NGUYEN: Which Approach - Inspiring or imposing?

(Photo by James Ramos/Herald)In a world where many young and old alike walk with heavy hearts — burdened by loss, uncertainty or silent despair — the radiant joy of Easter does not ignore human sorrow but meets it on the road, just as the risen Christ did with the bewildered disciples on the road to Emmaus (cf. Lk. 24:23-35). 

This powerful encounter reminds us that Christ walks alongside us in our daily struggles, offering inspiring explanations and ultimately leading us to profound hope and joy found in the Eucharist — the source and summit of Christian life (CCC#1324). 

From our early Church Fathers, this story finds its home in the Holy Mass, encompassing the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist. It is also recognized as a living model for liturgical catechesis. St. Cyril of Jerusalem, one of the key figures in the fourth century, developed this concept and strongly highlighted the intrinsic connection between catechesis and Liturgy — teaching that faith formation must lead to sacramental encounter.

Today, however, many young people attend Mass out of obligation and with no interest at all, often because they do not see the connection between classroom teaching and the Liturgy. As St. John Paul II stated, “Sacramental life [Liturgy] is impoverished and very soon turns into hollow ritualism if it is not based on serious knowledge of the meaning of the Sacraments, and catechesis becomes intellectualized if it fails to come alive in the Sacramental practice [Liturgy]” (Catechesi Tradendae, 23). 

When faith formation consists of merely explanations, it leaves participants disengaged, missing the opportunity to encounter Christ personally. 

Therefore, let us aim to ensure that our lessons do not end in the classroom but lead learners to the liturgical celebration, where authentic and loving encounters with the risen Christ take place — rekindling hope, restoring vision and uplifting hearts.

Notice how the risen Christ inspired the disciples by listening attentively, explaining patiently, and revealing the truth carefully using the Scriptures. This contextualized, inspirational approach, rather than a decontextualized one merely imposed on the disciples, moved the disciples to open their hearts and invite even a stranger (the risen Christ) to dine with them, foreshadowing the Eucharistic encounter. 

Therefore, catechesis must consistently point to the central questions of faith: Who is Jesus Christ? How do we come to know and love Him? How does He teach us to live a moral life? And how are we called to become His missionary disciples? Before ascending into heaven, Christ entrusted His followers with a Great Mission mandate: to make Him known to the ends of the earth (cf. Mk 16:15).

As St. Augustine beautifully affirms in his homily: “How did the Lord will to make Himself known? By the breaking of the Bread.” It is in the Eucharist that we, like the disciples, truly recognize the risen Christ.

As catechetical leaders and catechists, we are called to follow this model — catechizing through the lens of liturgical catechesis, thereby bridging the gap between classroom teachings and liturgical celebration. Even simple lessons, such as those on guardian angels, can be connected to the Holy Mass, illustrating that as we take part in the Liturgy, our guardian angels — our constant companions — join us in worshiping God with the heavenly host and the entire Church.

By embracing the transformative power of the Liturgy, we ensure that every effort in catechesis is brought to life in liturgical celebration. In this way, we invite others into a deeper, more personal encounter with Christ — one that renews hearts and uplifts spirits.

Sister Maria Goretti Thuy Nguyen, OP, is an associate director with the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis.