Homily Notes for Fifth Sunday of Easter, May 6, 2007

We will celebrate First Communion for nine young people in our church today. It brings back memories of when I made my First Communion in the same church 60 years ago.

My memories are of warmth and belonging.

We came to church early in the morning. In those days, there was a requirement that we begin fasting at midnight the night before receiving communion. The water fountains were covered with tape lest some child forget and take a drink and not be able to make first communion. We were fussed over and attended to by the nuns. It was a solemn moment.

Afterwards, there was a breakfast and wonderful party in my home. Uncles, aunts, cousins, family friends. Many good things to eat. Presents. I was the center of attention!

I was happy to be who I was. I was proud to be the age I was. I loved belonging to the family I belonged to. I knew I was loved. I knew God loved me. I belonged! I loved belonging.

Theologically, we say that the Eucharist is one of the Sacraments of Initiation. That was true for me. It was one of the earlier and many rituals of Initiation and Belonging that have been in my life. These rituals are an important part of who I am today. The sense of belonging and being loved continues.

For me, it is associated with this place, this particular church to which I have returned as an adult.

My prayer for these children is that it may be so for them. My prayer for all of us is that we might commit ourselves to the work, the nitty gritty details of work, that need to happen for it to take place in their lives and in the lives of all children.

Amen! May it be so!