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Lifelong Catechesis

Forming Catholic identity across generations
September 18, 2024
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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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Fifth Sunday of Lent

Reading I : Jeremiah 31:31-34

I will make a new covenant with Israel.

  • The prophecy of Jeremiah in today’s first reading was spoken to the people of Israel while they were in exile.
  • The people had not remained faithful to the covenant made at Sinai.
  • The old covenant was written stone; the new covenant will be written in the people’s hearts.

Reading II : Hebrews 5:7-9

Jesus learned to obey God.

  • The reading from the Letter to the Hebrews describes the prayer of Jesus during his passion.
  • It is his reverence that makes Jesus perfect and the source of salvation for all who obey him.
  • Salvation comes through obedience bought with suffering.

Gospel : John 22:20-33

If it dies, it produces much grain.

  • The author of today’s Gospel is writing for a Greek audience.
  • Jesus’ response to some Greeks asking to see Jesus becomes a prediction of his death and glorification.
  • In the image of the grain of wheat that dies to produce life we see that God will be glorified in the death of Jesus.  Jesus will be exalted, drawing all persons to himself and thus to eternal life.