What is Catechetical Sunday, and what lessons in discipleship do we learn
from Mark’s Gospel?
Each year we designate the third Sunday in September as Catechetical Sunday. A theme is chosen to highlight an essential aspect of handing on the faith. This year’s theme centers on “The Word of God in the Life and Mission of the Church,” echoing the theme from the 2008 Synod of Bishops.
The Gospel for this Sunday offers insights about what following Jesus entails. Mark’s Jesus continually instructs his disciples on what true discipleship demands. Today we hear Jesus’ second of three predictions of his passion, death and resurrection. After each prediction, the disciples misunderstand Jesus’ words or seem to be distracted with thoughts that are usually the opposite of what Jesus expected.
Instead of understanding and accepting the challenge that following Jesus entails, the disciples argue about who is the greatest. Jesus patiently clarifies that to be first means to be last and to be servant of all. Then Jesus holds a child-vulnerable, powerless, and without status-as a lesson in discipleship. As we reflect on the theme for Catechetical Sunday, let us learn from Mark’s Jesus the challenges of faithful discipleship.
©2009 Liturgical Publications Inc, New Berlin, WI 53151
Used with permission
