13th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A

• First Reading – 2 Kings 4:8-11, 14-16A: A influential woman in Shunem offers hospitality to the prophet Elisha. In gratitude, Elisha promises her a son, despite her husband’s advanced age.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 89: I’ll forever sing the Lord’s promises; His kindness is everlasting. Blessed are those who walk in His light and find joy in His justice. He’s our strength, favor, and protective shield.
• Second Reading – Romans 6:3-4, 8-11: Through baptism, we join Christ in His death and resurrection, signifying our new life. As Christ is free from death, we too, should live free from sin, and for God.
• Gospel – Matthew 10:37-42: Jesus instructs his apostles that true discipleship requires them to prioritize their love and devotion to him above even their closest family relationships. He also emphasizes the significance of receiving and supporting those who come in his name, assuring that even the smallest acts of kindness towards his disciples will be rewarded.

Lectionary Reference: 97

Upcoming dates: June 28, 2026, July 1, 2029, June 27, 2032

The readings for the 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A show the importance of faith, hospitality, and commitment to Jesus. They teach that following Christ means putting Him first and trusting in His promises.

• Putting Jesus First: Jesus calls His followers to love Him more than their own families. This means faith should guide all choices and actions.
• Hospitality and Generosity: The woman in Shunem welcomed Elisha into her home, and he promised her a son. This shows that kindness and generosity bring blessings.
• Baptism and New Life: Paul explains that through baptism, Christians die to sin and rise to a new life. This means they should live for God and avoid sin.
• Sacrifice and Reward: Jesus teaches that following Him comes with sacrifices. But even small acts of kindness in His name will not go unnoticed.
• Trusting in God’s Promises: The woman in Shunem did not expect to have a child, but God made it happen. This shows that God fulfills promises in unexpected ways.
• Serving Others: Jesus says that welcoming His messengers is like welcoming Him. Helping others, even in small ways, is part of Christian life.

The 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A reminds Christians to trust in God and follow Jesus completely. It shows that faith requires both commitment and love in action.

What Is My Cross? Lesson Plan on Dying to Self

The lesson plan on dying to self helps teens grasp the concept of “taking up their cross” and provides practical examples of how they can apply it. Through interactive discussions and activities, teenagers explore the meaning of self-sacrifice and discover ways to embody it in their daily lives. By focusing on concrete actions such as serving others, prioritizing relationships over personal desires, and practicing acts of mercy, the lesson plan empowers teens to understand the transformative power of dying to self and encourages them to actively live out this principle in their own lives.

Resources for the Gospel of Matthew

Exploring resources and reflections on the Gospel of Matthew deepens our understanding of the gospel for the 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A. Commentaries, study guides, and devotional materials shed light on the radical call to discipleship and the priority of commitment to Jesus. They help us reflect on the challenges and sacrifices involved, while connecting these teachings to practical acts of mercy. By engaging with these resources, we grow in faith and apply the transformative message of Matthew’s Gospel to our lives.

The Corporal Works of Mercy

The gospel for the 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A challenges disciples to prioritize their commitment to Jesus over familial ties, reflecting the radical nature of discipleship. The corporal works of mercy, including feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, and sheltering the homeless, exemplify this sacrificial love by directly meeting the physical needs of others. By embracing these acts of mercy, we embody selflessness, echoing the profound commitment demanded by Christ and fulfilling the command to love our neighbor as ourselves.

Paul’s Letter to the Romans: Faith, Grace, and Righteousness

The Romans 6:3-4, 8-11 reading for the 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A delves into baptism’s symbolism, uniting believers with Christ’s death and resurrection. Baptism aligns with Christ’s resurrection, symbolizing new life. Christ’s resurrection signifies victory over death, rendering it powerless. His death and life reflect departure from sin and devotion to God. This reading prompts believers to see themselves freed from sin and devoted to God through Christ. It resonates with the Letter to the Romans, exploring faith, grace, and righteousness.

Carry Our Cross

A reflection or the 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A from Jeff Cavins. What happened to Jesus will happen to his followers. Christ had to carry his cross and so we too, are called to pick up our cross and follow him. It means we will have die to ourselves. “He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for my sake will find it.”

No Fear of Death

A homily for the 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A from Bishop Robert Barron. “In our second reading for this week, St. Paul reminds the Christian community in Rome that baptism means an immersion into the dying of the Lord. In his first letter to the Corinthians, he had similarly told his followers that every Eucharist is a participation in the dying of Christ. Why this preoccupation with death?”

