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Readings for Sunday Masses in the Season of Lent
Years A, B & C
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The liturgical season of Lent has its origins in the catechumenate, the initiation process for converts to Christianity in the early centuries. The final phase of preparation was called the “Period of Purification and Enlightenment,” the 40 days preceding the Paschal Triduum in which the catechumens intensified their prayer and preparation. This period was eventually extended to all the faithful as a season to renew one’s relationship with God.
While many people associate Lent with deprivation – “giving up” things – as disciplines of the season, the disciplines are not the point! Our goal is growth in relationship with God. In fact, the English word “Lent” has its roots in an Old German word for springtime.
The Sunday readings in Lent are chosen to reflect themes of the season and are intended to take us on a journey of growth, renewal, and resurrection. The first and second readings are only sometimes connected thematically to the gospel passage.We're now in Liturgical Year B.
Lectionaries on the Gospels of Mark & John.
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FIRST SUNDAY: TEMPTATION IN THE DESERT
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A ~ Matthew 4:1 - 11, B ~ Mark 1:12 - 15, C ~ Luke 4:1 - 13
We begin the Sundays of Lent by reflecting on Jesus’ temptation in the desert. These passages invite us to reflect on the temptations we each face, and to ponder how our own “desert” experience this Lent – through fasting, almsgiving, and extra prayer – can help us return to the essentials of our relationship with God.
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SECOND SUNDAY: THE TRANSFIGURATION
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A ~ Matthew 17:1 - 9, B ~ Mark 9:2 - 10, C ~ Luke 9:28 - 36
The 2nd Sunday of Lent always features an account of the Transfiguration, that reveals the glory to which Jesus was destined as the Christ. Reflecting on Jesus’ Transfiguration may reassure us in challenging moments on our spiritual journeys.
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THIRD, FOURTH & FIFTH SUNDAYS:Year A: John 4:4 - 42, John 9:1-41, John 11:1-45
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The gospel readings in Year A are all extended stories from the Gospel of John where people come to better understand who Jesus is. On the 3rd Sunday, we hear of Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well and on the 4th Sunday, we hear about Jesus healing the man born blind. On the 5th Sunday, we hear of Jesus’ raising Lazarus from the dead. The readings of Year A specifically celebrate the Scrutinies, a series of rites in which adults preparing for full initiation into the Church at Easter are encouraged to examine the ways in which they need to be healed and strengthened by God. Everyone else participating in Mass is asked to scrutinize their lives of discipleship, too. Parishes may choose to use the Year A readings during the 3rd, 4th, and 5th Sundays of Lent of Years B and C.
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Year B: John 2: 13 - 25, John 3: 14 - 21, John 12: 20 - 33
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The gospels in Year B feature passages in the Gospel of John where Jesus explains the purpose for which the Father sent him. On the 3rd Sunday, after Jesus overturns the tables of the temple money changers, he explains that he will destroy the temple and raise it up again in three days. On the 4th Sunday, Jesus tells the Pharisee Nicodemus that “God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.” On the 5th Sunday, Jesus explains that a grain of wheat that dies “produces much fruit.”
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Year C: Luke 13:1 - 9, Luke 15:1 - 3 & 11 - 32, John 8:1 - 11
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The gospel readings in Year C focus on forgiveness and repentance. On the 3rd Sunday, we hear the parable of the patient gardener who gives extra attention to a fig tree that does not bear fruit. On the 4th Sunday, we hear the Parable of the Prodigal Son. On the 5th Sunday, Jesus protects the Woman Caught in Adultery.
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SIXTH SUNDAY: PALM SUNDAY
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Jesus’ Entry into Jerusalem – Year A ~ Matthew 21:1 - 11, Year B ~ Mark 11:1 - 10 or
John 12:12 - 16, Year C ~ Luke 10:28 - 40
Passion Proclamation – Year A ~ Matthew 26:14 – 27:66, Year B ~ Mark 14:1 – 15:47, Year C ~ Luke 22:14 – 23:56.
Until the revision of the liturgical calendar in the late 1960s, Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem was celebrated on the 5th Sunday of Lent (“Palm Sunday”), and Jesus’ Passion was observed on the 6th Sunday (“Passion Sunday”). Now, these two commemorations are observed in a single Mass on the 6th Sunday. If circumstances allow, the assembly gathers outdoors, palms are distributed and blessed, and we proclaim Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. If the assembly has gathered outside, they then process into the church. After the opening prayer, the mood changes drastically. We proclaim a portion of one of the “Suffering Servant Songs” in Isaiah (50:4-7), a psalm of lament (Psalm 22), and the ancient hymn quoted by Paul to the Philippians about Jesus “emptying himself” of godliness to submit to the cross (2:6-11). The gospel account of the Passion of the Lord is the longest of any Sunday.
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