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This link will keep 'parishioners-at-large' in touch with current creative liturgy sources and resources that respect a variety of 'traditions' within the Church.

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Daily Scripture

+ 7th Week of Easter

Much ado about nothing or, is there something to it?

Readings: Acts 19:1-8 Psalm 68:2-7 John 16:29-33

Paul traveled through the interior of the country and down to Ephesus where he found some disciples. He said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you became believers?” They answered him, “We have never even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” [Acts 19:1-3]

Depending on one’s sacramental theology and pastoral practice, this text has been variously interpreted. For example, those who work with the RCIA (catecheumenate) hold that the sacrament of Confirmation should be administered with Baptism as it was in the early Church. It is one of the sacraments of initiation—Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. The Eastern Rite of the Roman Catholic Church has retained the tradition of administering all three at Baptism. Yes, the infant receives a small piece of the Eucharist bread. And so in the Eastern Rite, there is no formal celebration of First Holy Communion at the age of reason or Confirmation by the bishop at whatever age the local diocese has determined the age of maturity appropriate for Confirmation. All three sacraments are administered shortly after birth.

Others feel that the celebration of First Communion and Confirmation at a later age ensures the participation of youngsters in parish religious education programs – at least until Confirmation. In this case, many Catholics view Confirmation as the completion of or graduation from religious studies.

In recent years I have become convinced that the RCIA folks and the Eastern Rite Catholics have it right. All three sacraments of initiation should be administered together. First Holy Communion and Confirmation have become more social than spiritual. I do not mean to suggest that there is no connection or that there should be no celebration after sacramental ceremonies but for many, the accent is on the wrong syllable.

The path from Baptism to Christian maturity is life-long and the benchmarks for progress are not easily measured by grouping children by age or grade level for a period of preparation that is largely academic.

This is not to suggest that religious education is optional. Faith development is unique to each person within the context first of family and then of parish. Religious education / formation is intended to provide insight into faith development at an age-appropriate level.

Catholicism has become ‘child-centered’ the result of which, we have an adult population whose religious and spiritual development stopped at Confirmation.

The celebration of Eucharist is the primary setting for faith formation. Religious education is a necessary component but detached from Eucharist, it remain just another subject to master.

Of course this all assumes that the parish celebration of the Eucharist is truly inclusive and meaningful rather than just an empty ritual. The parish at worship should be a rendition of a community of faith that strives to live its faith ‘in the town square’ as I mentioned in Sunday’s homily.

Notwithstanding my commitment to religious dialogue, I do believe that effective dialogue is based on the assumption that although both parties are knowledgeable about the topic. Though they may have different perspectives, they are not based on ignorance of the subject.

Good Friday 2010

Thursday April 1, 2010

To love and not to count the cost.

Readings: Isaiah 52:13-53:12 Psalm 31:2, 6, 12-13, 15-16, 17, 25 Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9 John 18:1-19:42

It is finished. [John 19:30]

But the story is not over.

If ‘good’ comes from the word “God,” then today is “God’s Friday.” For many – including Catholics – it is the beginning of the Easter holidays. Some offices and most schools are closed. Packing day. Off to the Bahamas for ‘spring break.’ Happy Holidays! Why not? After all, we celebrate the death of great leaders – George Washington, Abraham Lincoln and the martyrdom of other heroes such as Martin Luther King. So why not let Good Friday be good?

As with every exaggeration, there is an element of truth to the celebratory nature of the ‘feast.’ As believers, we have a right, indeed, an obligation to be grateful for the sacrifice of Jesus’ life, which, we were taught, saved us from our sins and won our redemption.

But there is a deeper reality that I believe we need to ponder. It is the reality of choice that we believers face every day of o lives. It is the choice to ‘listen’ to the voice of God within our deepest selves or to tune it out.

Saint Paul tells us in his letter to the Philippians that he was “obedient” unto death. The word obey comes from the Latin word, “obedire” which at its root means “to listen.” He listened to ‘Abba’ his father who told him that he must be faithful to life and to goodness though it cost him his life but never to destroy his goodness or ‘Godness. Remember, God did not will his death. This is heresy! He willed that he live – faithfully. It was because he lived so faithfully to the spirit of the ancient law that he was rejected.

It’s a day to ponder all that we live for or perhaps to ask, what do we live for? And for what or for whom are we willing to die? What is the driving force that bids us rise each day? To what or to whom are we committed as Christians in the Catholic tradition? Money? Status? Power? Title? Or truth, integrity and the pursuit of what is right and just for humanity?

Let us go together into the garden and ponder these questions in depth and then listen attentively for God’s voice.

The story is not over until we add our own chapter.