"Who Calls You By name", Part I

[Andruschak]

After a three Sundays break for the Advent Season, our RCIA class once again gathered for the 11 AM Mass, followed by Dismissal. Ho-hum. After it was over, I went home and played the first three songs on the new CD set I had bought.

WHO CALLS YOU BY NAME

Music For Christian Initiation

David Hass

Now this is the music that should have been played at the Rite of Acceptence. The first three selections on the disk were, indeed, about the Rite Of Acceptence

The first song was COME MY CHILDREN, Procession to Greet the Word

The second song was AFFIRMATION OF THE ASSEMBLY/SIGNING OF THE SENSES.

This is when I broke down and cried. I had been unable to hear the words or really understand what was going on last 5 November. Now I was able to read the actual words, Now, at long last, I realized what a milestone I had passed. I am not sure why I went on such a prolonged crying jag. Maybe of JOY, at finally understanding?

The final song was DEEP WITHIN, intended for both The Rite Of Acceptence into the Order of the Catechumans, and the Rite Of Election, Song of Gathering.

I’ve been replaying these three songs on and off all day, and this evening after AA. I was really on an emotional crying jag. I think it is over, and I think it was a good thing to do. In any case, I feel much better now about the whole RCIA thing.

 

[puzzleannie]

well I won’t say I told you so, because I don’t remember if I did say it, but there is some validity in the thinking of those RCIA folks who don’t hold with too much rehearsal for the rites, and who insist that the rites themselves are the experience and the catechesis. If nobody in your class has told you this yet, I’m telling you, the reflection and meditation on “what just happened” is as important as what led up to the rite or the rite itself, and it can be as strong an impact as you describe, or it can be slow and gradual, but yes, it is essential. Your response is just right, sir, God be with you.

for those entering the Church at Easter, please listen to Grandma on this too: resist the temptation to schedule your party or celebration, other than maybe a brief reception to meet the parish, right after the Vigil. You will be wiped out physically, emotionally and spiritually, and the Vigil, not the party, should remain the high point of the night. If you are planning a family party, have your regular Easter Sunday dinner get-together. Give yourself quiet and solitude to sleep, with some quiet time in the morning to think, reflect. Also give yourself quiet time in the week or so after Easter to reflect on “hey, what just happened to me?”. You really do need that reflection, and no, it does not always hit your right away, so be prepared for a sudden impact sometime after Easter.

 

[tptram]

Andruschak

That was beautiful.
I love music and beautiful music has help me closer to Jesus.
I often moved to tear because of a certain hymn at a certain time.
This remind me of Ps 34:8 “Taste and see that the LORD is sweet”

Happy for you

Tak