Weekly Meditation

March 2, 2009
Bishop William R. Houck

Yesterday in countless Catholic cathedrals across our country, bishops presided at the Rite of Election. This is a ceremony in which catechumens ? those who have not been baptized ? who are participating in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA), a year or longer process of formation in our Catholic faith, are officially affirmed and ?chosen? to complete their formation during Lent as a final preparation for full initiation in the church. Through the reception of Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Eucharist at the Easter Vigil they will join our Catholic community as disciples of Jesus Christ.

We will be praying for them during these days of Lent. They are a welcomed and encouraging reminder to us that during Lent we also embrace again a life of special prayer, penance, fasting, good works and positive virtue as our preparation for renewing our own baptismal promises at Easter. We do this every Lent as we strive to make progress in living as genuine disciples of Jesus Christ, unashamed to live our faith in Him and His Church.

"We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God...Working together, then, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain...Behold, now is a very acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation." (St. Paul's second letter to the Corinthians 5:20-6:2)


We heard these words of St. Paul in the second reading on Ash Wednesday. "Now" is a gift of God's favor. "Now" is today!. "Now" is something of a never ending invitation from a God who loves us so much.

Bishop William R. Houck
President Emeritus