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Lifelong Catechesis

Forming Catholic identity across generations
October 12, 2024
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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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Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Reading I : 1 Kings 3:5, 7-12

Give your servant an understanding heart.

  • The reading from 1 Kings presents Solomon at the beginning of his reign.
  • When God promises to give Solomon whatever he desires in a dream, Solomon makes a single request; a listening heart.
  • Today's passage is the foundation for the tradition that Solomon was the wisest and richest person who ever lived.

Reading II : Romans 8:28-30

God makes all things work together for good.

  • The second reading continues Chapter 8 of Paul's Letter to the Romans.
  • Paul describes the fruit of wisdom, as the single-hearted commitment to God.
  • Those who abandon everything for the treasure of loving God are truly wise.

Gospel : Matthew 13:44-52

The reign of God is a treasure.

  • The first two parables in the Gospel reading make a point similar to that of the first reading; everything can be given up joyfully for the sake of the Kingdom.
  • Similar to the parable of the weeds in the wheat, the third parable teaches that there is an appropriate time for sorting out good and bad.
  • Jesus ends his discourse with a question to the disciples: “Have you understood all this?” They answer, “Yes”. But we know they may not have understood as fully as they claimed to.