Journey of Faith: Embracing Renewal in Lent

Devotional

Day 1: Community as a Living Witness

The journey of catechumens and candidates is a shared responsibility within the community. As they prepare to embrace the Catholic faith, the entire congregation is called to support and witness their readiness. This is a time for everyone to reflect on their own commitment to renewal and deeper conformity to Christ. The godparents and sponsors play a crucial role in testifying to the dedication and transformation of these individuals, affirming their readiness for the rite of election. This communal journey serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of faith and the importance of mutual support in spiritual growth. [26:27]

"For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another." (Romans 12:4-5, ESV)

Reflection: Who in your community can you support in their spiritual journey today, and how can you actively be a witness to their growth in faith?

Day 2: Lenten Renewal through Reflection

The Lenten season is a sacred time inviting believers to reflect on the Passion and Resurrection of Christ. It is a period for renewing one's faith and commitment, inspired by the example of those preparing to receive the sacraments. This season encourages mutual renewal, where the community prays for strength and guidance from the Holy Spirit. As individuals and as a collective, there is an opportunity to deepen one's spiritual life and embrace the transformative power of Lent. [38:07]

"Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded." (James 4:8, ESV)

Reflection: What specific practice or habit can you adopt during Lent to draw closer to God and renew your faith?

Day 3: Unity and Reconciliation in the Eucharist

The Eucharist is a profound mystery of faith, where believers partake in the body and blood of Christ. It is a moment of unity and reconciliation, reminding the faithful of their duty to live in faith and charity. This sacred act nourishes and strengthens the community to live as one body in Christ, supporting one another in their spiritual journeys. The Eucharist calls for a commitment to advance peace and salvation in the world, living as an eternal offering to God. [44:00]

"Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread." (1 Corinthians 10:17, ESV)

Reflection: How can you actively promote unity and reconciliation within your community, inspired by the Eucharistic celebration?

Day 4: Living as One Body in Christ

As believers partake in the holy sacrifice, they are called to be an eternal offering to God, advancing peace and salvation in the world. This calls for a commitment to live as one body in Christ, nourished and strengthened by the Holy Spirit. The journey of faith is not solitary but communal, where each member plays a vital role in the spiritual growth and well-being of others. This unity in Christ is a powerful testament to the transformative power of faith. [44:00]

"Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it." (1 Corinthians 12:27, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you contribute to the spiritual growth and unity of your church community today?

Day 5: Prayer and Spiritual Preparation

As the congregation prepares for Ash Wednesday and the season of Lent, there is a call to keep catechumens and candidates in prayer. This is a time of spiritual training and renewal, where the guidance of the Holy Spirit is sought in the journey of faith. The community is encouraged to prepare their hearts for this sacred season, embracing the opportunity for transformation and growth. Through prayer and reflection, believers can deepen their relationship with God and strengthen their commitment to living out their faith. [44:00]

"Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving." (Colossians 4:2, ESV)

Reflection: How can you intentionally prepare your heart and mind for the upcoming Lenten season, seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit?

Sermon Summary

As we gather today, we embark on a significant journey with our catechumens and candidates who are preparing for the sacraments of initiation. This is a time of deep reflection and commitment, not only for them but for our entire community. We are called to support and witness their readiness to embrace the fullness of the Catholic faith. The godparents and sponsors have testified to their dedication and transformation, affirming their readiness to be presented to the bishop for the rite of election. This journey is not just theirs but ours as well, as we are reminded of our own call to renewal and deeper conformity to the life of Christ.

As we begin the Lenten season, we are invited to reflect on the saving mysteries of the Passion and Resurrection. This period is a time for us to renew our faith and commitment, inspired by the example of those preparing to receive the sacraments. We pray for them and for ourselves, that we may all be encouraged by mutual renewal and be made worthy of the Paschal Graces. Our prayers are for the guidance and strength of the Holy Spirit to lead these catechumens and candidates, and for us to be faithful to our calling.

