B - C - E - Baptism - Confirmation - Eucharist - that is what Lent is all about. Lent was originally a period of prayer - reflection - for those who were considering joining the Catholic Church. Nothing more - nothing less. Eventually it was decided that - in addition to the - Catechumens - those who were already members of the Church - should also be involved. The faithful of the congregation - asked to pray for those in the process of committing their selves - to Jesus - in return those in the RCIA - asked in turn to pray for all those who were already active members of the Church. Basically parishioners praying for those who wished to become parishioners. Each one - pray for - each one. Thus the current members became involved with those seeking membership. At this point - Lent - involving the entire parish community. New people - gain faith - community - existing people - renewing the faith they had already attained. Faith begetting Faith. Sounds complicated - not - very simple in practice.
Baptism Confirmation Eucharist
Now that we have shed the excuses that troubled many in the first four weeks of Lent - now that we have made our commitment to really get serious with Lent - together with those seeking - Baptism - Confirmation - Eucharist - we can appreciate the gift of Faith that we already have - the gift that they will soon receive at the Easter Vigil Mass. It is an exciting time - a time of rejoicing - a happy time - now recommitted to our daily prayers - time of meditation - sitting at Adoration in Church - doing all that is necessary - to prepare ourselves to celebrate the victory of Jesus - at Easter. In quiet - we consider our own baptism - confirmation - the gift of receiving Christ in Holy Eucharist. We pray that in those times when we receive communion - when it has become a routine - we stop - halt in our steps - consider just what we are doing - the gift we receive. That gift to be celebrated - B - C - E - Because Communion is Everything. It should never become ordinary - exactly the opposite - an unbelievable gift - offered to us - each - every time - we attend Holy Mass. Here I am Lord - I come to do your will.
Deacon Dale
