After a suitable time, when the community could see that these people had become just like Christians in every respect, they were named “Elect,” that is, graced and called to the sacraments. Their final preparations for baptism grew into the season we now call Lent. Their catechesis began after their baptisms and extended for weeks.

Our current lectionary was arranged in part to support the restored catechumenate. Easter season readings ask us to reflect upon and to deepen our grasp of the baptismal passage from death to life. The readings challenge our usual way of doing things. They give us words to express what we know. They guide our Easter celebration by challenging us to build peace and justice as members of Christ’s Body. CELEBRATING THE LECTIONARY has this mystagogical focus. The following is taken from the Family Handout for the Second Sunday of Easter. 

REFLECTIONS

Here’s the whole point of our existence. Jesus appears to us, too, bearing peace, the Spirit, and a job to do. However much we would like church to be a comfortable club where we can belong and feel good, our most important Gospel proclamation corrects us. Jesus gives us peace, insisting that we do the same for others. After all, didn’t we abandon him, as Peter and the others have done? Didn’t we hide in fear, not just from the authorities but from him? And didn’t he put us at ease, forgive us and give us peace?

Easter is our biggest feast, so big that we celebrate it for seven weeks, even longer than we took to prepare ourselves for it. The basic message is of course that Jesus is risen and with us always. But this truth is far more than an historical curiosity. It defines us. We are a risen people, a forgiven people. We are people for whom peace is both gift and command. We are people of the Spirit, sharing one breath and one mission with the One who has given us peace. We are responsible for the immense task of giving peace and healing to a world in need.
 

FAITH SHARING

1. Imagine peace. First, think of all the things that disturb you. Take time to do this slowly and carefully. Imagine the disturbances resolved, every last one of them. Now think of the conflicts, illnesses, and tragedies that beset your family, your neighborhood, your town, your nation, our world. Imagine every one of these troubles healed. Now consider the personal, cultural, and political actions needed to make peace everywhere.
2. Pay attention to your breathing. Exercise, and after you stop, feel your breath, in and out. Pray for Jesus’ spirit to fill your lungs and your whole self.
3. Make peace with someone with whom you’ve had a misunderstanding.
4. Celebrate Easter, a season continuing to Pentecost. Look for evidence every day that suggests Jesus’ presence with us. Greet everyone with the gift of peace. Work to heal the pains of misunderstanding, violence, illness, and infirmity. Keep in mind that candies, bunnies, and lilies are nice, but our prayerful action for peace really celebrates Easter.

FAMILY DISCUSSION

1. What makes me most restless, most ill at ease? 
2. How can I build peace? What can I do to make peace happen? What will I do, both right away and over time?
3. How can I celebrate Easter better than I’ve ever done before?

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