How are the readings for the Sundays of Lent chosen and structured?
The Lenten season is powerfully significant. A meticulous overall plan was envisioned for the Sunday readings that would convey the rich variety of Lenten themes. The three readings, along with the psalm, were all chosen to correspond thematically. A common theme runs through all the readings on each Sunday of Lent.
The Gospels for the first and second Sundays always cluster around the same Jesus events. The first Sunday highlights the temptation narrative of Jesus, while the second Sunday picks up the account of Jesus’ transfiguration. Each liturgical year proclaims the account from the Gospel assigned to it: A to Matthew, B to Mark, and C to Luke.
The Gospels for the third, fourth and fifth Sundays form another cluster highlighting various themes in each year.
In year A, the Gospels are taken from John. Each narrative proclaims various aspects of the baptismal journey to Christ. In Year B, the Gospels are again all taken from John. The narratives zero in on the reality of the Paschal mystery -the call to follow Jesus in the challenging journey of dying and rising.
In Year C, the third and fourth Sundays are from Luke, and the fifth Sunday is again from John. These narratives highlight the significant Lenten themes of penance and conversion. The Gospel for Passion (Palm) Sunday is the narrative from Matthew, Mark or Luke of Jesus’ trial and crucifixion.
These Sundays provide a school for disciples desiring to unpack their baptismal commitment. Enjoy the learning.
©2007 Liturgical Publications Inc, New Berlin, WI 53151
Used with permission
