RCIA: Gospel Themes 2021 - 2022

ORDINARY TIME: YEAR B
DATE
WEEK
GOSPEL
THEMES
COMMENTS
08/01
18
John 6:24-25
 In Search of…
 Jesus
 
I am the Bread of Life
The crowd is searching. Through bread Jesus tells us that he wants to be with us and care for us.   Jesus identifies himself with “I AM.”  Our deepest needs are satisfied when we allow Him to sustain us.
08/08
19
John 6:41-51
God’s Template:
Liberation & Identity
Again and Again
 
Whoever eats of this
bread will live forever
 
The bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world
The text refers back to the Exodus story.  After God liberated the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, they grumbled (mistrust) in the desert.  God provided for them & the Israelites claimed their identity as People of God.  This template of liberation and identity happens again through Jesus - sent by God – to offer liberation, salvation, eternal life to all who believe in Him
08/15
20
Luke 1:39-56
The Solemnity of
The Assumption of Mary
 
The Mighty One has
done great things for me:
 
 He has raised up the lowly
Mary went to Judah’s hills to share God’s great love with her cousin Elizabeth.  And Elizabeth is filled with the Holy Spirit… Mary proclaims the greatness of the Lord.  God works through those who trust -with humility! 
08/22
21
John 6:60-69
Choose Today / Choose Life
 
The words I have spoken
to you are Spirit and Life
 
 You have the words of eternal life
We must choose freely and fully to
participate in the death and life of Jesus.  Passively receiving a sacrament is not enough.  The grace we receive is directly related to the personal faith, spiritual expectancy, and hunger with which we approach the sacraments.  Our resistance to God constantly needs to be overcome by God’s grace.
08/29
22
Mark
7:1-8,
14-15, 21-23​
Live From the Inside Out
“This people honors me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.”
 
Things that come
out from within defile
Our innermost thoughts & feelings are always expressed outwardly.  Created in the image of God, we cultivate God’s love in our hearts.  We pray for the grace to allow this love from within to reveal who we truly are.
09/05
23
Mark
7:31-37
Be Open to a Healing Touch
 
He makes the deaf hear
and the mute speak
 
Be Opened!
The triumph of God announced by Isaiah has arrived through Jesus.  The word, the touch, the compassion of Jesus heals.  Jesus’ miracles point to a hidden reality yet to come.  We too must be open to healing & transformation on our journey of faith.
09/12
24
Mark
8:27-35
The Servant of the Lord
 
Who do you say that I am?
 
Whoever loses his life for my sake and that of the gospel will save it
The disciples are “on the way” with Jesus.  We intentionally choose to live a life of ever-deepening self-surrender in love, a life for the sake of others, as Jesus did.  He will show us how.
09/19
25
Mark
9:30-37
Jesus Teaches to
Embrace the Least
 
Whoever receives on such child as this in my name, receives me
The disciples continue to not understand Jesus’ teachings. Their egos get in the way.   Jesus takes a child to represent someone of lowly status, the most vulnerable.  Whoever receives the most vulnerable, receives Jesus and God.
09/26
26
Mark 
9:38-43, 45,
47-4
Our Aim: 
The Consistent Christian Life 
 
There is no one who performs a mighty deed in my name who can at the same time speak ill of me
Judging divides and causes harm. 
Sin is destructive and affects the entire community.  The best way to prevent the spread of sin is to not sin and to pray and try to live a consistent Christian life. We need humility to ask for forgiveness when we have not been consistent.
10/03
27
Mark
10:2-16
The Kingdom of God
is a Relationship
 
Whoever does not accept
the Kingdom of God like a
child will not enter it
 
The vulnerable humbly
receive God’s grace as a gift
Jesus roots his teachings in God. 
 
Marriage affirms mutuality, is life-giving:  A community of love & life with God.  The love that a husband and wife give to each other is a reflection of the love that God has given them.  A Christian marriage can be a witness or a beacon of God’s love in the world.  Gift and grace are key to holy & healthy relationships.
10/10
28
Mark
10: 17-30
An Apprenticeship of Love
 
We have given up
everything and followed you
 
All things are possible for God
The man asked, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus looks at the man and loves him.  He calls this man, and us, to discipleship.  Attachment to Jesus and not to other things that distract is key.  May Jesus free us from false cares.
10/17
29
Mark
10: 35-45
Drinking from the Cup
 
What do you wish
me to do for you?
The disciples again let the ego get in the way.  Awareness of what we seek matters.   Followers of Jesus must be willing to suffer for others; The Christian lives for the sake of others, not for one’s self interests.
10/24
30
Mark
10:46-52
Blind Trust in Jesus to Heal
 
What do you want me to do for you?
 
