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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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Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Reading I : Isaiah 8:23-9:3

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.

  • In the first reading, Isaiah preaches to people who are discouraged by war and oppression.
  • Among the first regions taken in the war were three sections of the northern Kingdom.
  • The prophet promises that God will again restore the land.

Reading II : 1 Corinthians 1:10-13, 17

Let there be no factions among you.

  • In today’s second reading Paul gives his reaction to the divisions among the Corinthians.
  • The factions in the Corinthian church were dividing Christ’s Body.
  • Paul insists that through Baptism all become members of one body, the Body of Christ.

Gospel : Matthew 4:12-23

Come with me.

  • Because a majority of Matthew’s audience seems to have been Jewish Christians, the passage from Isaiah is used in today’s Gospel to explain the fact that Jesus’ ministry began in Galilee, not Jerusalem.
  • The substance of Jesus’ preaching is summarized, “Repent, for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
  • Jesus’ preaching calls for a radical change, the old way of living must be abandoned and a new way embraced.