The Church professes Christian parents to be the “first” teachers of the faith and calls them to be the “best” teachers of the faith (The Rite of Infant Baptism). Godparents agree to assist in this ministry of parents. This resource from Catholic Lane is to assist you, parent or godparent, with using the Sunday Mass readings to teach the Catholic Faith and live the Catholic Faith as a family.
April 7th, 2019: Fifth Sunday of Lent: Isaiah 43:16-21, Psalm 126, Philippians 3:8-14, John 8:1-11 [1]
SUMMARY OF READINGS:
The Prophet Isaiah announces God is doing something new. The Psalm reminds us that everything God does for us is a blessing and a source of joy.
Saint Paul’s letter to the Philippians demonstrates that the blessing we should desire above all else is to know and love Jesus Christ.
The Gospel is a beautiful display of Christ’s compassion, love, and forgiveness; it is the story of the woman caught in adultery.
CATECHETICAL TALKING POINTS:
These readings provide an opportunity for exploring the reality of sin in our life and God’s mercy. “CCC” refers to the Catechism of the Catholic Church:
- What is sin? (CCC 1849-1851 [2])
- Mortal and Venial Sin (CCC 1854-1864 [2]).
- The Good News of Jesus Christ (CCC 422-425 [3]).
- The Forgiveness and Newness that comes from Baptism (CCC 1263-1266 [4]).
TRUTH IN ACTION:
- Parents or godparents can also put the catechetical content into action through various activities. Here are just a few examples:
- Meditate on the Gospel reading for this day. Lectio Divina is a very common method. CLICK HERE [5] for more info.
- Pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy with your child or godchild. CLICK HERE [6] for instructions on how to pray this chaplet.
- Do an Examination of Conscience. CLICK HERE [7] for links to the USCCB examinations for all ages.
- Go to Confession. Here [8] is a guide to Confession.
Bookmark Catholiclane.com for future Sunday Mass Readings for the Ministry of Parents and Godparents