RCIA: Gospel Themes 2020 - 2021

ORDINARY TIME: YEAR C
DATE
WEEK
GOSPEL
THEMES
COMMENTS
08/02
18
Matthew
14:13-21
All Ate and Were Satisfied
Five loafs and two fish
are all we have.
Jesus’ heart is moved with pity. He asked the disciples to feed the crowd. Then, he blessed, broke, and gave the bread to the disciples.  Jesus provides with great abundance.
08/09
19
Matthew
​14:22-23
Calling on the Lord
Jesus walks on water.
Command me to come to you.
When we step out in faith, we can find ourselves in deep water; we must call on Jesus to save us.  And like the disciples, we will know Jesus as he is.
08/16
20
Matthew
​15:21-28
Expanding God’s Table
Even dogs eat the scraps
that fall from the table.
The Canaanite woman, a foreigner, seeks healing from Jesus.   This is shocking.  Mercy & goodness extends to everyone – even those who we think may not deserve it.
08/23
21
Matthew
​16:13-20
A Life Changing Question
Who is Jesus?
This question leads to us
discovering who we are.
Peter recognizes Jesus’ true and full identity. This awareness came from God.  In Jesus, Peter’s identity is revealed.   Our identities are also revealed in Jesus.
08/30
22
Matthew
16:21-27
Called to Carry the Cross
Do not conform to this age. 
Be transformed by Christ.
​We too must take up our cross, die to our old self so that we can live the risen life of Jesus.  Discipleship is a difficult path that leads us away from our comfort zones.  The cross leads to life.
09/06
23
Matthew
​18:15-20
Reconciliation – A Recipe
What to do when hurt by
a member of the community.
Harmful behavior by another is met with humility.  Each step requires courage and a desire for unity. Also, deep heartfelt forgiveness takes prayer and the work of the Holy Spirit.
09/13
24
Matthew
18: 21-35
 Shocking Offer of Forgiveness
The Unforgiving Servant
Forgive not seven times
but seventy-seven times.
We belong to the Lord; therefore, we ought to forgive as God forgives. 
A simple formula:  We have received unexpected generosity.  We are merciful to others as God is merciful to us.
09/20
25
Matthew
20:1-16a
God is Generous
Parable of Laborers in the Vineyard
Everyone has reason to be
grateful that the Lord is generous.
​God gives and loves abundantly. The late hires received something they did not deserve or merit – a gift that God is free to give.  If we lose focus, we can resent the good fortune of others.
09/27
26
Matthew
​21:28-32
Saying and Doing “Yes”
The Parable of the Two Sons
He changed his mind and went.
It’s about doing rather than talking.  Words alone do not prove that one is a disciple of Jesus.  Choices & deeds ought to match one’s words. 
We have to walk the talk!
10/04
27
Matthew
​21:33-43
On Being God’s Servants
Parable of the Wicked Tenants
The kingdom of God will be given to a people that will produce its fruit.
Do we reject the message of Jesus and live by our own rules?
The core issue is to bear good fruit.   
We bear good fruit by living in faithful obedience to God’s will. 
10/11
28
Matthew
​22:1-14
Called to the Feast of Life
Parable of the Wedding Banquet
 Invite whomever you find.
The feast is the union of our lives with God’s life.  The wedding garment may be the lifestyle that we weave as we put into practice Jesus’ teaching and bear fruit. We are to be clothed in Christ.
10/18
29
Matthew
​22:15-21
Our Relationship with God
Question of Paying Taxes to Cesar. Cesar’s image is on a coin; God’s image is on our hearts.
God’s image is stamped on each and every one of us; therefore, we belong
to God.   If the human person bears
the image of God, then, our purpose
in life is to give ourselves back to God.
10/25
30
Matthew
​22:34-40
The Greatest Commandments
 You shall love the Lord your God and your neighbor as yourself.
Our love of God requires us to commit our whole being to God.   Jesus links this love to caring for the needs of our neighbors.  Genuine love for neighbor reveals the Truth of God.
11/01
All Saints
Matthew
​5:1-12a
The Feast of All Saints
 Rejoice and be glad for your reward will be great in heaven.
The Gospel selected for this feast shifts the focus from heaven to earth.  The beatitudes describe the attitude of those destined for eternal life in heaven: Children of God here and now.
11/08
32
Matthew
​25:1-13
Be Ready for the Kingdom
The Parable of the Ten Bridesmaids
Come out to meet him!
The mission of the bridesmaids is to welcome the bridegroom with lit lamps.  We respond to a lifelong courtship with patience, preparation and resources to live as disciples.  Jesus knows us.
11/15
33
Matthew
​25:14-30
Responsible for Bearing Fruit
The Parable of the Talents
Come share your master’s joy.
Our talents are the good allotment of grace that God gives us to become disciples.   We are to take risks, do our best to build up God’s kingdom.  If we are complacent, we will not bear fruit.
11/22
Christ The King
Matthew
​25:31-46
​Celebrating Christ the King
End Times: Separating the sheep & goats.
​God shepherds – serves, heals, seeks out and cares for those in need.  We have a responsibility to do as Christ would in the world in which we find ourselves.

