13th Sunday in Ordinary Time

The 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time reminds us to follow Jesus with a willing heart. In all three years (A, B, and C), the readings show people who are called by God. Elisha leaves everything to follow Elijah. Jesus calls His followers to give their full attention to the Kingdom. He says not to look back or make excuses.

The readings also teach that faith brings new life. In Year A, we hear about the reward for welcoming a prophet. In Year B, Jesus brings healing and raises a girl from the dead. In Year C, Paul speaks about freedom through the Spirit, not the flesh. These readings show that following Jesus may be hard, but it brings true life. We are asked to trust God, let go of what holds us back, and walk in faith.

Click on the appropriate year below to see resources, themes, homilies, and more. See how to determine the correct year.

13th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A
13th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B
13th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C

Mass Readings for the 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A

The 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A focuses on choosing to follow Jesus with trust and care for others. The readings show that faith affects both big decisions and small actions. A woman welcomes Elisha and receives new life as a gift. Jesus teaches that loving him comes first, even before family ties. He also reminds us that simple acts of kindness matter and are never wasted.

See resources, homilies, and more for the 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A readings here.

• First Reading – 2 Kings 4:8-11, 14-16A: Elisha visited a kind woman in Shunem. She made a room for him. Elisha promised she would have a son within a year.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 89: I will always sing of the Lord’s goodness and faithfulness. Blessed are those who rejoice in His presence. The Lord is our strength and shield.
• Second Reading – Romans 6:3-4, 8-11: We were baptized into Christ’s death and raised to new life with him. As he lives for God, we too must live for God, free from sin.
• Gospel – Matthew 10:26-33: Jesus teaches that true worthiness requires putting him above all else. Welcoming his messengers is like welcoming him. Helping even the least of his disciples brings a reward.

Mass Readings for the 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B

The 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B reminds us that God wants life, hope, and healing for all people. The readings show that faith in Jesus can bring change, even in moments of fear or loss. Jesus heals a woman who trusts him and brings a young girl back to life. We are also reminded to share what we have and care for others. These readings invite us to trust Jesus and hold on to hope.

See resources, homilies, and more for the 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B readings here.

• First Reading – Wisdom 1:13-15; 2:23-24: God created life and intended it to be eternal, but death entered the world through the devil’s envy.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 30: God lifts us from despair, turns our sorrow into joy, and brings us from darkness to light. We should always praise and thank him.
• Second Reading – 2 Corinthians 8:7, 9, 13-15: Strive to excel in generosity, following Christ’s example. Share your abundance to create equality, ensuring everyone’s needs are met.
• Gospel – Mark 5:21-43: Jesus healed a woman with faith and raised Jairus’s daughter who was thought dead, showing his power.

Mass Readings for the 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C

The 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C reminds us that following Jesus takes focus and trust. The readings show people who leave old ways behind to follow God’s call. Elisha leaves his work to serve God. Jesus tells his followers not to look back or make excuses. We are reminded that faith means choosing a new path and staying with it. God offers freedom and help through the Spirit as we move forward.

See resources, homilies, and more for the 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C readings here.

• First Reading – 1 Kings 19:16B, 19-21: God told Elijah to anoint Elisha as his successor. Elisha left his work, said goodbye to his family, and followed Elijah, becoming his assistant.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 16: God is my refuge and my portion. He guides and protects me. My heart is glad, and my soul rejoices, for He will not abandon me. He shows me the path of life.
• Second Reading – Galatians 5:1, 13-18: Christ freed us to live in freedom, not to indulge the flesh but to serve in love. Live by the Spirit, not by the desires of the flesh.
• Gospel – Luke 9:51-62: Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem, facing rejection and instructing his disciples on the cost of following him. He emphasized the urgency and commitment required to proclaim God’s kingdom.

Lookup Other Liturgical Dates in the Lectionary

The Bible is the full collection of all Scripture. The Lectionary is a book that contains the Bible readings used at Mass. The readings are picked to match the Church calendar. This way, Catholics hear different parts of the Bible throughout the year. The Lectionary is arranged in three cycles for Sundays—Years A, B, and C. It also has weekday readings in two cycles—Years I and II.

Each Sunday has its own Lectionary number. For example, the 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time is number 98 in Year A, 101 in Year B, and 99 in Year C. At Mass in the United States, the New American Bible Revised Edition (NABRE) is used. The Lectionary makes it easier for the Church around the world to hear the same message each week and follow the life of Jesus across the seasons.

How to Determine the Liturgical Year

The liturgical cycle is a three-year sequence of A, B, and C.

• 2024 is Year B
• 2025 is Year C
• 2026 is Year A
• 2027 is Year B
• 2028 is Year C
• 2029 is Year A
• 2030 is Year B
• 2031 is Year C
• … and so on

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Choosing the Way Forward

This image reflects the clear and sometimes challenging call to follow where God leads. It works well for the 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time, when the readings speak about commitment, direction, and not looking back.

Subscribers are invited to use this artwork in bulletins and newsletters to support reflection on discipleship and trust. Its simple style makes it easy to pair with scripture, homily notes, or discussion questions for all three liturgical years.

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The 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time teaches us to follow Jesus with our whole lives. In all three years, the readings speak about saying yes to God and not looking back. Elisha leaves his work to follow Elijah. Jesus tells His followers not to make excuses.

In Year A, we hear about welcoming others. Those who welcome a prophet or a disciple will be blessed. In Year B, Jesus brings healing. He raises a girl from the dead and helps a woman who is sick. These show His power to give life and hope.

In Year C, Jesus sets His face toward Jerusalem. He is ready for what is coming. He tells people that following Him means giving up comfort and looking ahead. Paul reminds us that we are free in the Spirit, not slaves to sin.

The 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time calls us to choose Jesus every day. We may have to leave things behind. But we gain something better—life with Him.

Take some quiet time to read the Scriptures for the 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time. Think about what they are saying to you.

Have you ever had to leave something behind to follow Jesus? Share your thoughts in the comments. Others may be helped by your story.