For those of you who are joining our Church at this weekend's Easter Vigil, welcome! In a time when having faith --- this faith in particular --- is often disparaged (if not maligned), it is humbling, comforting and encouraging to know that there are so many who have willingly chosen to embrace us as part of their new family.
Of course, as you move forward from this coming weekend of emotional highs, you should expect that the week, months and years ahead may not be as delightful, as wondrous, as joyful as those moments when you receive the waters of baptism, the oil of confirmation and, for the first time, the Body and Blood of Our Lord Jesus. Do not be surprised, in fact, when (and it will be a when) you find yourself wondering exactly what sort of mess you got yourself into. There are rules to be followed, institutions to be respected. And then there are the people.
The truth is, the vast majority of those you meet at your parish are generous, kind-hearted, caring individuals who comprise equally generous, kind-hearted, caring parish communities. And there is your key to the strength of your new faith: working, living, playing and praying as one body, one community in Christ, a community that extends beyond the boundaries of your parish, of your diocese, of your world.
Not that we all think alike, or act alike, regardless of what it says in our creed. You will be amazed, if you haven't been already, at how many experts you will find on almost any subject involving matters of faith --- and how willing they are to share their expertise. (Your parish liturgist, for one, can share some amazing stories; so can your pastor.)
Becoming Catholic, then, will not fix all of your problems. Nor, unfortunately, does it make you a perfect human being --- or more perfect than anyone else, or "right" more often, or even necessarily closer to God than anyone else. "Getting it right" is something we all need to work at, and will work at all our lives. In that regard, having you all come along at Easter time to remind us what baptism means, what a willing and joyful "yes" to God means, is quite honestly a gift that too many of us "veterans" don't fully appreciate.
That's one reason this weekend is such a special time --- a time to be experienced and enjoyed to its fullest by everyone, especially you who are to be initiated.
And as you listen to the readings, the Psalms and the prayers that comprise the Liturgy of the Word Saturday night, do not be surprised to find yourself riding an emotional roller coaster, through the stories of creation, of sacrifice, of salvation, of redemption. It is a journey whose highs and lows can perhaps be summarized in the night's seventh reading, from Ezekiel.
In this passage, the prophet speaks with the voice of a God who has, once again, watched his beloved children forget everything he has tried to teach them --- "When the house of Israel lived in their land, they defiled it by their conduct and deeds… They served to profane my holy name" (Ez. 36: 17, 20).
And yet, despite having expressed this very justifiable anger, God is first, last and always the loving parent who wants his children to do well, who wants them to "get it," who wants them to know --- and to share with one another --- unconditional love:
"I will take you away from among the nations … I will sprinkle clean water upon you to cleanse you from all your impurities … I will give you a new heart … I will put my spirit within you…." (v. 25-27).
We are God's people, every one of us. Above all else, we are a people of love --- joyful at times, tough at others, unceasing and bountiful always. As we move forward from the celebration of the Easter Vigil and into living the reality of life as Catholic Christian children of God, may we --- new Catholics and old --- always be grateful for one another's presence, and for the love of God we receive and share. |