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Lifelong Catechesis

Forming Catholic identity across generations
December 11, 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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Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Reading I : Ezekiel 18:25-28

Turn from what is sinful to what is just and right.

  • The belief that children are destined to bear the burden of their parent’s sins was popular in Ezekiel's time.
  • God's people felt that the exile was unfair, that God was punishing them for the sins of their ancestors.
  • In today's passage, Ezekiel points out; however, that each of us suffers for our own sins.

Reading II : Philippians 2:1-11

Make my joy complete.

  • The Letter to the Philippians presents Christ as the perfect example of obedience.
  • Christ, through obedience, has shown God-likeness so completely that the name of God can be given to him.
  • The model, then, that Paul held up for Christian behavior was the model of the obedient Son.
  • Note that in this year, this same reading was read on the Feast of the Holy Cross. You may wish to use the short form this Sunday.

Gospel : Matthew 21:28-32

Many will enter the reign of God before you if you do not repent.

  • In today's parable, Jesus compares two sons to two groups of people. The first group spoke piously but did nothing; the second group included sinners who eventually acted in faith and repentance.
  • The sin of the virtuous might be their refusal to act, their refusal to believe.
  • The repentance of the sinners revealed their belief and resulted in action.