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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 : Numbers 11:25-29

Moses shared his gifts among the people.

  • The first reading from Numbers addresses the individuals who assisted Moses in the leadership of the people.
  • The seventy elders have authority because God's Spirit has been bestowed on them.
  • Moses reminds Joshua that the focus is to be on God and not on earthly leaders.

Reading II : James 5:1-6

Let the rich be warned!

  • The letter from James reprimands Christians for their excessive concern with earthly riches.
  • These have become an obstacle to their faith.
  • Not only are they inordinately possessive of what they have accumulated, but they have grown rich at the expense of others.

Gospel : Mark 9:38-43, 45, 47-48

Anyone who is not against us is for us.

  • John presumes that any person who is not part of the apostle's group should not invoke Jesus' name in ministry.
  • Jesus points out that anyone who recognizes his name whether or not the person belongs to the community, will be rewarded because the person honors Jesus' name.
  • In the latter part of the passage Jesus uses highly figurative language to emphasize that nothing is more important than belonging to the reign of God, no matter what the cost.