WHERE THERE’S COMMUNITY
Starting RCIA again after the summer is something of an adventure. How many people will come? Will they want to continue to come each week? Will they already be practising members of a non-Catholic Christian tradition, will they be baptised but uncatechised, or will they be potential catechumens?
One year we knew of no potential enquirers but just as we were about to go home, one by one, people came in and sat down. It was rather like the arrival of the dwarves in the first chapter of the Hobbit. All those who came in stayed with us. Very quickly they ceased to be strangers and became our friends. They were all different. They all started their faith journeys from slightly different starting points. They all differed in how much they already knew about the Christian faith. They weren’t sure what they thought about Catholicism but they were interested to find out.
One person decided he wasn’t ready to be received in the Church but he enjoyed coming every week nevertheless. He came to the Easter Vigil to support what were now his friends as they were received. One member of the group was a minister in a non-Catholic church. She brought her friend who had been baptised a Catholic but had never been confirmed. She considered that this was the best way to help her friend grow in faith. We enjoyed her contributions to the group and she too came to the Easter Vigil to offer her support. Yet another person came to argue, not realising that the group was for people interested in deepening their faith journey. He was a bit difficult initially but by Ash Wednesday he realised that the Hound of Heaven had been after him for years, held a party to celebrate and went to the Rite of Election.
Once a group has been together for a few weeks it is a privilege to see the Holy Spirit at work and a privilege to see seeds of faith growing.
Of course the intriguing question is what made them come, one by one, through the door in the first place? In each case the Holy Spirit was at work here through chains of apparent coincidences. But why did they come through our door? It is important to have a culture in your church community where people delight in seeing new people growing in faith. The kind of community where the church members tend to notice that one of their neighbours is interested in why they go to church and they not only tell them about RCIA but offer to bring them along.
In a typical UK town there are many churches with dwindling congregations whose average age is rising. But often there is one church in the town which attracts young people and young families, is lively and growing, and where most people interested in the Christian faith wants to be. It is always good to see the Kingdom of Heaven grow, whatever kind of church it is. But the Catholic Church, in the depth of its teaching and its spirituality, has a great deal to offer. The Holy Spirit is waiting for us to turn to him to provide the opportunity to deepen our own spirituality, and to provide us with a bigger vision.
And then we shall turn the World upside down.
David S
Liturgical Catecheis in the Catechumenate Period: Study Day
Following the RCIA Network Conference a couple of years ago, RCIA co-ordinators and adult advisers from the Northern Dioceses of Hexham & Newcastle, Leeds, Middlesbrough, Hallam, Shrewsbury and Liverpool have been meeting regularly and planning and delivering study days - the same day is held in each diocese. The first day, last year, was on the Enquiry and Mystagogy periods. The second day, 2011/2012 is on the Catechumenate period. The day covers:
- the liturgical year - the heart-beat of the catechumenate as the life, death and resurrection of Christ unfolds, and each Sunday, nourishes the journey in faith
- liturgical catechesis - using the lectionary and texts of the liturgy in planning for the themes of the catechetical sessions, beginning with a process of shared lectio divina, followed by reflection on:
- Who is the Jesus we meet in this Gospel?
- What are the themes of the Gospel that emerge (link to first Reading)?
- What is the church teaching linked to the Gospel/other readings?
- What questions might you use with the catechumens and candidates?
- What are the implications for living this out in our daily lives?
- What form of prayer/song will we use to conclude our session with the catechetical group?
- roles in the catechumenate - the whole community, Sponsor, Godparent, bishop, priest, deacon, catechist - and a variety of other supplementary roles (faith friends, welcomers/hospitality, Readers)
- liturgies of the catechumenate period - Celebrations of the Word, Liturgy of the Word at Sunday Mass, Blessings, Anointings, Minor Exorcisms.
