Mystagogia
"Mystagogia" is a word that
is gradually returning to the Christian vocabulary. It means "going
deeper into the mysteries" - that is, into the truths of the faith.
Mystagogia describes the ancient custom of spending the first week of
Easter experiencing the depths of the truths accepted in Baptism,
Confirmation and the Eucharist. The Easter season is a time
of "mystagogia" for everyone - new Christians and old Christians.
The Greek term "mystagogia." derived from "the language of the mysteries," where it means "the introduction of the uninitiated to the knowledge and the effective celebration of the mysteries." The one who leads the person through mystagogia, the mystagoge, is like a tour guide though the Mysteries.
Following the example set by the early church, many contemporary congregations welcome newly baptized believers during the Easter Vigil. In these weeks after Easter, both initiates and veteran believers are invited to enter into a period of mystagogia and thereby to be renewed in the dignity and challenge of Christian baptism.
The mystagogia period requires us as believers to not only reflect on the Mysteries, but to actively incorporate the mystery into our daily lives. What better manner than renewed appreciation of Word, faith and deeds.
The Greek term "mystagogia." derived from "the language of the mysteries," where it means "the introduction of the uninitiated to the knowledge and the effective celebration of the mysteries." The one who leads the person through mystagogia, the mystagoge, is like a tour guide though the Mysteries.
Following the example set by the early church, many contemporary congregations welcome newly baptized believers during the Easter Vigil. In these weeks after Easter, both initiates and veteran believers are invited to enter into a period of mystagogia and thereby to be renewed in the dignity and challenge of Christian baptism.
The mystagogia period requires us as believers to not only reflect on the Mysteries, but to actively incorporate the mystery into our daily lives. What better manner than renewed appreciation of Word, faith and deeds.
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