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Breaking Open the Word at Home: Sunday, November 11, 2018

by on Nov 11, 2018 in Catechesis, Featured, Parenting
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Sunday Mass Readings for the Ministry of Parents and Godparents

The Church calls Christian parents to be the “first” teachers of the faith and 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.

November 11th, 2018: Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time: 1 Kings 17:10-16, Hebrews 9:24-28, Mark 12:38-44

SUMMARY OF READINGS:

1 Kings 17, the first reading, occurs within the context of a drought in the Kingdom of Israel due to sinfulness. The prophet Elijah visits the home of a widow and asks for some food. She shares 2 statements: the LORD God is not her God and that she is on the verge of dying from hunger. Elijah restores her faith that God loves her too and will provide for her as well.

The second reading continues our journey through the Book of Hebrews and the perpetual Priesthood of Jesus Christ. In this passage we have a reminder of the Last Things; we all die once and face judgment upon our death, and Jesus will return again.

The widow in the Gospel, like the widow in the first reading, gave all that she had in her offering. Both widows give and sacrifice much to God.

CATECHETICAL TALKING POINTS:

The readings for this Sunday provide an opportunity to talk about the nature of giving all of ourselves to God. Below are some places in the Catechism of the Catholic Church to help with these catechetical conversations as a parent or godparent. “CCC” refers to the Catechism of the Catholic Church:

TRUTH IN ACTION:

Parents or godparents can also put the catechetical content into action through various activities. Here are just a few examples:

  • Prayerfully gaze upon a Crucifix and ponder how Christ gave all of Himself for our redemption.
  • Prayerfully ask God to show you areas of your life that need to be handed over to God.
  • Discuss with your child or godchild the importance of giving the gift of financial or material support. Then plan a gift for your parish or a local charity.
  • Discuss the connection between the readings for the last two Sundays: (1) Loving God and neighbor; (2) Giving.
  • For small children: decorate an envelope to put an offering from their allowance into the Sunday collection basket.
  • Spend time in adoration. Accept the gift of His love that He offers you in the Eucharist and offer yourself to Him.
  • Pray for the married couples in your life, parish, and neighborhood. Pray for them to grow in their love and gift of self to the other.
  • Plan an act of charity for the local poor or homeless.

Bookmark Catholiclane.com for future Sunday Mass Readings for the Ministry of Parents and Godparents


Brandon Harvey is a Teacher, Speaker and Theological Consultant who resides in Omaha, Nebraska. He is married and is blessed with four children. He is the host of the Home Catechesis Podcast and the Home Catechesis Review (Vlog) on youtube.