Because of our faith and our rich liturgical tradition over 2,000 years,
we offer the world and our contemporaries the idea of redemptive
history. Redemptive history arises from the conviction that God is at
work in human history and events, and is ultimately in charge. Those
with “eyes to see and ears to hear” (cf. Ez 12:2; Mt 13:15; Acts 28:27)
discern the subtle movement of grace in all things. Redemptive history
looks to the deeper, transformative meaning of events across the ages
from the perspective of faith.
Liturgy contributes greatly to our Catholic sense of redemptive history.
The saving events commemorated in the Church’s public worship
and sacraments (especially the incarnation, death, resurrection, and
ascension of the Lord, Pentecost, etc.) are re-presented not repeated.
Thus, we can live in the power of what God has brought about by them
and be sanctified and inspired to contribute to the great redemptive
work of God as it continues to unfold in human history.
In This Issue
This issue offers diverse perspectives on the mysteries of Lent
and Easter and on our efforts to live and proclaim them. You’ll find
everything from Redemptorist Dennis Billy’s careful analysis of the
very intentional Catholic philosophizing of G. E. M. Amscombe to
Michael DeSanctis’ gentle musings on the existential journey of his
oldest son and daughter, from Peter Riga’s essay on prayer to a few of
my own thoughts on Eucharistic spirituality as “living as Jesus lived.”
Enjoy, too, the beautiful seasonal scriptural reflections of John Barker,
OFM. God bless you!
Anthony Schueller, SSS
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