3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A

• First Reading – Isaiah 8:23–9:3: God transformed the fortunes of Zebulun and Naphtali, bringing light to their darkness, joy like a harvest, and breaking the bonds of oppression, reminiscent of Midian’s defeat.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 27: The Lord is my light, salvation, and stronghold, eliminating all fear. I desire to dwell in His presence forever, confidently expecting to see His goodness in my life.
• Second Reading – 1 Corinthians 1:10-13, 17: I urge unity and no divisions among you, to avoid factions that claim allegiance to different leaders. Christ alone should be our focus, not human leaders.
• Gospel – Matthew 4:12-23: Jesus retreated to Galilee, fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy by bringing light to a darkened region. He began preaching repentance and assembled his first disciples, starting his ministry of teaching, proclaiming, and healing.

Lectionary Reference: 67

Upcoming dates: January 25, 2026, January 21, 2029, January 25, 2032

The 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A highlights Jesus as the light that leads people out of darkness. The readings show how God calls people to unity and invites them to follow Jesus.

• Light in darkness: Isaiah speaks of people walking in darkness who see a great light. Jesus brings this light by preaching and healing in Galilee.
• Call to unity: Paul urges the Corinthians to be united and not divided. Following Jesus means working together and not focusing on human leaders.
• Jesus calls disciples: Jesus calls Simon, Andrew, James, and John to follow Him. They leave everything behind to be with Him.
• Repent and believe: Jesus begins His preaching with a call to repentance. He invites people to change their ways and trust in God.
• God’s plan unfolds: The prophecy in Isaiah is fulfilled in Jesus. His presence in Galilee shows that God’s promises come true.
• Spreading the good news: Jesus goes from town to town preaching and healing. He shows that the message of God’s kingdom is for everyone.

God brings light, calls people to follow Jesus, and asks for unity. The 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A reminds people to trust in God’s plan.

Anselm’s Prayer – Teach My Heart Where and How to Seek You

St. Anselm’s prayer connects with the themes of the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A by reflecting a deep desire to seek and follow God. In the Gospel, Jesus calls His first disciples, and they immediately leave everything to follow Him. Like Anselm’s prayer, their response shows that true understanding of God does not come from knowledge alone but from a willingness to trust and seek Him. Anselm asks God to teach him where and how to find Him, just as the disciples begin their journey of learning from Jesus.

The prayer also relates to the first reading, where Isaiah speaks of people walking in darkness who see a great light. Anselm recognizes that on his own, he cannot fully know God. He asks for guidance, just as the people of Israel needed God to lead them out of darkness. The 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A reminds people that God calls them to seek Him, trust Him, and follow His light.

Pray for More Vocations to the Priesthood

The theme of vocations connects with the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A because Jesus calls His first disciples in the Gospel. Simon, Andrew, James, and John leave everything behind to follow Him. This shows that God calls people to serve in different ways, just as He continues to call men to the priesthood. The information explains how to pray for vocations and support those considering the priesthood. Praying for vocations helps more people hear God’s call and respond like the first disciples.

The prayer for discernment also relates to the message of the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A. Jesus invites people to follow Him, and each person has a unique calling. The prayer asks God to help people understand how they are meant to serve, whether as priests, religious, married, or single. Just as Jesus guided His disciples, prayer helps people recognize their path and follow God’s plan with trust.

The Plan Revealed

In his reflection for the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A, Jeff Cavins explains how Jesus fulfills Isaiah’s prophecy about light shining in the darkness. Zebulun and Naphtali, once places of suffering, become the starting point of Jesus’ ministry. Galilee was a place of conflict, but Jesus brings peace and hope. Cavins connects this to Paul’s message in Corinthians, where he urges Christians to stay united. Just as Galilee was divided, early Christians struggled with division. Paul reminds them that unity is important for spreading the message of Jesus.

Jeff Cavins also reflects on Jesus calling His first disciples. He points out that Jesus invites ordinary fishermen to follow Him, showing that anyone can be called. Cavins highlights that this call extends to all believers. The mission of spreading the Gospel now depends on disciples who will share Jesus’ message. The 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A reminds people that they are called to be a light to others.

