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Lifelong Catechesis

Forming Catholic identity across generations
September 17, 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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Fourth Sunday of Lent

Reading I : Joshua 5:9a, 10-12

They ate the produce of the land.

  • The first reading recounts Israel’s rebirth in the land of promise.
  • As the people crossed the Jordan River, they celebrated Passover, just as they had when they crossed the Red Sea.
  • The period of wandering in the wilderness was over.

Reading II : 2 Corinthians 5:17-21

We are reconciled with God through Christ.

  • The main subject in Paul’s second letter to the Church of Corinth is reconciliation.
  • Paul stresses reconciliation with God, with himself, and with the Corinthian Community.
  • Through Christ, sinners are reconciled to God.

Gospel : Luke 15:1-3, 11-32

The son that was lost came back home.

  • In the presence of the Pharisees and Scribes, who are outraged by Jesus’ treatment of sinners, Jesus tells the story of the return of the prodigal son.
  • Today’s parable shows that God’s forgiveness is for everyone.
  • God’s mercy and love is immeasurable and beyond human understanding.