Master, I want to see
Bartimaeus wants to see, he shouts for mercy.  Note the glaring contrast in the deeper blindness of Jesus’ disciples. 
We all need to see – to be healed - both physically and spiritually. We pray for mercy.  Lord, help us to see!
10/31
31
Mark 12:
28b-34
The Two Great Commandments:
 
Love God & Love Neighbor
Jesus connects the love of God to particular individuals we encounter each day.  We are to love who God loves.  And how we love others directly reflects how we love God.
11/07
32
Mark
12:38-44
Trust & Act in Simple Faith
 
This poor widow put in
more than all the others
 
She contributed all she had
The poor woman gives all that she had.  We too are called to trust and to give in order to love God and one another.  The reason why we give matters:  Genuine self-giving out of gratitude for all that God has done, for God’s first love for us
11/14
33
Mark
13:24-32
On the Gathering of the Elect
 
He will gather his elect
from the four winds
 
My words will not pass away
We are to be vigilant now for what is already and not yet; the focus is on the joy of the elect.   We claim this joy! 
Peace, security, fulfillment happen when we are caught up in the life of God - beginning now.
11/21
Christ The King
John
18: 3b-37
Our King of the Universe
 
I came into the world to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs
to the truth listens to my voice
The person of Jesus is always tied to what he gave his life for: the coming of the Reign of God.   We are alert to the signs of the Reign of God in our world today and make the one who conquered sin and death, the center of our lives.  Christ is our king.

​ADVENT: YEAR C
DATE
WEEK
GOSPEL
THEMES
COMMENTS
11/28
Advent 1
Luke 21: 25-28,
34-36
On Waiting Eagerly
 
Be Vigilant at all times
The second coming of Christ is not about fear. We renew our trust in God’s love and wait for the coming of Jesus Christ.
12/05
Advent 2
Luke 3:1-6
Hope Involves Real People
in Real Times & Places
 
All shall see the salvation of God
The Good News is that the promise has happened! John proclaims salvation

through baptism & the forgiveness of sins.
12/12
Advent 3
Luke 3: 10-18
Joy in the Lord!
 
What should we do?
All were asking with their hearts
We put our joy for the coming of the Kingdom into practice by sharing with those in need, with fairness and justice.
12/19
Advent 4
Luke 1: 39-45
Fidelity to God:  Reliance
on Others Whom we Trust
 
Blessed are you who believe
​Elizabeth has an intimate relationship with God and affirms the faithfulness of Mary.  We rely on the companionship of others.

CHRISTMAS SEASON - YEAR C
DATE
WEEK
GOSPEL
THEMES
COMMENTS
12/25
Christmas
John 1:1-18
The Word Becomes Flesh
 
God’s own Son is the Message
The Word continues to be born in us who by baptism have received a share of his fullness and become Children of God.
12/26
Holy Family
Luke 2: 41-52
Holy Families Belong to God
 
Mary kept these
things in her heart
Jesus returns with his family to Nazareth,
but Mary knows Jesus is no longer hers.
We too choose our families in Christ.
01/01
Mary Mother Of God
Luke 2: 16-21
Contemplation from the Heart
 
We ponder the “ALL”
Mary responds to the shepherds and their
message by reflecting – from the heart. 
Truth & peace come to us in the silence.
01/02
Epiphany
Matt 2: 1-12
Jesus is Present in the World
 
With joy, we see
and follow the star
Our faith is based on God who entered into human history. We celebrate Jesus in the world and bring His presence to all by the manner in which we choose to live.
01/09
Baptism Of The Lord
Luke 3: 15-16,21-22
​Baptized to Serve
 
You are my Beloved Son;
With you I am well pleased.
​Jesus is chosen, blessed, broken, and given to others.  We are too when we connect our lives to him.  Through Baptism, we are united to Christ.

​ORDINARY TIME - YEAR C
DATE
WEEK
GOSPEL
THEMES
COMMENTS
01/16
2
John 2: 1-11
The Wedding in Cana
 
The Birthing of Jesus’
Public Ministry
 
Do whatever he tells you
There is a strong connection between Cana & the Cross; Mary is the midwife
to the birthing of Jesus’ public ministry AND a witness to the birthing of new life through Jesus’ death on the cross. 
The miracle at Cana helps to reveal the mystery of the cross.
01/23
3
Luke 1: 1-4, 4: 14-21
Jesus the Prophet
 
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me
Because he has anointed me
The prophetic ministry of Jesus is to bring
about liberation, healing, reconciliation.
Followers of Jesus are witnesses of the faith and love of Christ to the world.
01/30
4
Luke 4: 21-30
The Rejected Prophet
 
Isn’t this the son of Joseph?
Jesus knows he will be rejected; he reaches beyond the confines of his own people; His mission is continued by all who hear and accept the gift of faith
02/06
5
Luke 5: 1-11
An Invitation to Transformation
 
They left everything
and followed him
The decision to follow Jesus is never imposed; He shows us abundant grace when we place our trust in Him.  God is present to us as God was to Isaiah, Paul and Peter.  Jesus will transform our lives.
02/13
6
Luke 6: 17,20-26
Sermon on the Plain: Part I
 
The Beatitudes
The kingdom – through Jesus – is in our grasps. The more we care for the poor and those in need, the more real the kingdom of God becomes now.
02/20
7
Luke 6: 27-38
Sermon on the Plain: Part II
 
Practical Demands
Being Christian is demanding; to love our enemies and to pray for those who persecute us takes faith and the grace of God.  Jesus shows us how.
02/27
8
Luke 6: 39-45
Sermon on the Plain: Part III
 
Building Character
​Every tree is known by its fruit.  We have the seed of God hidden within us.  Jesus, who feeds, nurtures and sustains us, is the key to bearing good fruit.

