With respect to Lin Manuel Miranda — and bearing in mind that a title cannot be copywritten — what or where is “the room where it happened” for you? The first reading and the Gospel for Pentecost (Acts 2:2; Jn 20:19) describe the descent of the Holy Spirit and its gifts upon our ancestors when they are gathered in a room.
Most events in life require preparation. When you go on a trip, you get to the airport early so you can get through security. When you go to a concert or sporting event, you arrive early to find your seat. When you host a party, you make sure you have all the right food and supplies.
Pope Leo’s first words from the balcony in Rome were “Peace be with you.” Of all the things our new Holy Father could have chosen to say, that was the greeting he wanted the world to hear. He didn’t invent this ancient greeting, but his calm, peaceful demeanor seemed to embody the expression and say a great deal about him.
The preparation for ordination to the priesthood is a long journey of seven to eight years. The major points of emphasis are spiritual, human, pastoral and intellectual formation. The four stages are the Propaedeutic Stage, the Discipleship Stage, the Configuration Stage and the Vocational Synthesis Stage. This column addresses the Configuration Stage and the Vocational Synthesis Stage.
While priests have a few different options for how they greet people at the beginning of Mass, the bishop has only one greeting available for him to use: “Peace be with you.”
Just the name –– Easter –– brings thoughts of new life, springtime, of freshness, of the Resurrection. This is not only a day –– not only a few weeks on the Church calendar –– but, for Christians, a way of life.
Lent gets its name from a word meaning "springtime," the time of year when the hours of daylight are lengthening and the sun is bringing back its warmth and light.
