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Preparing for Year C
by Jacquie Jambor

A friend of mine told me once, that she never forgot her first experience at the opera. She loved the music, costumes, and drama, but when it came to the story, she was totally lost! She spent most of the time torn between trying to read the teleprompter and wanting to watch the action. Somehow she expected the meaning to simply emerge, but it didn't!

As she continued her story, she told me that years later her uncle who was a huge opera fan came to visit. He sat with their family as they played the music from the opera. He began to interpret the meaning behind the words for them. He conveyed the depth of passion, the layers of the story as it unfolded. He literally made the opera come alive!

My friend came to realize that by setting the context and revealing the meaning behind the language, her uncle had illumined the opera for her. Where years before she had barely grasped the externals, now she came to a better understanding of the beauty and depth of the opera.

In November, we begin a new liturgical year--year C of the Lectionary. Throughout this next year we will be hearing a love story told through the lens of Luke's Gospel. Therefore, it might be helpful for us to have a little background foundation regarding the context of Luke. If we can learn the message behind the words, we can discover a deeper understanding and appreciation for the gospel proclaimed during this liturgical year.

Luke has a wonderful way of making stories of Jesus come alive: the prodigal son, the good Samaritan, the disciples on their way to Emmaus, to name a few. In Luke's Gospel it is clear that in Jesus Christ we have been saved just as God promised in the Old Testament. This is cause for great joy and celebration. This gift of salvation and God's love is for all people--no matter who they are. Jesus extends his concern and ministry to the poor, the sick, and the outcasts of society. This theme of inclusion is powerful. In addition, Luke provides Mary, the mother of Jesus, a special place in this gospel. Luke shows us that Mary is a model of true discipleship.

Ways to prepare for Year C:

Read commentaries on Luke.
Pray to the Holy Spirit for guidance and understanding.
Gather with a group of people to proclaim, listen to, reflect upon, and share Luke's Gospel.
Each week, prepare to hear the Gospel. (Go to www.faithfirst.com and click on Sunday Gospel Reflections in our Faith First for Families section.)
Foundations in Faith is a rich resource for preparing to hear and reflect on the Word each week.
Come up with one way you will put the Gospel into action within your life and within the community.

Click here to see how Foundations in Faith is everything you need for your RCIA process.