When I was growing up the emphasis was on learning the catechism. As long as you knew the right answers you were in good shape. The problem with this approach was that the faith could remain theoretical, something in a book with little to do with life. Today the emphasis has shifted to having “a personal relationship with Jesus.” The truths of the faith are not theoretical but personal, something that changes one’s entire life. Look at the experience of Mary Magdalene meeting the Risen Lord: Jesus said to her, “Mary!” It was that personal address which brought the Magdalene to Easter Faith not the ability to define the meaning of Resurrection. As we say our prayers during the Easter season (and really year round) we too must quiet our hearts so we can hear Jesus speak to us a personal word of love, acceptance and forgiveness. Then we too will be followers of the Jesus, risen from the dead and Lord of history.