​ADVENT: YEAR B
DATE
WEEK
GOSPEL
THEMES
COMMENTS
11/29
1st Sunday
Of Advent
Mark
​13:33-37
Each of us is a Gatekeeper
Be Watchful!  Be Alert!
Be faithful to our work.
We live between the now of Jesus’ victory over death and the not yet of his return to glory.  Being alert is not passive. 
We work to further the master’s interest.
12/06
2nd Sunday
Of Advent
Mark
​1:1-8
Hear What God Proclaims
Mark begins to tell the story
Make straight the path of the Lord
The Good News is that the promise has happened! The Good News is victory over evil, sin and death.  Jesus Christ is the Good News.  The messenger prepared the way.
12/13
3rd Sunday
Of Advent
John
1:6-8; 19-28
The Coming of the Light
The Baptist testifies to the light
Why then do you baptize?
John’s primary role is to testify or bear witness to Jesus.  John points to the Expected One – who is already in their (and our) midst. Do we recognize Him?
12/20
4th Sunday
Of Advent
Luke
​1:26-38
The Annunciation
God’s plan &
Mary’s acceptance
God’s grace overshadows Mary and transforms her.  God requires just a simple, “yes.”  May we surrender and say “yes” to God’s will with the same confidence as Mary.

CHRISTMAS SEASON
DATE
WEEK
GOSPEL
THEMES
COMMENTS
12/25
Christmas
John  1:1-18
The Word Becomes Flesh
God’s own Son is the Message
God becomes human in Jesus.
The Word continues to be born in us who by baptism have received a share of his fullness.  Can we live a life that takes the incarnation of God seriously?
12/27
Holy Family
Luke
​2:22-40
Holy Families
 The child’s father and mother were amazed at what  was said about him.
Jesus is salvation, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and glory for Israel.  All of our relationships ought to bring the presence
of Christ to the world, one holy family.
01/01
Mary Mother of God
Luke
2: 16-21
Restful Contemplation
We ponder the “All”
of our experiences.
Mary responds to the shepherds and their message by reflecting – from the heart, with painful realities and delightful surprises.
01/03
Epiphany
Matthew
​2:1-12
Celebrating Spiritual Growth
 The human race follows the star
Epiphany means “manifestation.”  Our faith is based on God who entered into human history.  We celebrate Jesus in the world.
01/10
Baptism Of The Lord
Mark
1:7-11
Chosen to Serve
 This is my beloved Son
Jesus is Chosen, blessed, broken, and given as are we when we connect our lives to him.

​ORDINARY TIME
DATE
WEEK
GOSPEL
THEMES
COMMENTS
01/17
2
John  
1: 35-42
God Draws us into Service
Jesus calls the first disciples
And they stayed with him.
Jesus calls ordinary people: “What are you looking for.”  Come and see he tells them and us.  And they follow and remain with Jesus, in His presence.
01/24
3
Mark
​1:14-20
Responding to the Call of Jesus
Disciples leave everything to follow Him.
The decision to make God our first priority is a thoughtful choice.  The decision to follow Jesus will disrupt our daily lives.
01/31
4
Mark
​1:21-28
On the Authority of Jesus’ teaching
 Jesus in the synagogue at Capernaum.
He taught them as one having authority
There is a link between teaching and exorcisms – they go together: Reign of God destroys demons.  Demons are real but the power and authority of Christ is infinitely superior.
02/07
5
Mark
​1:29-39
On the Urgency of Jesus’ Mission
For this is the purpose I have come
Discipleship gives purpose to our lives.
Peters’ mother-in-law is sick.  Disciples immediately tell Jesus about their troubles.  And healing happens.  Peter’s mother in-law-immediately serves Jesus, a mark of discipleship.
02/14
6
Mark
1:40-45
On Being Made Clean
The healing of a leper
The leper is healed; he responds like an evangelist, spreading the Good News.

