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Lectionary Link

November 16, 2025
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Lent

Forty days before the Triduum, the Lenten season disposes Catechumens and the faithful to celebrate the paschal mystery through prayer and penitential practices.

Sunday Readings and Backgrounds

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Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord

Reading I : Isaiah 50:4-7

God helps us.

  • The first reading from Isaiah is one of four passages that focus on the "servant" of God.
  • In all four examples, the servant is faithful, even in the face of suffering.
  • The servant in today's passage stands by his belief that with God on his side, he will not be put to shame.

Reading II : Philippians 2:6-11

God's name is holy.

  • Scripture scholars believe that today's second reading was a familiar early Christian hymn.
  • The purpose of Paul's hymn for the Philippians is to persuade the community to be united in Christ.
  • Paul uses the example of Jesus' self emptying obedience to encourage the community to end its divisions.

Gospel : Luke 22:14-23:56

Jesus shows us how to love.

  • Similar to the description of the servant of Isaiah, Jesus willingly accepted the suffering and anguish that can be the price of fidelity.
  • Throughout the Gospel of Luke, Jesus is depicted as the faithful prophet who speaks God's word even in the midst of his own suffering.
  • In today's account of the Passion of Christ, Luke emphasizes the innocence of Jesus.