Ordinary Time

For a large part of the liturgical year, we devote ourselves to listening to the mystery of Christ in all its aspects unfolded as we seek God's truth and understanding.

Sunday Readings and Backgrounds

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Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

Reading I : Numbers 21:4b-9

Whenever anyone who had been bitten by a serpent looked at the bronze serpent, he lived.

The Israelites, worn out from the journey, become rebellious toward God and Moses.
The Israelites complain to Moses about food; God sends serpents.
When people die from the bites, the Israelites repent and God heals them.

Reading II : Philippians 2:6-11

He humbled himself; because of this God greatly exalted him.

This reading emphasizes how far God has come to show us the way to him.
God sends his only son to live as a slave on earth.
Jesus takes all of our sins to his Death on the Cross.
God raises Jesus to glory.

Gospel : John 3:13-17

So the Son of Man must be lifted up.

Nicodemus is trying to understand Jesus’ teaching.
Jesus makes it clear that he has come because the world is in need of salvation.
Jesus alludes to the Israelites in the wilderness—the First Reading.