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RCIA NEWS: The Easter Mystery

As we near the sacred triduum, Christians all over the world are invited to the cross, to the tomb and then to the most amazing of all mysteries, to the resurrection. As the story goes the women come to the tomb still reeling from their loss of Jesus. They want to follow the prescribed anointing of his body. Their sadness is palpable as they discuss how to remove the bolder from the entrance of the tomb; when they suddenly see it is already rolled aside. A heavenly being says to them, “Don’t look here for him. He’s risen, just as he said.” They are astounded and go back to tell the Apostles the news. Mary Magdalene, however, walks into the garden. Her heart sings, “He is not here… no longer dead…He is risen.” But her mind struggles to make sense of this. And then she hears that familiar, loving voice call her name, “Mary,” and everything is changed.

This year I have been privileged to make this Easter journey with our catechumens. They have made it all the more amazing for me. Each in their own way has journeyed with Christ through this Lenten season. They have truly retreated during these forty days. They have prayed together and are eager to celebrate the Easter Vigil where the waters of baptism cleanse them of sin and clothe them in a newness that I long for myself. They have been invited to recognize the treasure that these waters will bring them. Jesus simply says their names and everything is changed.

As we approach the triduum, I recognize that if we listen carefully, we hear that same call as the Elect hear, the same call that Mary Magdalene heard in the garden. Jesus calls my name, offers me life giving waters and everything is changed. “He is risen” and goes before me into world, always loving me into the new Easter life of resurrection and inviting me to be resurrection for the world.

HOLY RISEN ONE, HELP ME TO RESPOND TO YOUR CALL TO FOLLOW YOUR WAY TO EASTER RESURRECTION. GIVE ME THE COURAGE TO LOVE EXTRAVAGENTLY ALL THOSE THAT YOU SEND ME. AMEN.

Sister Mary Ellen Brinovec