On Saturday last it was the turn of Hexham & Newcastle Diocese to host their Study Day. A number of priests and catechists from across the Diocese took part. Some were new to RCIA. Table groups engaged in a process of liturgical catechesis, which was very profound and moving, and uncovered a rich seam of Catholic doctrine to explore with catechumens. The themes varied according to the make-up of the group and the parish context - centred round 'Jesus had a busy day' - moving from the synagogyue and community prayer and community life, to the home life, the response to suffering, healing, personal prayer, the demons in our lives, our context in the modern world and our response as Catholic Christians. Most groups planned to use one of the liturgies of the catechumenate period to close their catechetcial sessions.
At this point, we explored what the liturgies of this period are, including 'minor exorcisms' - how did people feel about these? Did they use them? Most were put off by the title 'exorcism' - but after reflection on the goal of catechesis 'to put people not only in touch but in intimacy and communion with Christ' and a look at the prayers offered in the Rite (RCIA90-93 A-M) which are about clearing away what stops us coming close to Christ, people felt more confident, and were able to plan how they would introduce these.
Generally, when used in the context of parish catechesis for Christian initiation, the word 'exorcism' is not in the sense of 'psychic' or 'occult' (although there may be people coming to the Church via RCIA who have dabbled in such things, who will specifically benefit from the one prayer than mentions these by name - choice RCIA 94 B). It is more in the sense of awareness of the inner self, and the struggles we have with our own selfishness, and other 'debris' that gets in the way, impedes our journey and disables us from making good choices. Have a look, and you will find these prayers are about healing, protection, building hope, allaying fears and hesitancy, recognising the need for God's help with self-denial and re-orientation to Christ and His kingdom of freedom, justice, love and peace.
What is the purpose of the Rites in this period? Why bother?
It's pretty clear in the text: In participating in the liturgies (not 'talking about' or 'telling about - like a commentator at the Royal Wedding) and experiencing the liturgy with all our senses, this helps us to enter into the mystery of God-with-us, an encounter, where God is inviting us to be 'family' and share in the divine life of Christ - and this changes us! Participating in the liturgy seeks to ... 'implant the teachings they are receiving, to give instruction/experience in different ways of prayer, to immerse them in the signs and celebrations and seasons of the liturgy, which prepares them gradually to enter the worship assembly of the entire community'. (RCIA 82)
All agreed - our journey of conversion with the catechumens (adapted for candidates) is centred on a vital and convincing encounter with Christ - it happened on this day - through the gathering together, the Liturgies, the Gospel broken and shared, the blessings (RCIA 95-97) & anointing (RCIA 98-102).
What is your experience?
- Which of the Rites of the catechumenate period do you celebrate in your situation?
- What stops you celebrating them?
- What are the strengths of the experience of celebrating these rites?
Action
If you would like to have a study event similar to the one described above, please get in touch with the Convenor - slides/process can be made available for diocesan, deanery or parish use.
RCIA and THE ROSARY
I read recently of how every time we say the words ‘Hail Mary’ Our Lady’s heart leaps in joy. It is a lovely image and one that I like to conjure up during my day. The Hail Mary is such a simple prayer, and one that can lighten up one’s day, wherever you are. It is a great prayer for those involved in RCIA.
This week offers an easy introduction into lectionary based catechesis. On Friday we have the memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary. October traditionally is a month when we dedicate our prayers to the Blessed Virgin and whether we have an initial enquirer or are in the midst of the catechumenate period, this month offers an opportune way to introduce and consider a variety of facets of the catholic faith.
The ‘Hail Mary’ offers a wonderful example of a prayer of faith. It speaks of Our Lady’s faith, of her cousin Elizabeth’s faith: of enlightenment, and of our faith.
- During the 1st period of evangelisation and precatechumenate, the community ‘welcomes them into their homes, into personal conversation, and into the community gatherings’ Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults ‘RCIA’ 9.1.
If inviting an enquirer into your home, why not let them see how a statue of Our Lady or picture or icon is central to the home. Show them the rosary beads, tell them about the Marian shrines. Share with them the stories of Lourdes, Fatima and Walsingham.
