In Faith Sharing, Do You Recycle?

In Faith Sharing, Do You Recycle?

   Over the years I’ve had a chance to be a Catechist in many settings – Liturgy of The Word for Children, catechesis classes, Retreats, community building gatherings, youth nights and parent meetings to name a few.  There are many great messages that God has shared with me in Bible passages, reflections, other people’s stories, some stories I’ve written, poems, prayers, things I’ve witnessed, and on and on.  These kinds of things help make great sharings with children, youth and adults.  I’m sure you have great faith sharing moments in your catechesis experiences.  But do you recycle?

   I know I do.  I use my stories over and over, as well as using other people’s stories also.  I’ve found that stories help me see the presence and message of God in some very simple ways.  And Jesus used that too, in the parables He told.  He related the messages of God using some everyday items that people used continuously and continually – water, wheat, coins, grapes, sheep, seeds, and light.  I’m sure you could keep the list going.

   What are some of the everyday visual aids that I’ve used to help make a connection in our faith – A handshake, an egg, walnuts/rice, pictures on a computer/phone, and this list goes on and on too.  Even as I use stories over and over, sometimes those who hear them recognize them quickly, but it continues to solidify the message of our faith.  As I hear the Word of God, even the familiar stories bring out new messages, and I think, “Why haven’t I heard that before?”  That’s because the answer comes through in God’s time and in God’s way.  I am at a different place and time in my life when I hear it; my present circumstances help me hear the varied messages.

   I sometimes get discouraged as a Catechist, but then think I have to remember, “We aren’t called to be successful in our catechesis, only to be faithful in the presentation of what we share.”  God plants it into them, sometimes through us.  God will nourish seeds planted and help them bloom in the time that is not necessarily for us to witness.  We feed the already planted seeds with faith-food that is rich in recycled nutrients.  And remember, that in feeding their faith, ours gets fed too!