On Sunday, September 22, the Catholic Church celebrates the 24th Sunday of Ordinary Time.  In Catholic tradition, we have seasons, such as Advent and Lent, to celebrate the highlights of the Paschal Mystery – the life, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ.  During Ordinary Time, we reflect on the life of Christ and His teachings so that we may live our lives in Christ and reflect His love to the world.  This Sunday, in Mark 9:35, in response to His chosen Twelve arguing about which among them is the greatest, Jesus teaches, “If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be last of all and the servant of all.” Even in the presence of their rabbi, they were distracted by worldly thoughts and ambitions.  Jesus instructs them that His way, the way of wisdom and holiness, means striving for humility and love rather than power. 

During our Faith Formation classes this Sunday, the children will continue to explore Christ’s message in Mark 9: 30-37. Jesus teaches that he values love and serving others above all.  He puts his arms around a child to show that welcoming others, even children, is welcoming him. Jesus wants His followers to be warm and welcoming to everyone, no matter who it is, as if that person were Jesus himself. 

 Adults and high school students will dive deeper into what it means to live our Catholic faith more confidently with Symbolon, a 16-episode series, guided by the Creed, exploring everything from the sacraments to inspiring saintly stories.