As the catechumen become ‘familiar with the Christian way of life and are helped by the example and support of sponsors, godparents, and the entire Christian community, the catechumens learn to turn more readily to God in prayer ...’ RCIA 75.2
- If you have a multi-cultural community ask parishioners to share stories of Marian devotion in their country. It makes for a fascinating and lively discussion if you have someone who has a video of fiestas and processions. We do good ones here as well!
- Explore icons, statues, books for different aspects of the life of Our Lady.
- Explore the different types of prayer, of meditation, contemplation.
- Have another look at the prayers of Mass when we ask Our Lady to pray for us like the ‘I confess’.
- Use the episode when Mary is confronted by the angel Gabriel, to discuss the challenges faced on a journey of faith.
Share the experience of praying the rosary together, and let the community benefit ‘by joining the catechumens in reflecting on the value of the paschal mystery’. RCIA 4
So what are you doing in your parish this month?
Welcoming the Newcomer
A Reflection on the Gospel for the 25th Sunday of Ordinary Time
A few years ago while on a family holiday abroad my wife and I sought out a Catholic Church on Sunday morning. We eventually found the local parish Church and entered, we had arrived fairly early and so were prayerfully waiting for the next Mass to begin. A few minutes later a woman arrived looking rather disgruntled. Though there were only a handful of us in this rather large Church she made her way over to the exact pew in which we were sitting and headed straight for us. We didn’t speak the language but by her body language she made it very clear that my wife was sitting in her seat and so she squeezed herself as near to her normal seat as she could, squashing my wife and half sitting on her leg during the service. Needless to say, later in the Mass at the sign of peace, this lady was distinctly frosty!
As well as this personal experience some time ago I heard of a Church that was so effective at evangelisation and welcome that it was attracting significant numbers of new people to its congregation. As a result of this some of the more longstanding members of the congregation were beginning to feel left out and neglected claiming that the newcomers were getting all the attention at their expense- and they made this known in no uncertain terms to their priest!
In the Gospel passage given to us this Sunday Jesus addresses those who grumble against God’s welcome and generosity head on through the parable of the workers in the Vineyard (Matthew 20:1-16). He makes it clear that there is no preferential treatment for faithful service, no long service award. Rather he tells us quite explicitly that ‘the last will be first, and the first, last.’ This can challenge us and be a stark reminder that God’s way of thinking is so unlike ours, as the Word of God says through the prophet Isaiah ‘Yes, the heavens are as high above earth as my ways are above your ways, my thoughts above your thoughts.’(Isaiah 55:9)
Fundamental to the RCIA process, to the life of the Kingdom and to our calling as Church is to be a people of welcome. The reality of this is costly. In our parish communities and on a personal level are we willing to embrace the cost of being a people of welcome? Are we willing, really willing, to be ‘last’ so that newcomers may be ‘first’?
Jesus tells us that at the last judgement he will welcome those who made him welcome in the stranger. The stranger can, among others, be the newcomer in our parish or in our RCIA group. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if their experience was one of unconditional welcome and support? Would each of them say of us and our parish communities:
‘I was a newcomer and you made me welcome’?
Action
- Reflect on the ministry of welcome in your parish.
- Reflect on how you offer welcome in and through your RCIA process. Consider asking people who have experienced RCIA with you if they felt welcomed and what helped them feel part of the community. Was there any part of their experience that made them feel alienated or unwelcome? What can you learn from their perspective and experience?
- Scripture instructs us to make hospitality our special care (Romans 12:13, Hebrews 13:1-2). What are the practical aspects of hospitality you could develop further in your parish or RCIA group?
Team Essentials – Resources: Catechumenate
In her blog ( 5 September 2011 A Parish begins the RCIA process) Caroline writes of the enthusiasts who are forming a parish RCIA team and the formation session offered to the team.
Resources are essential to anyone involved in RCIA, and although it may seem a bit daunting, the Rite itself is a resource that needs to be looked at time and time again. I suggest one way.
- Get a photocopy of the Introduction and have a reading group over coffee and cakes [cakes essential!].
