RCIA

After four hours of snowblowing/shoveling today to help dig out from the latest blast of winter weather, I gave a presentation this evening to the RCIA candidates.  For those not sure of the meaning of the acronym, it stands for Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults.  Besides the RCIA team, two gentlemen who are seeking full initiation into our Catholic faith were present for their weekly Thursday evening study session.  Tonight's topic was the Liturgy of the Word, the 1st of the 2 major parts of our Mass.  We looked at the different parts of the Liturgy of the Word, and I shared some thoughts on the importance of spending even a few minutes during the preceding week reading and reflecting on the readings to be proclaimed at Sunday Mass.

Unfortunately, so many who attend Mass are hearing the readings proclaimed for the 1st time in a number of years.  When this happens, there is less of a chance that those readings will have the desired impact of our lives.  The Word of God is alive!  By that, I mean the Lord can speak to us, here and now, through Sacred Scripture.  But, and this is a big but, we have to give the Lord the time and the space and the quiet to speak to our hearts.

Sometimes, even when doing mundane tasks like shoveling snow, if we are not connected to an ipod or other such device, if we put our minds and hearts in an open disposition, the Lord will speak to us and we will be amazed at what He asks and where He leads.  Especially in such a hectic and busy world in which we live, finding that quiet time, even five or ten minutes a day to read and reflect on His Word, is so vital to finding our way to His Kingdom of true and lasting peace.