To Find Our Lives

A reflection or the 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A from Scott Hahn. “The Liturgy this week continues to instruct us in the elements of discipleship. We’re told that even the most humble among us have a share in the mission Christ gives to His Church. We’re not all called to the ministry of the Apostles, or to be prophets like Elisha in today’s First Reading. But each of us is called to a holy life.”

Elisha and the Shunemite Woman

Another homily for the 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A from Bishop Robert Barron. “Our first reading for this weekend is taken from the marvelous second book of Kings, and it deals with the prophet Elisha, who was the chosen successor of the prophet Elijah. The narrative is, on one level, very simple and charming, but it also presents a kind of icon of the relationship between priests and their people.”

The 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A invites us to reflect on faith, commitment, and generosity. The readings show how hospitality brings blessings, how putting God first shapes our lives, and how faith leads to new life. These lessons challenge us to trust in God, serve others, and follow Jesus without hesitation.

The Blessings of Hospitality

The 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A highlights the importance of welcoming others with kindness. The woman in the first reading recognizes Elisha as a man of God and offers him a place to stay. She does not ask for anything in return, but her generosity brings an unexpected blessing. Elisha promises that she will have a son, something she had not even dared to hope for.

This story shows that acts of kindness often lead to blessings. The woman did not give to receive; she gave because she saw a need. In return, God granted her a gift beyond her expectations. This reminds us that when we open our hearts and homes to others, we allow God to work in unexpected ways.

Hospitality is more than just sharing food or shelter. It is about welcoming others with love, respect, and an open heart. Jesus also speaks about this in the Gospel when He says that those who welcome His messengers welcome Him. Even small acts of kindness matter in God’s eyes.

The 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A encourages us to think about how we treat others. Are we open to welcoming people into our lives? Do we recognize the presence of God in those we meet? When we show kindness without expecting anything in return, we reflect God’s love in the world.

Choosing God Above All

The Gospel for the 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A presents a difficult teaching. Jesus says that anyone who loves family more than Him is not worthy of Him. At first, this may seem harsh, but Jesus is not asking us to reject our loved ones. Instead, He is calling us to put God first in our lives.

Loving God above all does not mean neglecting family. It means that our faith should shape every part of our lives, including how we love others. When God comes first, our relationships become stronger because they are built on truth and love. True discipleship requires commitment, even when it is challenging.

Jesus also talks about the rewards of following Him. Those who welcome His messengers, even with something as simple as a cup of water, will be blessed. This shows that small acts of faithfulness matter. Discipleship is not just about big sacrifices; it is also about daily choices to serve God.

The 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A reminds us to examine our priorities. Do we put God first, or do other things take His place? Are we willing to follow Jesus, even when it is difficult? When we choose God above all, He gives us the strength to live as true disciples.

Faith That Leads to New Life

The second reading for the 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A speaks about baptism. Paul explains that through baptism, we die to sin and rise to new life in Christ. This means that Christians are called to live differently, leaving behind their old ways and following God.

Baptism is not just a ritual; it is a change in the way we live. Just as Christ rose from the dead, believers are called to walk in newness of life. This does not mean life will be easy, but it means that sin should no longer have power over us. We belong to God now.

The other readings also show examples of new life through faith. The woman in the first reading receives the unexpected gift of a son. In the Gospel, Jesus calls His followers to a deeper commitment. Faith brings change, whether through a miraculous blessing or a new way of living.

The 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A is a reminder that faith requires action. Are we living as people who have been made new? Do we trust God enough to let go of old ways and follow Him fully? When we embrace the new life Christ offers, we experience the joy of walking with Him.

The 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A reminds us that faith is more than words—it is action. When we welcome others, put God first, and live out our baptism, we grow in our relationship with Him. May we open our hearts to His call and trust Him in all things.

Prayer

Lord, help me to welcome others with kindness. Teach me to put You first in my life. Strengthen my faith so I can follow You without fear. Lead me to live out my baptism every day. May my heart always be open to Your will. Amen.

• How can I show hospitality to others in my daily life?
• Have I ever received an unexpected blessing after helping someone?
• What does it mean to put God first in my life?
• Are there things I prioritize over my relationship with God?
• How do I respond when following Jesus feels difficult?
• In what ways has my faith changed the way I live?
• What small acts of kindness can I do to serve others?
• How can I strengthen my commitment to God?
• What does baptism mean to me, and how do I live it out?
• How can I trust God more in uncertain situations?

