Adult Initiation & Sacrament Preparation

Practice what you preach.  Pope Francis, when declaring the Jubilee Year of Mercy for 2016, he stressed the importance of doing just that – being a living example of God’s mercy and love.  In our readings this week we learn that righteousness without mercy is nothing short of being a bully, beating up on others without consideration for the humanity of another and the context of their situation.  What would Jesus do? The Word for the 5th Sunday of Lent Isaiah 43:16-21 Psalm 126:1-2, 2-3, 4-5, 6 Philippians 3:8-14 John 8:1-11 Our first reading is from Deutero or Second-Isaiah.  Israel is sitting in Exile in Babylon, and here the prophet is telling us that God sees the events of the past as just that, the past.  In other words, whatever sin the people of Israel may have committed in the past should be put aside.  God, who can make all things happen, sees a rebirth for his people (the same rebirth we encounter in our Baptism).  God says, “See, I am doing ...

Reconciliation.  We Catholics know this word through the Sacrament of Reconciliation, what we also call “confession” or “penance.”  The act of approaching God, through the priest, to seek forgiveness of our sins.  It allows us 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, being 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 ...

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...

Revelation and covenant.  These are core elements of our faith.  Revelation is how God has “revealed” himself to us – how God has made is presence known to us.  Covenant is the basis of our relationship with God – how he seeks a continuing and growing relationship with us.  Both these elements play a 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 learn of the covenants made between God and Abram (who we will know later as Abraham).  The opening of our passage reminds us of the covenant where God promised that Abram’s descendants would be as numerous as the stars.  From there God promises Abram the land – a place where his descendants will live – the “promised land” that Moses will later lead the people.  But Abram needs proof.  How will he know that it...

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 some are preparing for their Baptism, those of us who are already baptized are meant to reflect on our own Baptism.  Like Jesus in the desert, we use this time to deepen our faith through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving (Pray – Fast – Give).  Even with our flaws, we are chosen by God to be his people.  Lent provides us with the opportunity to examine our lives and do what we can to improve our relationship with the Lord. 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 this sacri...