Announcing the Conception of Jesus
MYSTAGOGY
Photo by Katherine Hanlon on Unsplash
“I need a refill, and the time is now.” a Cradle Catholic recently said.
“What kind of refill?”
“Fill me with Mystagogy please.”
“So, do you mean you want to be led through the mystery of membership in the Body of Christ?”
“Exactly, now that I’ve emptied myself of sin, through meditation and repentance this early springtime, I am ready to pass over from my life of sin and be fulfilled with a new spirit. I want to live in the Spirit of the Mysteries of Christ. I was promised, on my election to the Lenten ritual of Purification and Enlightenment that on the Easter Vigil I would be initiated into full membership as a neophyte entering the Mystagogy. I know that a neophyte is one who is newly received into the Catholic Church.
Still, even though I am a Cradle Catholic, I believe I can renew my baptismal vows right alongside all the new converts who are being brought into the Church founded by Jesus Christ today, just as the Apostles received the Holy Spirit when Jesus breathed on them when He appeared to them after His Resurrection.”
“So lead me to where I can be refilled, please!”
“But, you do know there is only one baptism, don’t you?”
“Of course, and I also know that conversion is an ongoing process. It reminds me of the new flowers that come back every spring, like white lilies that we see on many of our altars every Easter Sunday.
And, just as those lilies are reborn every spring, they only need to be planted once, outside, to flower again and again each year, with a little watering to refresh them.”
“Now, can I have my renewal? Hear my prayer:
I reject Satan. I reject all his works and all his empty promises.
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was born of the Virgin Mary was crucified, died, and was buried, rose from the dead, and is now seated at the right hand of the Father. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.
And, I pray, to all the Angels and Saints, and to you my brothers and sisters, that I may imitate the life of Christ and never sin again. Amen.”
