New Growth

Throughout the RCIA process, those who prepare for baptism get called a lot of names! Inquirers at first, they become catechumens once they enter the process of formation in the faith. At the beginning of Lent, the public statement of intention and readiness for the sacraments of initiation is formalized as they inscribe their names in the Book of Elect. With their baptism at the Easter Vigil, yet one more new title is bestowed: neophyte. That word came into Latin from Greek root words that mean "new growth", and refer to the new life in Christ, and the hope for continued growth and maturity in their faith. But the most important name of all is the one that will mark them (and us) forever: Christian.

How wonderful to live in the Northern Hemisphere, where Easter and Spring can intersect, making it easy to see in nature an echo of the resurrection we celebrate!

The Gospel for today is the story of the disciples encountering Jesus on the Road to Emmaus. It is our story, as well. We walk this journey of faith together, sometimes needing others to help us understand what's really going on, and blessed by the sudden realization of Christ truly present with us. May that awareness stir us all to jump up and share this good news by the way we treat one another.