Jerry Pare’, Catechumenate Guy
Category Archives: Theology
Endless Advent (Advent and the Pandemic) — Shared Thoughts
Like many other Christians I have been reflecting on how our time the season of advent in which we celebrate the disciplines of patience and fruitful waiting can serve us as we continue to look forward to the end of … Continue reading
Posted in Lectio Divina, Ponderings, Theology
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Matthew 18: 15-20 — Reconciliation and Forgiveness
When our daughter, Jacquelyn, was in middle school, she was in a rehearsal for a play with other classmates and students. The teacher/director had a sign on the gymnasium door that read, “Do Not Disturb. Practice in Session.” She often … Continue reading
Posted in Lectio Divina, Personal, Theology
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Mt 16: 13-20. Who do you say that I am?
There is much that comes to mind when reflecting on this passage. I tell the candidates that this is the central question of all four gospels. Is it? John does not have Jesus asking the question. Maybe that’s because John’s … Continue reading
Posted in Personal, Spirituality, Theology
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Inwardly Digest: The Prayer Book as a Guide to a Spiritual Life
One of my current pursuits is to develop a more spiritual path in catechumenate ministry. I am looking for personal guides as well as those that I can use in the catechumenate. Inwardly Digest caught my attention because of its … Continue reading
Posted in Catechumenate, Church, Liturgy, Theology
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Changes in the Book of Occasional Services
This is an article that I wrote for the Journey to Baptismal Living e-news. It is longer than most of my posts: In general, the language in the 2018 BOS instructions is more pastoral than that of the 1988 version. In … Continue reading
Posted in Catechumenate, Liturgy, Theology
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Matthew 14: 22-33 — Prayer in Quiet and Prayer in Chaos
This Sunday’s Gospel is the story of Jesus walking on the water (Mt 14: 22-33). The phrase “He dismissed the crowds” is repeated in the first verse. Jesus “made” the disciples get into the boat and go ahead to the … Continue reading
Posted in Lectio Divina, Personal, Spirituality, Theology
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Romans 6: 1-11
Before I begin this reflection on the Epistle for the 3rd Sunday after Pentecost, Year A, I want to comment on Jeremiah 20:7, the beginning of one of the two possible Hebrew Bible readings for the day. “O Lord, you … Continue reading
Posted in Catechumenate, Lectio Divina, Liturgy, Theology
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The Road to Emmaus (Luke 24: 13-35)
This is the story that we often use to describe the Catechumenate process. I think that it was a description of that process for the early church as well. We, that is the current church, recognize its importance. We read … Continue reading
Posted in Theology
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Luke 24: 44-49 — Catechesis vs Didactic Teaching
Today we celebrate the Ascension of Jesus. Luke 24: 50 – 53) is about the actual ascension. The “Great Commission,” as Luke expresses it, is in Acts: “you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and … Continue reading
Posted in Catechumenate, Evangelizing, Lectio Divina, Spirituality, Theology
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John 14: 15-21: If you love me…
John 14: 15-21 is the Gospel pericope for this Sunday, the 6th Sunday of Easter, 2020. “If you love me you will keep my commandments.” So much has been written about this small phrase and so much more can be … Continue reading
Posted in Lectio Divina, Personal, Spirituality, Theology
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