​SEASON OF LENT
DATE
WEEK
GOSPEL
THEMES
COMMENTS
02/17
Ash Wednesday
Matthew
6: 1-6, 16-18
For God’s Eyes Only
Almsgiving, Fasting & Prayer
These fundamental acts of piety ought to be done in a true spirit of worship from the heart.
02/21
1 Lent
Mark
​1:12-15
Temptation in the Desert
Trust God whatever
the circumstance
It’s risky to let ourselves be led by the Spirit, often it leads to the wilderness.  We must trust.
02/28
2 Lent
Mark
9:2-10
On a Mountain with Jesus
A Glimpse of Glory
Our Task: to bring the mountain top experience of knowing Jesus with us on our daily journey.
03/07
3 Lent
John
​4:5-42
Jesus Offers Living Water
Jesus & The Woman at the Well
Jesus reveals Himself to a person who is an outcast, resistant to growth. She & we are called.
03/14
4 Lent
John
9: 1-41
Jesus Brings Creation to Completion
The Man Born Blind
Jesus Heals: The light of the world gave sight to the man born blind, who listened & believed.
03/21
​5 Lent
John
11: 1-45
Jesus’ Love: The Source of our Hope
The Raising of Lazarus
Love allows for deep grief; love is stronger than darkness & death.  God’s love fills us with hope.
03/28
Palm
Sunday
Mark
14:1 - 15:47
Jesus’ Last Journey of Joy & Sorrow
 Into Jerusalem and to the hill of Calvary
Jesus comes from the Father bringing life.  We pray that we will follow Jesus faithfully.

THE TRIDUUM
DATE
WEEK
GOSPEL
THEMES
COMMENTS
04/01
Holy Thursday
John
13: 1-15
Jesus Loved to the End
Jesus Washes his Disciples’ Feet
As I have done for you, you shall also do
The meal is tied to the Jewish Passover to emphasize the passage through death to new life.  We follow Jesus’ example and learn to live in service for one another. We celebrate Jesus’ love for us with the Eucharist.
04/02
Good Friday
John
18:1 to 19:42
Jesus – Obedient to Death
 The New Lamb of God
The Way of Nonviolence 
​The key here is the life-giving faith in Jesus as the Messiah and Son of God.  Jesus is faithful; freely chooses to lay down his life in order to draw all people to life in him. 
04/03
Easter Vigil
Mark
16: 1-7
You Seek Jesus.  He has been Raised
Go tell his disciples. You will see him!
We too are invited to open our eyes, in faith, and see the risen Christ in our midst, and be sent.

THE SEASON OF EASTER
DATE
WEEK
GOSPEL
THEMES
COMMENTS
04/11
2 Easter
John
​20:19-31
 Jesus Offers the Gift of Peace
Jesus stands in their midst.
 Thomas says, “My Lord and my God!”
The Disciples hid in fear. Jesus gives them peace so that they – and we – may have life in his name.
04/18
3 Easter
Luke
​24: 35-48
Jesus Again Offers Peace
They were incredulous with joy
“You are a witness of these things.”
Jesus opened the minds of those
in the upper room to understand scripture.  This gift is available to us as well.
04/25
4 Easter
John
10: 11-18
Jesus is the Good Shepherd
I know mine and mine know me
Jesus seeks to guide, guard, and nurture.  He knows his sheep and they know him.  He lays down his life for his sheep.
05/02
5 Easter
John
15: 1-8
Stay Connected to the Lord
I am the vine; you are the branches
Jesus is the true vine planted by the Father.  What is important is that we remain connected.
05/09
6 Easter
John
15: 9-17
On Being Friends with Jesus
There is no greater love
If we love one another with the love of God through Jesus, our loneliness will be overcome.
05/16
Ascension
Mark
​16:15-20
The End of Mark
Is the beginning of discipleship
Jesus commissions us to be his hands and feet in the world; Jesus will be with us always.
05/23
Pentecost
John
20: 19-23
The Gifts of Pentecost
 Peace, Mission, and the Holy Spirit
The gift of the Holy Spirit makes it possible for the disciples-and us- to be Christ to the world.