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Lifelong Catechesis

Forming Catholic identity across generations
January 18, 2025
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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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Second Sunday in Ordinary Time

Reading I : Isaiah 62:1-5

God rejoices over you.

  • The first reading from Isaiah compares the renewed city of Jerusalem to a radiant bride of the Lord.
  • The image of marriage was often used to describe God’s covenant relationship with the people.
  • In today’s passage, this image was designed to hearten the discouraged Jewish people as they attempted to rebuild their city.

Reading II : 1 Corinthians 12:4-11

One Spirit gives different gifts to each.

  • In the second reading Paul reminds the Corinthians that they should use their spiritual gifts with order and reverence.
  • The gifts are from one Spirit and will build the Christian community into one body.
  • The presence and the generous sharing of these gifts are signs of the messianic age, the glorious wedding feast of God’s kingdom.

Gospel : John 2:1-11

Jesus’ first miracle at a wedding in Cana.

  • Today’s reading is the first miracle story in the Gospel of John.
  • Throughout John’s Gospel, Jesus’ “hour” referred to the combined moments of his passion, death, resurrection and ascension.
  • At the wedding in Cana, Jesus responds to his mother’s request by performing a miracle to symbolize that hour.