- Have coloured marker pens, and colour code the different periods; the different roles: the community, the catechumen; the mention of liturgical actions, and the mention of catechesis.
- Look ahead to the first rite. Make a bullet point list of what has to be affirmed at that rite, for that is the way your path is directed.
- Be flexible, be imaginative.
Journals provide another valuable resource, with contributors often concentrating on a specific period or role in the RCIA
An article in the latest edition of Catechumenate* by Christine Mader offers an interesting approach to the Rite of Reception of Baptised Christians into the Full Communion of the Catholic Church.
The author writes of how baptised Christians are included in the RCIA process alongside those unbaptised people seeking the full sacraments of initiation. This may mean a year long process that takes no account of the circumstances of the individual. So, fine, if the person is uncatechised, but what of the person who has been attending mass each Sunday with their spouse; who has fully involved themselves in parish life, praying with the community, sharing tasks of charity. Or what of the Christian who was active in their own denomination, perhaps practising a ministry.
Christine Mader considers the matter by asking 3 questions. I pick out just a few points
1. ‘Whom should we see?’
- We should see that the baptised is Christian, and so has already achieved the purpose that the RCIA process intends.
- That the baptised Christian is already in communion with the Catholic Church, although as of yet an imperfect communion.
- They may already have been fully initiated in their own church, and regularly receiving Holy Communion.
2. Why should we act?
- The author considers ‘Our experience teaches us that the status quo is inadequate’
- That both, those being received into the Catholic Church, and RCIA teams, acknowledge unease when ‘practising Christians are forced to go through a full RCIA process’ when their Christian experience doesn’t require it.
In answering the first 2 questions the author moves to 3. Who should we be? That there are new informed ways of being.
- Understand the rites. The Rite of Reception is separate from the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. It is in Part 2, 5. Rites for Particular Circumstances.
- ‘Be ecumenically informed and sensitive’. Consider what is the validity of their own sacramental journey. Help them to discern why they feel drawn to the Catholic Church.
- Don’t plan to provide them with them more doctrinal or spiritual preparation than the average Catholic in the community already has. They shouldn’t be subjected to a heavier burden because they have made a choice to become Catholic.
- Be prepared to complete the process in less time than that of catechumens.
- ‘Be communal.’ By using what is already happening in your parish community, a varied catechesis can be given which utilises existing resources: giving a mix of groups, talks, involvement in parish activities as well as individual meetings
The author also suggests the team have a session reading the rite, exploring what it means and what is required.
- Don’t forget to look out the Resources page on this website.
- If you come across an interesting resource, do please share it via the blog.
*Mader Christine, ‘Separating the Rite of Reception from RCIA’, Catechumenate, vol 33 no 5.(2011) 20-30. Liturgy Training Publications, Chicago.
A parish begins the RCIA process
After a gap of many years, with a new church building offering space that really cries out 'you are welcome', and a wise pastor, a parish in the Diocese is beginning the RCIA process afresh. They have gathered a group of 6 enthusiasts, men and women, different ages, as the 'parish team'. We opened the formation session for the team with Bernadette Farrell's 'You have called us by our name' and reflected on the words -
you have chosen us to be members of your family, by your love you have created us to live in unity... you will lead us to your light, walk before us through the night, you will guide us on our journey, you will keep our vision bright.... You will hold us when we fall, give new strength to hear your call, you will never be beyond us for your love is all in all... You will nourish, you will lead, giving every gift we need, for your reign will be established from the smallest of all seeds.
