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.
Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time: Jeremiah 1:4-5, 17-19, Psalm 71, 1 Corinthians 12:31-13:13, Luke 4:21-30 [1]
SUMMARY OF READINGS:
In these readings we see a striking parallel between Jeremiah and Jesus that helps us to begin to ponder Jesus as the fulfillment of the Old Testament. Like Jeremiah, Jesus is consecrated by God, set apart, and sent as a “prophet to the nations.” Like Jeremiah, Jesus too is rejected by some of those for whom He has been sent.
Saint Paul paints a picture of a person who chooses to love. The Gospel reading showcases this as Jesus loves the people, even in correcting them, while this crowd rejects Jesus and tries to kill Him.
CATECHETICAL TALKING POINTS:
These readings provide an opportunity for reflecting on Jesus as a prophet, Jesus as the fulfillment of the Old Testament, and Jesus as the embodiment of love. “CCC” refers to the Catechism of the Catholic Church:
- Jesus is Priest, Prophet, and King (CCC 436 [2]).
- Christians share in Christ’s office of Priest, Prophet, King (CCC 783-786 [3]).
- Jesus is the fulfillment of the prophets and the Old Testament (CCC 68-73 [4]).
- Jesus reveals the truth about Love/Charity (CCC 1822-1829 [5]).
TRUTH IN ACTION:
Parents or godparents can also put the catechetical content into action through various activities. Here are just a few examples:
- Exercise your prophetic responsibility by sharing the Catholic Faith with others. Invite your child or godchild to assist you in this sacred task: Invite someone to Mass or give them a book on Catholicism.
- Pray for missionaries with your child or godchild.
- Read a selection of the Gospel of Luke. Ask your child or godchild: “If Jesus shows us how to love, what does this passage tell you about how to love like Jesus?”
- Spend some time reading these passages in Eucharistic Adoration.
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