January 17, 2021
by Mary Sellars Malloy
Question of the Week - Second Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B
I expect that if I asked twenty Catholics to answer today’s question, I would hear twenty different answers. “Love,” some might say. “Serve.” “Obey the Ten Commandments.” “Go to Mass.” “Confess your sins.” And which of the multitude of responses would be correct? Why, each one, of course!
Correct, yes, but taken on their own, incomplete.
When I am asked to lead a workshop or day of reflection for RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) directors and catechists, I often begin by asking them to draw a circle and to divide the circle into four equal sections. Then I invite them to label each section with one of the following words or phrases: catechesis (based on the liturgical year); community life; prayer (and reflection on the Word of God); and service. These are the four ways the Church herself says that we are to form, guide, and train catechumens and candidates in Christian life. Each of the four is equally important in mentoring disciples and leading them to maturity of faith. (See RCIA paragraph 75.)
Those four ways of growth should apply to those of us who are lifelong Catholics too! As we stand at the start of the new year, with Lent not too many weeks away, perhaps we could each draw our own circle, label the same four sections, and ask ourselves, “What am I doing to grow in faith? How have I matured in each of these areas of discipleship? What could I do at this time in my life to become a more committed follower of Jesus Christ?”
Tomorrow, January 18, is the beginning of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. The theme for this year’s Week of Prayer is “Abide in my love . . . you shall bear much fruit.” Pray this week for the Church throughout the world and for the unity of Christians.
Mary Sellars Malloy has over forty years’ experience as a Catholic educator and lay minister. She is a frequent workshop presenter on prayer, liturgy, spirituality, the Sacraments, and the RCIA. Also, Mary leads retreats and parish missions throughout the country. Her goal is to encourage Catholics of all ages to appreciate and to live their Catholic faith.