Called to Discipleship: The Sacraments & Liturgy
OLMC's “Called to Discipleship” series continued this week with a focus on the
Sacraments and the Liturgy. At the
beginning of the session, we were invited to share emotions we associate with
our own experiences of the sacraments, an exercise that demonstrated to all of
us how deeply these outward and visible signs of divine grace touch us at our
core.
Together, we first explored the Sacraments of Initiation
(Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation), covering not only the physical
experience of each, but, and more importantly, the emotional, psychological,
and spiritual dimensions associated with them. Taken together, the Sacraments of Initiation
allow us to participate as full members of the Church. The Sacraments of Healing (Reconciliation
and Anointing of the Sick) offer opportunities for personal growth and
transformation, either when we have missed the mark and need to reaffirm God’s
action in our lives, or when we are ill and can benefit from knowing that we
are in God’s hands. The Sacraments of
Commitment (Holy Orders, Marriage) confirm our vocation to serve, either as
an ordained minister or as part of a married couple, revealing God’s love to one
another.
Class concluded with a brief overview of the main elements
of the Mass, from prayer (we all gather to pray the
Mass), to the proclamation of God’s word, Eucharist (our opportunity to thank God
for all God has done for us), and our dismissal, when we are sent forth to
proclaim the Word in our own lives every day.
We are fed at the Table of the Word and with Jesus’ Body and Blood; that
nourishment feeds our bodies as well as our hearts, becoming part of us, lifting
us spiritually and allowing us to be the Body of Christ.
No comments:
Post a Comment