History Redeemed

In his reflection for the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A, Scott Hahn explains how Jesus fulfills Isaiah’s prophecy. Zebulun and Naphtali were the first lands to fall when the Assyrians attacked Israel. Isaiah promised that these same lands would be the first to see God’s salvation. Jesus begins His ministry in this very place, showing that He is restoring David’s kingdom. His message is not just for Israel but for all nations, as Galilee was a place where many different people lived.

Scott Hahn also reflects on Jesus calling His first disciples. He appoints fishermen to be “fishers of men,” sending them to gather people into God’s kingdom. Paul’s letter in the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A speaks of unity, reminding people that faith in Jesus brings them together. Through Jesus, the world moves from darkness into light, and people are invited to worship God in His kingdom.

Jesus Calls the Unlikely

In the Life Teen reflection for the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A, the focus is on how Jesus calls ordinary people to follow Him. In Jesus’ time, rabbis chose the best students to be their disciples, but Jesus does something different. He calls fishermen—men who were not considered good enough by normal standards. They leave everything to follow Him because they see this as an incredible opportunity. This shows that God does not choose people based on their skills or knowledge but calls them as they are.

The Life Teen reflection also connects this to Paul’s message in the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A. Paul reminds people that he was not called because of his talents but because of the message he carries—the message of the Cross. Each person has a unique way to share faith, no matter their skills or background. Jesus calls everyone, not because they are perfect, but because He has a mission for them.

The 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A brings a message of hope, calling, and unity. The readings show how God’s light shines in the darkness, how Jesus calls ordinary people to follow Him, and how the Church should stay united in faith. These themes remind people to trust in God’s plan and to live as followers of Jesus. No matter the struggles or differences, God continues to guide His people.

Light in the Darkness

The 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A reminds people that God brings hope even in difficult times. The first reading speaks of Zebulun and Naphtali, lands that suffered under foreign rule. The people there lived in fear and uncertainty, but God promised to bring them light.

Jesus fulfills this promise by beginning His ministry in Galilee. The land that once knew suffering now hears the message of hope. Jesus teaches, heals, and calls people to follow Him. He shows that God has not forgotten His people.

Many people feel like they are in darkness at times. Life can be full of struggles, disappointments, and uncertainty. The message of the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A reminds people that God’s light is still shining. Jesus is present, bringing hope and calling people to trust in Him.

Jesus Calls Ordinary People

In the Gospel for the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A, Jesus calls fishermen to follow Him. This is surprising because most rabbis would prefer students who were already well-educated in the law. But Jesus does not look for the best or the most important people. He calls ordinary workers who are willing to follow Him.

Simon, Andrew, James, and John leave everything behind to follow Jesus. They do not ask questions or make excuses. They simply trust Him. They do not have special knowledge or great skills, but Jesus sees their potential.

God does not ask people to be perfect before they follow Him. He calls people just as they are. The Gospel of the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A encourages people to trust that God can use them, no matter their background or abilities. All that is needed is a willing heart.

Unity in the Church

Paul’s letter to the Corinthians in the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A warns about divisions in the Christian community. Some people were following different leaders instead of staying focused on Jesus. Paul reminds them that faith should unite people, not divide them.

The Church is made up of many different people with different backgrounds and talents. This diversity should be a strength, not a reason for arguments. Instead of focusing on differences, Paul encourages believers to work together for the good of the whole community.

The message of unity is still important. People can have different opinions, but they should not let disagreements weaken their faith or relationships. The 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A reminds people to focus on Jesus and build a Church where all are welcome and valued.

The 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A encourages people to listen to Jesus and respond to His call. He invites everyone to follow Him, no matter their background or abilities. He also calls people to work together in faith, not letting differences cause division. As people reflect on these readings, they can ask themselves how they can bring light, follow Jesus, and build unity in their own lives.

Prayer

Lord, You are the light that leads us out of darkness. Help us to trust You when life is difficult. Give us the courage to follow You, even when we feel unworthy. Teach us to work together and build unity in our communities. Guide us each day as we walk in faith. Amen.