​SEASON OF LENT - YEAR A
DATE
WEEK
GOSPEL
THEMES
COMMENTS
03/02
Ash Wednesday
Matt 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. We enter Lent with humble hearts.
03/06
1 Lent
Luke 4: 1-13
Temptation in the Desert
 
Jesus was led by the Spirit
into the desert for forty days
It’s risky to let ourselves be led by the Spirit, often it leads to the wilderness.  We must trust – especially in times of temptations.
03/13
2 Lent
Luke 9: 28b-36
On a Mountain with Jesus
 
This is my Chosen Son. 
Listen to Him
God reveals Jesus to us. Our task is to bring the mountain top experience of knowing Him with us on our daily journey.  
03/20
3 Lent
John 4: 5-42
Jesus Offers Living Water
 
Jesus & The Woman at the Well
 
Come & see a man
who told me everything
Jesus reveals Himself to a person who is an outcast and resistant to growth.  The woman, like us, wants acceptance, to be satisfied.  Jesus quenches her deepest longings and immediately she tells others.   She and we are called forth by Jesus.
03/27
4 Lent
John 9: 1-41
Jesus Completes Creation
 
The Man Born Blind
 
I do believe Lord
Jesus heals the blind man with mud & spittle. The light of the world continues to give sight to those who listen and believe.  Jesus heals and calls us to declare our belief.
04/03
5 Lent
John 11: 1-45
The Source of our Hope
 
The Raising of Lazarus
I am the Resurrection and the Life
Love allows for deep grief.  Love is stronger than darkness & death.  By raising Lazarus, Jesus foreshadows what is to come: Our destiny with Him based on God’s love for us.
04/10
6 Lent
Luke 22: 14 to 23:56
Jesus’ Final Journey:
Temptation and Obedience
 
Today you will be
with me in paradise
​Luke highlights Jesus’ absolute faithfulness. Despite the agony in the Garden; the denial and rejection of those around him;  the excruciating pain in hanging nailed to a cross, Jesus keeps the focus on his mission.

THE TRIDUUM
DATE
WEEK
GOSPEL
THEMES
COMMENTS
04/14
Holy Thursday
John 13: 1-15
Jesus Loved to the End
 
Jesus washes his
disciples’ feet
We learn a new way of being: to live in service for one another. We celebrate Jesus’ love for us in this meal and offer selfless love in return.
04/15
Good Friday
John 18:1 to 19:42
Jesus Obedient to Death
​
 It is finished.  And bowing his head, he handed over the spirit.
Jesus is faithful to the will of the Father and freely chooses to lay down his life.  We have received God’s total and absolute gift of love in order to draw all people to life with God.
04/16
The Great Vigil Of Easter
Luke 24: 1-12
​Jesus Raised from the Dead
 
Why do you seek the Living
One among the dead?
​The inadequate faith of Jesus’ followers underscores our need for deep belief & trust in Him.  Death is not the end.  Jesus brings us to new life.   Nothing is impossible for God.

THE SEASON OF EASTER - YEAR C
DATE
WEEK
GOSPEL
THEMES
COMMENTS
04/24
2 Easter
John 20: 19-31
Jesus Offers the Gift of Peace
 
Jesus stands in their midst
 
Peace be with you
The disciples hid in fear; yet, Jesus appeared to them in the upper room and offered peace.  Faith comes to Thomas, and to us, by hearing the word of the risen Lord so that we may believe and have life in his name.
05/01
3 Easter
John 21: 1-19
​Breakfast with Jesus
 
Yes Lord, you know
that I love you
A meal with Jesus is an experience of forgiveness and mercy.  We share this
together whenever we gather for Eucharist.
05/08
4 ​Easter
John 10: 27-30
Our Identity I:
We Are God’s People
 
Sheep of his Flock
We hear Jesus’ voice which means we have a relationship with Him. Jesus will not allow anyone to snatch away those who have been given to Him by the Father.  He leads us to a transformed life with God. 
05/15
5 ​Easter
John 13: 31-33a, 34-35
Our Identity II:
We are known by our love
​
Love one another
God remains in us if we love one another as he loved us. God’s love is at the core of who we are.  Selfless love is the Christian lifestyle.
05/22
6 ​Easter
John 14: 23-29
Our Identity III:
We have unity in Christ
 
My peace I give to you
The gifts of unity and peace:  The Holy Spirit is at work in our desire to have peace. Jesus gives the peace that the world cannot give.
05/29
Ascension
Luke 24: 46-53
He Blesses the New Church
 
You are a witness
to these things
Jesus assured his disciples of the coming of the Spirit to continue his work.   With great joy they returned to the temple praising God.
06/05
Pentecost
John 20: 19-23
​The Gifts of Pentecost
 
Peace, Mission & the Holy Spirit
​The gift of the Holy Spirit makes possible for the disciples-and us- to be Christ to others in the world.