 10:8-13 Luke 4:1-13 Our first reading is from the book of Deuteronomy.  Here we see Moses preparing the people of Israel to enter the promised land.  He tells them to prepare a sacrifice, and as they are presenting it, remind themselves of where they came from… the ancestors of Abraham (My father was a wandering Aramean) , the rescued