2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

The 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time focuses on being called by God and responding with faith. In one Gospel, John the Baptist points to Jesus and says, “Behold, the Lamb of God.” Two of his followers then begin to follow Jesus. Another Gospel shows Jesus turning water into wine at a wedding, revealing His care for others and showing the first sign of who He is.

In another year, we hear about Samuel, a young boy called by God during the night. He learns to say, “Speak, Lord, your servant is listening.” Paul reminds us that our bodies belong to God and are meant for good. The 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time teaches us to listen, to follow, and to trust Jesus when He calls.

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

2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A
2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B
2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C

Mass Readings for the 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A

See resources, homilies, and more for the 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A readings here.

• First Reading – Isaiah 49:3, 5-6: God calls Israel his servant, destined to bring back Jacob and be a light to all nations, spreading salvation everywhere.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 40: I waited for the Lord, and he listened to me. He put a song in my mouth. He opened my ears to listen. I spoke of his justice.
• Second Reading – 1 Corinthians 1:1-3: Paul and Sosthenes greet the sanctified church in Corinth, wishing them grace and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
• Gospel – John 1:29-34: John the Baptist saw Jesus and identified him as the Lamb of God. He explained his mission to baptize and testified that he saw the Spirit descend on Jesus, affirming him as the Son of God.

Mass Readings for the 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B

See resources, homilies, and more for the 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B readings here.

• First Reading – 1 Samuel 3:3B-10, 19: In the temple, young Samuel hears the Lord’s voice thrice but confuses it for Eli. Eli recognizes the divine call and advises Samuel to respond, “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.” Samuel obeys, and from then on, he grows in God’s presence, with his words carrying significance.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 40: With patient anticipation, I waited for the Lord. He inclined to my plea, gracing me with a new song of praise. I offer not sacrifices, but an open ear to obey. In the scroll, it’s written—my joy is in fulfilling Your will, and Your law resides within my heart. I proclaim Your righteousness boldly, my lips unbridled in the assembly.
• Second Reading – 1 Corinthians 6:13C-15A, 17-20: Remember, our bodies are meant for the Lord, a temple of the Holy Spirit. United with Christ, we must avoid immorality, as it dishonors both ourselves and God. We were bought at a cost, so let’s honor Him in our bodies.
• Gospel – John 1:35-42: John the Baptist points out Jesus as the Lamb of God. Two of his disciples decide to follow Jesus, and he invites them to see where he stays. Andrew, one of the disciples, excitedly tells his brother Simon Peter that they’ve found the Messiah, and Jesus gives Peter a new name, Cephas (Peter).

Mass Readings for the 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C

See resources, homilies, and more for the 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C readings here.

• First Reading – Isaiah 62:1-5: For the sake of Zion and Jerusalem, I will speak until their righteousness shines. Nations will see their glory. The Lord will rejoice over them as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride.
• Responsorial Psalm –Psalm 96: Sing to the Lord, proclaim his salvation, and declare his wonders. Give him glory, worship him, and say to the nations: The Lord is king who rules with justice.
• Second Reading – 1 Corinthians 12:4-11: The same Spirit gives different gifts to each person for the benefit of all, such as wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, discernment, tongues, and their interpretation.
• Gospel – John 2:1-11: At a wedding in Cana, Jesus turned water into wine after his mother informed him of the shortage. This miracle revealed his glory and led his disciples to believe in him.

Lookup Other Liturgical Dates in the Lectionary

The Bible is the full collection of sacred Scripture. The Lectionary is a book used at Mass that contains selected Bible readings. These readings are chosen to match the Church calendar and help guide us through the seasons of the liturgical year. Not every verse is included. Each Sunday, including the 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, has its own set of readings that reflect the themes of that time in the Church year.

The Lectionary is organized in cycles. Sundays follow a three-year cycle: Year A, Year B, and Year C. Each year focuses on a different Gospel. Weekday readings follow a two-year cycle. The Gospel of John is often read during Lent and Easter. In the United States, the New American Bible is the version used at Mass. This ensures that Catholics across the country hear the same Scripture passages, including those chosen for the 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time.

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

The 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time is about being called and learning to follow. In one Gospel, John the Baptist points to Jesus and says, “Behold, the Lamb of God.” Two of John’s followers hear this and begin to follow Jesus. He turns and invites them to “come and see.” That short moment starts a new path in their lives.

Another year tells the story of Jesus turning water into wine at a wedding. This is His first public sign. It shows His care and power. He listens to His mother and helps a family in need. His presence brings joy and change.

In another year, we hear about the call of Samuel. He hears God calling him at night. With help, he learns to say, “Speak, Lord, your servant is listening.” We are called to listen too.

The 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time reminds us to notice when Jesus calls—and to follow.

The 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time invites us to think about how God calls us. Are we paying attention? Are we ready to follow?

Read the Scripture readings. Think about a time you felt called to do something good. Share your thoughts in the comment section to help others reflect too.