My dear Christopher,
You were beaming at lunch yesterday. It was an unexpected treat to spend time with you on the spur of the moment. I am always excited hear about your life and all that you do.
When you told me about your journey as a Catechumen, I was excited and oddly proud. I was immediately a little envious of my friends whose work it is to guide this process for so many. Yes, the Romans have worked for centuries to have answers and justification for its many positions in life and faith. They do provide an anchor and clarity that many other traditions do not. There is a real power in the ritual and comfort in the structure.
I am sorry for what came next. I was awash with my woundedness, despair, feelings of rejection, and rage. Hearing that you are being introduced to a the weak piety passed off as teaching wrenched my gut. It is not even accurate articulation of the Catechism. I will spare you a long discourse on sacrament.
Forgive me, my friend, for casting a pallor on your joy. This was no mere projection. It was all out explosion. I am genuinely thrilled that you are continuing your journey and are so excited. I wish that I could be with you in that holiest of nights and share your joy.
My lunch with you was a moment of grace. Lesson: It is not all about me. It is truly about the enduring love of the One who made us and continues to love us even as we are broken open, who blesses us with pilgrims on the road to Emmaus. Thanks for your generous spirit and being the vessel of my 2016 Transfiguration, hitting me over the head with the message, 'Listen to Him.'
Christopher, you were and are a Christ-bearer. Welcome to the community of faith.
Owen
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