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Lifelong Catechesis

Forming Catholic identity across generations
March 20, 2025
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Advent

The twofold character of Advent calls us to prepare for the remembering of the Word made Flesh at Christmas, and directs us to wait with alertness for Jesus’ second coming.

Sunday Readings and Backgrounds

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Third Sunday of Advent

Reading I : Zephaniah 3:14-18a

Rejoice, for the Lord is in your midst.

  • The prophet Zephaniah preached during a difficult time in Israel’s history.
  • Zephaniah told his listeners that the day of the Lord would be a joyless day because they had not been faithful.
  • The faithful remnant, who knew their only hope was in God, would be saved.

Reading II : Philippians 4:4-7

Rejoice in the Lord always.

  • The sense of excitement at the arrival of the Lord continues in the second reading.
  • Paul calls the Philippians to joy and peace because of the coming of the Lord.
  • They should live their lives as a people saved by the mercy and love of God.

Gospel : Luke 3:10-18

John the Baptist announces the coming of the Messiah.

  • At the time the Gospel of Luke was written, Christians had begun to realize that Christ’s return might not be immediate.
  • They needed to learn how to live in readiness, to be aware that their own deaths might come before the day of the Lord.
  • Today’s passage instructs people to live justly within their work.