St. Austin’s has spent a lot of time in the season of sacraments for some months now. In January, we began confirming our High School students. Easter Vigil, we celebrated and welcomed our RCIA Catechumens and Candidates into the Catholic Church. In April and May, we celebrate our First Communion students. This line from 1 John is perfect for embarking on a new journey within our Church community.
Remembering the celebration of the sacraments and reflecting on our Easter season reminds us that we are children of God. It also reminds us how little we still know of what God has in store for us. For our recent Confirmandi, Confirmation calls us to be one with the Church. The Holy Spirit helps us find our way and make our mark within our Church community. What ministry can I join? What ministry interests me? Do I want to learn more about my faith? Where do I belong? As God’s child, what is God calling me to do? The Holy Spirit plays such a significant role in Confirmation as it leads us to come closer to the Church’s work. It nudges us along and helps us explore who God wants us to be and how to go out and spread the good news.
The sacrament of Communion means saying yes to the invitation to His table. What does it mean to be a child of God? How do we explain this to our children? For those who came in at Easter Vigil, who may have struggled with the Church’s teaching, how are you feeling? As those who take Communion for the first time in a year, how does it feel? What has stirred inside you? Zeke made his First Communion recently and in walking this journey with him, I was amazed at the love he had for the Eucharist. He does not exude excitement as his mom does, but you could see the joy shine from his eyes.
The sacrament of Baptism and the renewal of Baptismal promises call us to reflect on what God is calling you or your children to do or be. We are all born into being God’s children. Baptism opens the sacramental door to the Church community. It leads us to where God is calling us to go or calling us to return. The Good Shepherd never stops looking for that missing sheep, for anyone who has strayed and wants to come back. He does not rest until the sheep is back in the fold. Baptism forever binds us as God’s child, and He will never stop loving us.
No matter where you are in your faith or life, this Sunday’s readings remind us we are forever bonded to God. We will always be His child. He knows what our next move is. As we move closer to Pentecost, we will remember the Church’s beginning and our Confirmation. I urge you to dwell on knowing that you are God’s child and what it means to you. What does Easter mean to you? And how do we carry on our sacramental promises through ordinary time? Lots to reflect on in the coming weeks.