The Eucharistic celebration reminds us of the profound mystery of faith, where we partake in the body and blood of Christ. It is a moment of unity and reconciliation, where we are nourished and strengthened to live as one body in Christ. We are called to be an eternal offering to God, advancing peace and salvation in the world. As we partake in this holy sacrifice, we are reminded of our duty to live in faith and charity, supporting one another in our spiritual journeys.

As we conclude, let us keep our catechumens and candidates in our prayers throughout this Lenten season. They are on a remarkable journey, eager to embrace the faith, and we are blessed to accompany them. Let us also prepare our hearts for the upcoming Ash Wednesday and the season of Lent, a time of spiritual training and renewal. May we all be blessed and guided by the Holy Spirit as we journey together in faith.

Key Takeaways

1. Community Support and Witness: The journey of catechumens and candidates is a communal responsibility. We are called to support and witness their readiness to embrace the Catholic faith, reflecting on our own commitment to renewal and deeper conformity to Christ. [26:27]
2. Lenten Reflection and Renewal: The Lenten season invites us to reflect on the Passion and Resurrection, encouraging us to renew our faith and commitment. This period is a time for mutual renewal, where we pray for strength and guidance from the Holy Spirit. [38:07]
3. Eucharistic Unity and Reconciliation: The Eucharist is a profound mystery of faith, where we partake in the body and blood of Christ. It is a moment of unity and reconciliation, reminding us of our duty to live in faith and charity, supporting one another in our spiritual journeys. [44:00]
4. Living as One Body in Christ: As we partake in the holy sacrifice, we are called to be an eternal offering to God, advancing peace and salvation in the world. This calls for a commitment to live as one body in Christ, nourished and strengthened by the Holy Spirit. [44:00]
5. Prayer and Spiritual Preparation: As we prepare for Ash Wednesday and the season of Lent, we are reminded to keep our catechumens and candidates in prayer. This is a time of spiritual training and renewal, where we seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit in our journey of faith. [44:00]
** [44:00]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[26:27] - Catechumens and Candidates
[26:27] - Community Responsibility
[26:27] - Rite of Election
[26:27] - Lenten Journey Begins
[38:07] - Prayer for Renewal
[38:07] - Eucharistic Celebration
[44:00] - Mystery of Faith
[44:00] - Unity in Christ
[44:00] - Spiritual Preparation
[44:00] - Ash Wednesday Announcement
[44:00] - Rosary for Life
[44:00] - Blessing and Dismissal

Sermon Clips

My dear friends, these catechumens who have been preparing for the sacraments of initiation hope that they will be found ready to participate in the rite of election and be chosen in Christ for the paschal sacraments. It is the responsibility of this community to inquire about their readiness before they are presented to the bishop. [00:29:00] (18 seconds)

My dear friends these candidates already won with us by reason of their baptism in Christ have asked to complete their initiation that those who know them have judged them to be sincere in their desire during the period of the catechetical formation they have listened to the word of Christ and endeavored to follow his commands more perfectly they have shared the company of their Christian brothers and sisters in this community and joined with them in prayer and so I announce to all of you here that our community ratifies their desire to complete their initiation therefore I ask their sponsors to state their opinion once again so that all of you may hear as God is your witness do you consider these candidates ready to receive the sacraments of confirmation and the Eucharist and to receive into the full communion of the Catholic Church and now my dear friends I address you your sponsors and this entire community have spoken in your favor the church in the name of Christ accepts their testimony and sends you to the calling to continuing conversion where Bishop Malloy will exhort you to live in deeper conformity to the life of Christ [00:31:11] (69 seconds)

Dear brothers and sisters today we begin the Lenten journey looking forward to the saving mysteries of the Passion and Resurrection these catechumens and candidates whom we are bringing to the Paschal Sacraments look to us for an example of renewal therefore let us pray to the Lord for them and for ourselves that being encouraged by our mutual renewal we may be made worthy of the Paschal Graces ebiliens for [00:32:44] (25 seconds)

