Being faithful to the gospel We have come to the end of another year, a year that has been difficult for the church. Still reeling from the scandal of abuse, struggling with issues of language and identity, discerning which rite is “right,” we grapple our way toward an elusive unity. In the midst of all of this, ML has striven to support the ways that we are called to minister in God’s name by the mandate of our baptism. We have looked at how we are challenged to witness in a way that speaks of unity and Christian charity, even when to do so sometimes puts us at odds with our Catholic hierarchy. We have reflected on the ways that we take our strength from the words of the Triduum with its call to discipleship, certain faith, and Easter joy. We have found in the words and rituals of the Three Days direction about how we are to live and serve. Those words and the images they convey can be formative tools throughout the year. We have lifted up the path of humility and kindness. We have explored the many ways of calling on the name of God, knowing that with each challenge we face, our God is with, in, and among us. In this final issue, we bid farewell to Eliot Kapitan, who has contributed to ML and Liturgical Catechesis magazines with insight and wisdom. His presence will be missed. Also leaving the ranks of ML is Matt Reichert, who provided balance and experience to the Liturgical Formation column. ML thanks both for their faithfulness and willingness to share their gifts. In ML’s 36th year (2009), we look forward to welcoming Mary Pat Storms’ new column devoted to environment and Darren Hensen’s fresh perspective on ritual foundations. All in all, ML’s 36th volume has the earmarks of being a banner year.   In this final issue of 2008, ML has a dual focus. Primarily we give our attention to the season of Lent, from Ash Wednesday to the celebration of the Passion. Paige Byrne Shortal provides a provocative way to guide communities in discerning God’s message in the present time and place. She offers a practical way to encourage individuals and communities to engage in the practice of deliberately engaging in one particular discipline during the season of Lent. Try it. It just might work. At the other end of the spectrum, I have written a piece that is of a more contemplative nature, crafted to help surface and integrate sacred memories into the practices of the Lenten season. By bringing some of the images of Lent out from the worship space to the home prayer space and integrating memories of past seasons into the current experience, a more complete encounter with the holy may result. Even as we reflect on the season of Lent, life goes on, and other issues require our time and energy. ML has recognized marriage as a sacramental area worthy of attention in a time when the bishops are actively focusing on it in anticipation of the upcoming pastoral letter on family life and marriage. Two articles are presented in this issue as a preview and introduction of what will be a series of articles in 2009. Kathy and Steve Beirne share their thoughts on marriage and holiness. Mary Ann Paulukonis, who has coordinated this series, presents the reasons why marriage is (or should be) a significant part of parish life. While these topics of Lent-Passion and marriage may seem to be juxtaposed just for this issue, this combination reflects the reality of our pastoral ministry as we live it. We don’t have the luxury of focusing exclusively on the current liturgical season (or the one for which we are preparing), because for the most part, that is not the type of ministry to which we are called. We are called to be the presence of Christ acting in the world, witnessing to the paschal mystery in every time and place, and that means that we offer ourselves to people wherever they are on the journey. Lent isn’t just about preparing for or renewing baptism; it is about living out the identity given us in baptism. Every time we do that, whenever we are true to that call, we are true to the Lenten challenge to turn away from sin and be faithful to the gospel. ML SUBSCRIBE NOW! What do YOU Think? Send an e-mail to ML Editor or post an entry on the ML Current Issue Discussion Board. (All submissions become the property of RPI and may be edited for length.)