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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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Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Reading I : Exodus 17:8-13

God is with us, even when the going is tough.

  • The Exodus story is part of the wilderness narrative. The Israelites had recently left Egypt and were on the way to Sinai through the desert wilderness.
  • One of the difficulties they encountered was conflict with the Amalekites, a nomadic people who warred against anyone who encroached on their territory.
  • As long as Moses prayed, Israel won the battle. With the help of the community, Moses was able to persevere in prayer.

Reading II : 2 Timothy 3:14-4:2

Be faithful to what you have learned.

  • The reading from the Second Letter of Paul to Timothy confirms Timothy's commission to leadership in the Church.
  • The responsibilities are wide-ranging and the author warns Timothy of the difficulties of this job.
  • Timothy's greatest hardship is dealing with the opponents who are seen as rejecting all law and order in the Church while others seem to be set on binding the Church with rigorous laws and practices.

Gospel : Luke 18:1-8

Pray always and never lose heart.

  • The point of today's parable is perseverance in prayer.
  • The story is aimed to bring comfort to the disciples as they await the coming of the Son of Man.
  • The final sentence connects the delay of an answer to prayer to the delay of the coming of the Son of Man. Only those who continue to have faith will be able to persevere to the end.