The team began nervously, with the usual questions: how will we know what to say? What if we dont know 'the answers'? They found the hymn reassuring - its God's work, trust God! They know that everything they offer is in the context of the parish community of faithful people. They have seven enquirers who will begin with them next week - again, a real mix of people, all ages. There are several parents from the school - their children made their first Holy Communion last term, and they were so touched by the journey they made with their children, that they now want to make that journey for themselves - a non-Catholic parent, an uncatechised baptised Catholic, a person with no faith background at all. The team discussed how they could meet these people where they are - and what times are going to be most suitable for them? Is it a twilight session after school, or a session after Mass on Sunday with another catechist doing a liturgy of the Word/stories/games with the children while the parents meet over coffee? This is going to be a time of listening and telling stories, responding to their initial questions, calming fears, exploring aspects of the faith, offering spiritual support, and introducing them more fully to the life of the community as they gather every Sunday. During this time of evangelisation, the Rite says 'faithfully and constantly the living God is proclaimed and Jesus Christ whom he has sent for the salvation of all.' How do we do this? When someone comes to your house to get to know you, what do you do?
ACTION:
Have a formation session to refresh your own parish team and stir up new life and hope.
Put out an invitation for enquirers to 'come and see' and have an open session with a glass of wine to tell people about it. Some will have been coming to Mass with their Catholic spouse for years, and have never been asked. Others are new to the area. Others are parents in the school.
One step at a time - do not worry about how it will go. Pray, Trust and Go for it being as open and welcoming as you possibly can!
Who do you say I am?
This last Sunday the homilist invited us to sit quietly for a moment, knowing that Christ is present, and listening to Him asking each of us that question 'Who do you say I am?' And then, after a few minutes, we were invited to share what we wanted to with the person next door. And then, anyone who wished could share a thought with the whole community. One person who is currently undergoing treatment for cancer said 'Jesus is strength for me'. Another said 'He is the one who challenges me'. Then a young boy asked 'Why did Jesus ask that question?' I'm sure the theologians and biblical scholars would have a lot to say about that. But why would anyone ask a question like that? Was it for affirmation? Encouragement? Reassurance? Was it to get his friends to open their eyes, or to think outside the box?
Action:
In our own lives, can we consider that question? Maybe even ask it of a close friend - Who do you say I am? Perhaps this week we can set a few people free, unbind them from their lack of self-esteem or anxiety by simply recognising one another's need for affirmation and encouragement. Perhaps tune in to other people a little more, especially those with whom you live or work, and take the opportunity to say 'I think you're doing a really great job' or 'thanks for listening to me - I really value your friendship' or 'It's good to have you around - you encourage me'. Can we recognise the goodness of one another? The Holy Spirit is echoing in the hearts and lives of all if we can but see it, and through us is ready to unbind and fill with 'the healing power of love'.
'All that exists comes from him; all is by him and for him. To him be glory for ever! Amen' (Romans 11:36)
Sunday Parish Mass as ‘catechist’ on the Journey of Faith
I have recently returned from the Society of St Gregory's Summerschool (see www.ssg.org.uk) The society was founded way back in 1929 in order to promote active participation in the liturgy - and the week is spent with 'ministers' of all sorts - singers, instrumentalists, readers, clergy, 'liturgists' and catechists. There is a great sense of community and fun during our time together, as we celebrate and reflect on liturgy and its meaning and purpose for our lives, in a context of warm, genuine hospitality for one another, old hands and newcomers alike.
My post-summerschool reflection is that we cannot separate out the threads of life in liturgy, or liturgy in life. It is all an integrated web of relationships - God and us, and ourselves and one another. We celebrate one in the other, and vice-versa. The encounter with God and one another in the liturgy forms and shapes and feeds us, and like food, becomes part of who we are. It literally gets into every fibre of our being, shaping what we believe and our response to life. Whatever it is that happens in and through the liturgy is what keeps us going - and yes, it is beyond words!
RCIA is often simply referred to as 'Journey in Faith' - and like any journey, it is something we are actively engaged in at every step. It isn't a 'system' or 'education' or 'entertainment'. Nor is it something we do alone - 'me and God'. It's when we can find ourselves most aware of being held in a unity, addressing God together, in, through and with Christ. We need to sing our songs and listen and respond to the Word, make gestures and soak in moments of silence - and this tunes us in afresh to who we are, and gives our lives its gospel shape. On my own, I have limits, needs, longings - and recognise I cant 'do' life or liturgy on my own. The journey of faith, for all of us, needs nourishing through company - and the Liturgy is the visible sign of our deepest reality - being made One in Christ, and receiving the life of Christ not for ourselves but for the world. We had Marty Haughen with us for the week - we laughed a lot, and we sang many of his songs.