• Where do you see darkness in your life, and how can you let Jesus bring light to it?
• How does the message of hope in Isaiah speak to you?
• Why do you think Jesus chose fishermen instead of religious leaders?
• What does it mean to follow Jesus in your daily life?
• What are some ways you can grow in trust when God calls you to something new?
• How can you help bring unity in your family, church, or community?
• What distractions keep you from focusing on Jesus?
• How can you use your gifts to serve others instead of seeking recognition?
• What does it mean to repent, and how can you live that out?
• How can you share the message of Jesus with the people around you?

The readings for the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A focus on Jesus as the light in the darkness, His call to discipleship, and the need for unity. The music selections reflect these themes with songs about following Jesus, spreading His message, and trusting in His guidance. Some songs encourage people to be the light of the world, just as Jesus shines in the darkness. Others focus on leaving everything behind to follow Him, like the first disciples. There are also songs about unity and working together to build God’s kingdom. These songs help bring the message of the readings to life in worship.

• 10000 Reasons by Matt Redman
• Be Not Afraid by the St. Louis Jesuits
• Bring Forth the Kingdom by Marty Haugen
• Christ Be Our Light by Bernadette Farrell
• City of God by Dan Schutte
• Come Follow Me by Gael Berberick, Barney Walker, Kevin Keil
• Cornerstone by Hillsong Worship
• Fish With Me by Ken Canedo & Jesse Manibusan
• Go Make a Difference by Steve Angrisano
• God Has Chosen Me by Bernadette Farrell
• Here I Am Lord by Dan Schutte
• I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say by The Hillbilly Thomists
• I Will Choose Christ by Tom Booth
• I Will Follow by Chris Tomlin
• Jesus My Everything by Matt Maher
• Jesus We Love You by Bethel Music
• Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God by Karen Lafferty
• Shine Jesus Shine by Graham Kendrick
• The Lord Is My Light by Ed Bolduc
• The Summons by John L Bell
• We Belong to You by Trevor Thomson
• We Come To You by Josh Blakesley
• You Are The Light by Josh Blakesley

Music directors and musicians can use these selections to support the themes of the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A. The right music can inspire people to listen to Jesus’ call and follow Him. If you have other song suggestions, share them in the comments to help others in their music planning.

What date is the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A?

The next date is Sunday, January 25, 2026.
For other years see the links below:
3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A
3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B

What are the Mass readings for the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A?

The Catholic Mass readings for Sunday, January 25, 2026 are:
First Reading – Isaiah 8:23–9:3: Light Overcomes Darkness
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 27: My Light and Refuge
Second Reading – 1 Corinthians 1:10-13, 17: Unity in Christ
Gospel – Matthew 4:12-23: Jesus Begins His Ministry

Why does Isaiah talk about darkness and light?

Isaiah describes people living in trouble and sadness, but God promises them hope. Jesus brings this hope by teaching and healing people.

How does the first reading connect to Jesus?

Isaiah speaks about light shining on people who are suffering. Jesus begins His work in the same place, showing that He is the light Isaiah promised.

What does Paul mean by being united?

Paul tells the Corinthians to stop arguing and follow Jesus instead of human leaders. He reminds them that faith should bring people together, not divide them.

Why is unity important in the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A?

Paul warns against division in the Church. He reminds people that faith is about following Jesus, not human leaders.

Why does Jesus start His work in Galilee?

Galilee was a place with many different people and ideas. By starting there, Jesus shows that His message is for everyone.

What does Jesus mean by repent?

Jesus calls people to turn away from sin and follow God. Repentance is not just feeling sorry but changing how we live.

Why do the fishermen leave everything to follow Jesus?

They see that Jesus is special and trust Him. They choose to follow Him instead of staying in their old way of life.

What does the Gospel of the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A teach about following Jesus?

It shows that following Jesus means trusting Him and being willing to change. The first disciples leave everything to be with Him.

How can the message of the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A help people today?

It reminds people to turn to Jesus when life feels dark. He brings hope and leads people in a new direction.

What does the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A say about sharing faith?

Jesus teaches and heals people, showing that faith is not just private. He calls people to spread the message of God’s love to others.