Mystagogy

Mystagogy

Now that we have the sacraments, what do we do next?

Although the reception of the sacraments is a climactic event, Easter Vigil should not be seen in terms of a “spiritual graduation ceremony”. It should be seen as a new beginning filled with excitement and anticipation. After the celebration of the sacraments, there is a period of post-baptismal catechesis called mystagogy. Technically, the word "mystagogy" refers to catechesis for the newly baptized. This is a time for the new believers to deepen their convictions, intensify their grasp of the paschal mystery, and make the Catholic faith a part of their everyday lives. This growth in faith should be centered on sharing the Eucharist with the community, meditating on the gospel, doing works of charity, and participating in continued education. Since this is the last phase of RCIA, the neophytes should also be equipped with a basic knowledge of Catholic apologetics. It is inevitable that they will be challenged by non-Catholic Christians to give a reason for their decision to join the Catholic Church. This is an area of the faith where many people are vulnerable and easily misled. If you need proof of this, walk into a typical non-denominational church and you will find out that the majority of the congregation consists of fallen away Catholics. Many of these people now harbor antagonistic views against the Church largely based on false interpretations of the Bible!

Mystagogy is a good time to get creative in the RCIA process. Perhaps the neophytes can invite friends or relatives to the class. I would highly recommend that people from other ministries be invited to meet and congratulate everyone on this tremendous accomplishment and work of God’s grace. The class should now demonstrate a more “communal feel” than previous periods of the catecumenate. Hopefully, by this time, everyone feels free to communicate and share his or her experiences. The lessons during mystogogy center on: the risen Christ, the sending of the Holy Spirit, care for the poor in society, service to the community, and defending the faith through basic apologetics.

The possibility of participating in some service ministries should be discussed at this time. Prayer and discernment must be used in this area because some new converts tend to make unrealistic commitments. In their zeal, they sometimes overextend themselves. I would recommend that anyone who is interested in serving in ministry take a few weeks to pray and consult with family members. A priest should also be involved in the process of discernment. It is common that the RCIA team members tend to measure the success of the program by how many of the neophytes start to participate in church ministry. I know that I am personally guilty of that tendency. We all need to stay focused on the primary objectives of RCIA. The goals we really need to obtain include: acceptance of the teachings of the Catholic faith, reception of the sacraments, participating at Mass on Sundays and Holy Days, regular prayer, and holiness of life. Participation in ministries can be a wonderful thing, but it is not the primary goal of RCIA.


Psalm 1

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,
nor stands in the way of sinners,
nor sits in the seat of scoffers;
but his delight is in the law of the LORD,
and on his law he meditates day and night.

He is like a tree planted by streams of water,
that yields its fruit in its season,
and its leaf does not wither.
In all that he does, he prospers.
The wicked are not so,

but are like chaff which the wind drives away.
Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous;
for the Lord knows the way of the righteous,
but the way of the wicked will perish.