'Let us build a house where love can dwell, and all can safely life. A place where saints and children tell how hearts learn to forgive. Built of hopes and dreams and visions, rock of faith and vault of grace; Here the love of Christ shall end division: All are welcome, all are welcome, all are welcome in this place.'
In these lovely Summer weeks, where we seem to have more space than is usual in our busy, 7-day week lives, perhaps we can be increasingly hospitable in the Sunday Mass, and accompany our catechumens and candidates in a more reflective way of experiencing the Liturgy. The Liturgy can only be the 'catechist' if we let it. We need to encourage reflection - and to be reflective ourselves for a start! In every Mass we are working in 'partnership' with:
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the liturgical and scriptural texts: alive and active words that accomplish the actions they describe!
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the community itself - being together, and open to the power of the texts as the Word of life addressed to us!
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on this particular Sunday - for speech, listening, silence, encounter! to find ourselves surprised, breathless!
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in this space - our building, and the symbols we use - do they bear the weight of the mystery?
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thy mystery that is to be revealed today - full of hope and possibilities, new life.
Perhaps we can help enquirers, catechumens, candidates with a simple 5-minute reflection before Mass:
- How am I as I come to Mass today? Who have been listening to this week? What about the key things going on in the world? What do I expect as I come to Mass today?
And then to tune in to all the different elements of the Mass - alternating between sound and silence, speech and song, movement and stillness, proclamation and reflection, word and action (Environment and Art in Catholic Worship 25) - the way liturgy is celebrated will itself carry the mystery - and this is how we 'pass on faith' to those who come.
- How does it feel to pray at this point in the Mass, how does it shape or influence my understanding and commitment to the Liturgy at this point?
At the end, we are sent out to 'glorify the Lord by your life' (new translation)
- What is your overriding feeling or thought at this point as you leave Mass? What do you expect as you go?
If we can reflect on our experience of the Mass, and allow it to bubble away in us, we will somehow find it speaking into to life during the week - courage, peace, joy, comfort, challenge. In the words of the late Cardinal Joseph Bernadin (Chicago):
The commitment I envision must be in our Catholic bones: the need to assemble each Sunday, to make common prayer, to hear the scriptures and reflect, to gather at the holy table and give God thanks and praise over the bread and wine which are for us the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, and finally to go from that room to our separate worlds - but now carrying the tune we have heard, murmuring the words we have made ours, nourished by the sacred banquet, ready in so many ways to make all God's creation and all the work of human hands into the kingdom we have glimpsed in the Liturgy.'
One step at a time, imperfect, wounded as we are, encouraged by other wounded healers - after all Christ seems to say that we enter into the kingdom now by doing little daily things with love . And I would agree - 'it is not in craving after ready-made, complete and finished things that love finds its meaning - but in the urge to participate in the becoming of such things' (Bauman, Liquid Love: On the Frailty of Human Bonds). These Summer weeks of the community life and our Sunday Liturgy really are a very blessed time in the Journey of Faith.
Closed for the holidays
It is August, and in many of our churches, groups have shut down for the school holidays as catechists take a well earned break. Great for the catechists, but what of those potential enquirers or the catechumens who have to put their faith journey on hold.
- How are we ever going to achieve the all year round catechumenate?
I’d like to suggest two routes. One is the widespread acceptance that RCIA is not the responsibility of the RCIA ‘team’, but is the task of all of the local community. Imagine having the whole parish supporting RCIA. Well, isn’t that what is intended by RCIA 4 & 9:
- ‘The initiation of catechumens is a gradual process that takes place within the community of the faithful.’ RCIA 4
- ‘... the local Church, should understand and show by their concern that the initiation of adults is the responsibility of all the baptised’ RCIA 9
It needs some thought about seeing where and in what diverse ways the RCIA process is mirrored in church activities as well as Mass and liturgical celebrations.
