Sunday Mass Readings for the Ministry of Parents and Godparents
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.
March 17th, 2019: Second Sunday of Lent: Genesis 15:5-12, 17-18, Psalm 27, Philippians 3:17-4:1, Luke 9:28-36 [1]
SUMMARY OF READINGS
The first reading is the forming of a covenant, a family-bond, between God and Abram/Abraham; God promises Abraham countless descendants, and the covenant is sealed with a sacrifice.
Saint Paul, in the second reading, exhorts us to imitate Christ and His Saints, and to not become enemies of the Cross.
The Gospel is the Transfiguration. It is the moment that some of the disciples see the divine glory shine through Christ’s humanity; those of the Old Testament that were promised the chance to see the face of God, also appear and look upon Christ.
CATECHETICAL TALKING POINTS
These readings provide an opportunity for reflecting on either the key figure of Abraham, or the identity of Christ through His Transfiguration. Reflecting on the identity of Christ will help to better understand who was crucified for our sins. “CCC” refers to the Catechism of the Catholic Church:
- The Transfiguration (CCC 554-556 [2]).
- Jesus, truly God and truly Man (CCC 461-469 [3]).
- God’s covenant with Abraham (CCC 59-61 [4]).
TRUTH IN ACTION
Parents or godparents can also put the catechetical content into action through various activities. Here are just a few examples:
- Jesus asked His apostles, who do you say that I am? We can often presume that our children share our same understanding of Christ’s identity. Ask your child or godchild, who is Jesus?
- Read through selections of the gospels with your child or godchild. Together, pinpoint moments that manifest Christ’s divinity, and His humanity.
- Light a candle or two, place a crucifix in front of you. Ask: What do you see? Why did this happen? Who is He?
- Pray the Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary. Take extra time to meditate on the Transfiguration.
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