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Sunday Mass Readings for the Ministry of Parents and Godparents: October 28, 2018

by on Oct 27, 2018 in Catechesis, Featured, Live in Christ, Parenting
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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.

October 28, 2018: Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time: Jeremiah 31:7-9, Hebrews 5:1-6, Mark 10:46-52

SUMMARY OF READINGS

The first reading from Jeremiah 31 speaks of the restoration of Israel in the future. At this point in history, God’s people have split into two separate kingdoms of North and South. The Messiah will take the People of God on a new journey. The second reading, taken from Hebrews 5, speaks of Christ in the context of the priests of the Old Testament. Jesus is a priest like Melchizedek. Melchizedek is a mysterious priest in the Book of Genesis who offers bread and wine as a sacrifice; we now see the connections, one of them being that Jesus too offered bread and wine at the Last Supper and they were changed into His Body and Blood. The Gospel of Mark details a moment as Jesus begins to depart Jericho, in which a blind man calls out to him for help and proclaims Him to be the “Son of David.” Jesus hears His call and responds to his request to be able to see. The man is healed and then begins to follow Jesus.

CATECHETICAL TALKING POINTS

The readings for this Sunday provide an opportunity to talk about the importance of and connections with the Old Testament: the Divided Kingdom in the first reading, Melchizedek and Jesus in the second reading, and Jesus in relation to David in the Gospel. The readings also provide insight into the blessings that flow from Christ: unity and restoration in the first reading, Christ’s priestly ministry in the second reading, and the themes of healing and discipleship in the Gospel. 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:

  • The stages of God’s work and revelation in the Old Testament (CCC 54-64).
  • The importance of the Old Testament (CCC 120-123).
  • The unity of the Church made possible by Christ and the Spirit (CCC 813-822).
  • Jesus’ Priesthood (CCC 1544-1548).
  • The Signs of the Kingdom brought by Christ (CCC 547-550).

TRUTH IN ACTION

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

  • Pray for blessings in the life of your child or godchild.
  • Ask your child or godchild to pray for blessings in your life.
  • Read a story from the Old Testament and discuss it.
  • Discuss a recent blessing in your life and how it helped you to see the love of God or has helped your faith to grow or has helped you to be a disciple of Jesus the Savior. Invite your child or godchild to share as well.

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.