Lord, hear our prayer. Almighty, most beloved Father, whose will is to renew all things in Christ and who draw all people to him, graciously guide these catechumens and candidates of the church and grant that faithful to the calling they have received, they may be built up into the kingdom of your Son and be sealed with the promised Holy Spirit. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. [00:33:52] (24 seconds)

Although you cannot yet participate fully in the Lord's Eucharist, stay with us as a sign of our hope that all God's children will eat and drink with the Lord and work with his Holy Spirit to recreate the face of the earth. Thanks be to God. All right. You guys may be seated. Thank you. Thank you. [00:34:17] (21 seconds)

Pray, brothers and sisters, that my sacrifice and yours may be acceptable to God, the Almighty Father. Amen. O God, who provide gifts to be offered to your name and count our oblations as signs of our desire to serve you with devotion, we ask of your mercy that what you grant as the source of merit may also help us to attain merit's reward through Christ our Lord. Amen. [00:38:07] (31 seconds)

You are indeed holy, O Lord, and all you have created rightly gives you praise. For through your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, by the power and working of the Holy Spirit, you give life to all things and make them holy. And you never cease to gather a people to yourself, so that from the rising of the sun to its setting a pure sacrifice may be offered to your name. Therefore, O Lord, we humbly implore you by the same Spirit, graciously make holy these gifts we have brought to you for consecration, that they may become the body and blood of your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, at whose command we celebrate these mysteries. [00:40:14] (35 seconds)

In a similar way, when supper was ended, he took the chalice, and giving you thanks he said the blessing, and gave the chalice to his disciples, saying, Take this, all of you, and drink from it, for this is the chalice of my blood, the blood of the new and eternal covenant, which will be poured out for you and for many, for the forgiveness of sins. [00:41:27] (25 seconds)

Therefore, O Lord, as we celebrate the memorial of the saving passion of your Son, his wondrous resurrection and ascension into heaven, and as we look forward to his second coming, we offer you in thanksgiving this holy and living sacrifice. Look, we pray upon the oblation of your church, and recognizing the sacrificial victim by whose death you willed to reconcile us to yourself, grant that we who are nourished by the body and blood of your Son, and filled with his Holy Spirit, may become one body, one spirit in Christ. [00:42:45] (29 seconds)

May you make of us an eternal offering to you, so that we may obtain an inheritance with your elect, especially with the most blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God, with blessed Joseph, her spouse, with your blessed apostles and glorious martyrs, with St. Peter and with all the saints on whose constant intercession in your presence, we rely for unfailing help. [00:43:14] (20 seconds)

May this sacrifice of our reconciliation, we pray, O Lord, advance the peace and salvation of all the world. Be pleased to confirm in faith and charity your pilgrim church on earth, with your servant, Francis, our Pope, and David, our Bishop, the Order of Bishops, all the clergy, and the entire people you have gained for your own. [00:43:34] (17 seconds)

To our departed brothers and sisters, and to all who are pleasing to you at their passing from this life, give kind admittance to your kingdom. There we hope to enjoy forever the fullness of your glory, through Christ our Lord, through whom you bestow on the world all that is good. [00:44:00] (16 seconds)

Nourished by your saving gifts We beseech your mercy, Lord That by this same sacrament With which you feed us in the present age You may make us partakers of life eternal Through Christ our Lord Amen So a couple of announcements In the bulletin you'll notice There's a plant sale With the home and school So I think you got to get those in Sometime this week So that they'll be able to be delivered on time And then also Ash Wednesday We have masses at 7 8 .35 Noon And 7 p .m So join us for one of those Help prepare And kick off the season of Lent On that season of training We'll have a rosary for life Right after mass Over here in this area If you'd like to join us For that rosary for life As well And just Again we have such a great number Of catechumens and candidates That are coming into the church this year So keep them in prayer Throughout this Lent They've been on a journey And they're an amazing group A lot of fun to teach They're very hungry for the faith So keep them in prayer And we'll ask them to keep us in prayer As well As we make this journey together The Lord be with you [00:58:53] (69 seconds)

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