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Breaking Open the Word at Home: August 18, 2019

by on Aug 18, 2019 in Catechesis, Featured, Parenting
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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.

August 18, 2019: Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time: Jeremiah 38:4-6, 8-10, Psalm 40, Hebrews 12:1-4, Luke 12:49-53

Summary of Readings

The first reading tells of how the prophet Jeremiah, during the reign of King Zedekiah, was thrown into a cistern and left for dead; Jeremiah was saved from death and pulled from the cistern. The Psalm is a sung petition for God’s help during difficult times.

The second reading, from the letter to the Hebrews, mentions the support of the Saints in our journey of faith; it is a call to persevere in faith, and gives Jesus as the supreme model of perseverance.

The Gospel proclaims that some of the challenges that require perseverance will come from be faithful to Christ, as we live in a world marked by unfaithfulness.

Catechetical Talking Points

The readings this Sunday show us that there will be those that will not understand us because of our faithfulness to God, and this should move us to call upon the help of the Lord as we persevere through as pilgrims on the journey to heaven. Below are the talking points to assist parents and godparents. CCC stands for 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:

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.