Encountering the living Christ

Our lives are shaped by those who are and have been mentors and guides for us. While this is true for anyone, it is very descriptive of those called to ministry.

My long-time pastor, Rev. James Daley, often begins a homily by breaking open one key word from Scripture. He takes listeners back to the original Greek or Latin and enables us to see contemporary applications of that root word.

My background is not in classical languages, but I will often begin my reflection on a spiritual theme by looking at the definition of a common word. The word for this reflection is "encounter."

Theme of year

My rather ancient college dictionary describes the word in adversarial terms related to battle and conflict. A more contemporary edition of the Webster classic expands those definitions to include a more relational understanding: dialogue, intimacy, meeting and engagement.

It is that understanding, I believe, that led the U.S. bishops' Committee on Catechesis to choose the theme of the 2007-'08 Catechetical Year as "Catechesis: Encountering the Living Christ."

The theme flows from Jesus' parables of the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the lost son and forgiving father. It echoes the rich teaching on catechesis from the National Directory for Catechesis (2005), which states that "catechesis aims to bring about in the believer an ever-more mature faith in Jesus Christ, a deeper knowledge and love of His person and message, and a firm commitment to follow Him."

Encountering

Catechetical Sunday is celebrated annually in parishes, schools and catechetical centers across the United States on the third Sunday of September (this year, Sept. 16).

Traditionally, at liturgies this weekend, parishes recognize, bless, affirm and commission those called from the community to be catechists. It is a time to recognize the primacy of catechesis in the mission of the Church and to call the whole community to participate in that mission.

Parishes, schools and diocesan offices will break open the theme of "Encountering the Living Christ" in prayer, reflection and formation opportunities throughout the year. For example, that will be the theme of the Spring Enrichment program in 2008, its anniversary. The theme holds challenge and opportunity for each of us -- children, young people, parents and adults of all ages.

Jesus alive

Our faith affirms that Jesus is alive and present in our world: in the sacraments we celebrate, in sacred Scripture, in the Eucharist, in the Church, in the community and in each of us.

The "encounter" that we are invited into is a meeting place of relationship, intimacy and mystery in and with Jesus Christ. It is not a drive-by experience or chance happening. It is not a handshake or embrace and quick exit. It has the potential -- if we are open -- to change us forever.

This encounter has consequences and responsibilities. It is the Catholic "purpose-driven life." It is living as disciples in this time and place as ordinary people with an extraordinary mission.

Sharing faith

This is not a "me and Jesus" encounter, but rather a relationship that demands that we share it with others. It sends us forth to "be Christ" for others, and to live so that we are not obstacles of this love and intimacy for others.

It demands that we introduce the risen Lord by speaking about Him, by sharing our own stories of faith, and by living lives of compassion, generosity and service to others.

We are all catechists in this manner; and we have the riches of Scripture, doctrine, prayer, sacraments, art, music, creation, witness, and action for justice and peace as tools and resources. This year of grace offers each of us the opportunity to meet Jesus again, renew and restore this relationship, accept this incredible gift, and give it away daily for the rest of our lives.

(Jeanne Schrempf is diocesan director of the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis.)

(9/13/07)