The music selections for the 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A reflect key themes from the readings. Some songs focus on answering Jesus’ call and putting Him first, just as the Gospel teaches. Others highlight trust in God’s promises, like the woman in the first reading who welcomed Elisha. There are also hymns about serving others and living a life of faith, which connect to the message of hospitality and discipleship. Some selections emphasize carrying our cross and following Christ, showing that faith requires commitment. Together, these songs encourage worshippers to trust in God, serve others, and follow Jesus with their whole hearts.

• Come Follow Me by Gael Berberick & Barney Walker
• Come, Now Is the Time to Worship by Brian Doerksen
• Forever I Will Sing by Ed Bolduc
• Forever I Will Sing by Tom Kendzia
• I Will Follow by Chris Tomlin
• If God is For Us by John Foley
• Jesus, My Everything by Matt Maher
• Lead Me Lord by John D. Becker
• Lift High the Cross by Sydney H. Nicholson
• Lord, Whose Love in Humble Service by Albert F. Bayly
• Only This I Want by Dan Schutte
• Sent Forth by God’s Blessing by Omer Westendorf
• Servant Song by Donna Marie McGargill
• Sing of the Lord’s Goodness by Ernest Sands
• Take Up Your Cross by Jamie Cortez
• The Servant Song by Richard Gillard & Betty C. Pulkingham
• The Summons by John L. Bell
• These Alone are Enough by Dan Schutte
• Whatsoever You Do by Willard F. Jabusch, Robert J. Batastini & Owen Alstott

Music directors and musicians can use these selections to help bring the themes of the 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A to life. These hymns can deepen the congregation’s reflection on faith, trust, and service. Try incorporating some of these songs into worship, and share your own suggestions in the comments.

What date is the 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A?

The upcoming dates are Sunday June 28, 2026.
For other years see the links below:
13th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B
13th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C

What are the Mass readings for the 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A?

The Mass readings for Sunday June 28, 2026 are:
First Reading – 2 Kings 4:8-11, 14-16A: Elisha’s Promise to the Shunammite Woman
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 89: Joy in the Lord’s Faithfulness
Second Reading – Romans 6:3-4, 8-11: Embrace of Life through Baptism in Christ
Gospel – Matthew 10:37-42: Discipleship and Hospitality

Why does Jesus say to love Him more than family?

Jesus is not telling people to stop loving their families. He is saying that following Him should be the most important part of life. Faith in God should guide every decision, even when it is difficult.

What does it mean to take up our cross?

Taking up the cross means accepting the struggles that come with being a Christian. It means trusting God even when life is hard. It also means choosing what is right, even when it is not easy.

Why was the woman in the first reading blessed with a son?

She showed kindness to Elisha without expecting anything in return. Her generosity was rewarded because she trusted and welcomed a man of God. This shows that God blesses those who act with love and faith.

How does the second reading connect to the Gospel?

The second reading talks about dying to sin and living for God. The Gospel talks about putting Jesus first. Both show that faith in Jesus changes the way people live.

What does the 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A teach about hospitality?

The first reading shows that welcoming others can bring unexpected blessings. The Gospel reminds people that even small acts of kindness matter. Hospitality is about seeing God in others and helping those in need.

What does it mean to live for God?

Living for God means making choices based on faith. It means avoiding sin and treating others with love. It also means trusting that God’s way is best, even when it is hard.

How can I apply the message of the 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A to my life?

You can choose to put God first in your daily life. You can show kindness to others, even in small ways. You can trust that following Jesus, even when it is difficult, will lead to true happiness.

What does Jesus mean when He says that whoever welcomes His disciples welcomes Him?

Jesus is saying that when people help His followers, they are helping Him. Every act of kindness to someone in need is also an act of love for God.

Why does Paul talk about dying and rising in baptism?

Paul is explaining that baptism changes a person. Just as Jesus died and rose again, those who are baptized leave behind their old life and begin a new one with God.

How does the 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A challenge us?

It challenges people to put God first, even when it is difficult. It reminds people to trust in God’s promises. It also encourages people to be generous and to welcome others.

Why does Jesus say even giving a cup of water is important?

Jesus is showing that no act of kindness is too small. Helping others in any way is part of following Him. Even the smallest good deeds matter to God.

What if I struggle to put God first?

Many people struggle with this. The important thing is to keep trying and to pray for help. Making small daily choices to follow Jesus can help build a stronger faith.