Hyperokhen

The second reading today came from 1 Cor. 2:1-5.

We had the word “hyperokhen” in 1 Cor. 2:1, which the lectionary translated as “sublimity.” I like that.

It originally meant “superiority” but came to mean “excellence.” It comes from the verb hyperekho, which meant first “to hold something over top” of something or someone, often to guard that person. Then it added the meaning “to stand out” or “to stand taller than.” From there, it came to mean “to be superior in power” or “to excel over, to surpass.”

Today the main event at our parish was the rite of putting the sign of the Cross on the catechumens who will be baptized during the Easter Vigil, and welcoming those who will be brought more fully into the Church on that night, or who will receive their Confirmation as adults.

Please do not forget to pray (and fast, with Lent coming up) for these new Christians and Catholics, as the time between making a commitment and receiving the Sacraments is often full of conflict for them. There’s a reason why they receive special blessings and have prayers said over them.

Please pray for their families and friends, too, and especially for those who aren’t Catholics, as it’s often a time of confusion and temptation for them as well.