- Does your parish council include members with specific experience of RCIA?
- Is RCIA well publicised throughout your parish?
A parish which grows around the RCIA process is a parish whose parishioners will take responsibility for sharing in the support and formation of aspiring new catholics. Then, just as any business does, there will be the manpower to have rotas and temps and a plan for year round cover for vital roles. After all how would you feel if you went to your favourite bakery or newsagents, and a notice said ‘closed for the school holidays’? A week, you may accept, but 6 weeks: No.
CLOSED for the School Holidays
A second route is to promote the post easter ‘mystagogy’ period, as this will also lead to a greater awareness by the parish of the catechumenate, as well as providing much needed ongoing formation for our new catholics.
In this Sunday’s gospel (18th Ordinary Time Mathew 14:13-21) Jesus also tried to get away, in order to grieve on the death of John the Baptist. But when he saw the crowd that followed him, he was able to take pity on those who needed him and give of his healing power.
So how do we ‘take pity’ and apply all year round catechumenate.
- If your parish is working towards this or has achieved it , do share your experience.
Pentecost and beyond: living and sharing our life with God in the everyday!
God with us in every day relationships
How was it for you? Easter? Pentecost? Trinity Sunday?
Walking alongside our elect, we have trod the lenten path in preparation for sacraments of initiation at Easter. We have rejoiced with them in the Easter Vigil, and have lived and shared our faith with our new Catholic members throughout the 50-days of the Resurrection of the Lord. We havecontinued with joy through Pentecost, and yesterday, with the feast of the Most Holy Trinity we again gathered together as a parish community, Body of Christ, to know, celebrate and experience how much God loves us. I was very struck by the Opening Prayer yesterday - in the current 1973 Missal translation: '
Father, you sent your Word to bring us truth and your Spirit to make us holy. Through them we come to know the mystery of your life. Help us to worship you, one God in three Persons, by proclaiming and living our faith in you.
The 1998 Icel text, also in our current missals as an alternative opening prayer reads:
God, we praise you. Father all-powerful, Christ Lord and Saviour, Spirit of love. You reveal yourself in the depths of our being, drawing us to share in your life and your love. One God, three Persons, be near to the people formed in your image, close to the world your love brings to life.
In the first Reading God proclaims Godself to be 'a God of tenderness and compassion, slow to anger, rich in kindness and faithfulness.' In the second reading we are exorted to 'try to grow perfect, help one another, be united, live in peace, and the God of love and peace will be with you.' In the Gospel 'God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son so that everyone who believes in him may not be lost but may have eternal life.'
If we are praying these texts, opening our hearts and lives, they will have an impact - they will renew us and shape us, and be the lens through which we see the world and respond to people and events in the ordinary every-day of life. Every moment, bidden or unbidden, God is with us, revealing Godself in the depths of our being, drawing us to share in the Divine Life and Love. Wow! It's all a mind-blowing mystery. We are made new! We dont have to react in the same old way when the wrong buttons are pushed. We can see things differently, we can take the long view. Summer is a great time to allow this renewal to get into our bones - like vitamin D from sunshine, we need it. In quietly reflecting on our experience of the liturgy - what did I hear? What did I see? What did I sense? What did I touch? - we will find ourselves living it! Yes, the Lord is with you! The words and actions of the liturgy reflecting our relationship and sharing in the life of God, are echoed in the actions and words of daily events, daily encounters with others. As St Benedict use to say when he encoutered an old friend 'It is Easter indeed!'
Action?
Tune in and be consciously aware more often during the day - to the Word and the Spirit at work in YOU, achieving so much more than you can ask or imagine!
Look out and see just how close God is to the world his love brings to life.
In your journeys to and fro, God direct you. In your happiness and pleasure, God bless you. In care, anxiety, or trouble, God sustain you. In peril and in danger, God protect you. (Archbishop Timothy Olufsen, 1918-1992, Nigeria)