3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

The 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time focuses on the themes of listening to God’s Word and responding with action. The readings encourage us to be attentive and open to God’s teachings, just as Jesus called His first disciples to follow Him. This day reminds us that being a disciple means not only hearing but also doing God’s will in our lives. It’s a call to active faith and service, urging us to apply the lessons of the scriptures in our daily actions and decisions.

Find resources, reflections, homilies, and more for the appropriate year for the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time below. See how to determine the correct year.

3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A
3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B
3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C

Mass Readings for the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A

See resources, homilies, and more for the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A readings here.

• 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.

Mass Readings for the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B

See resources, homilies, and more for the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B readings here.

• First Reading – Jonah 3:1-5, 10: Jonah, obeying God, warned Nineveh of impending destruction. The city’s inhabitants, from all ranks, sincerely repented, leading God to spare Nineveh from the foretold disaster.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 25: I seek the Lord’s guidance in His truths and paths. Remembering His mercy and love, I ask for His teaching, as He leads the humble in justice and righteousness.
• Second Reading – 1 Corinthians 7:29-31: Live with the awareness that our earthly experiences, whether in marriage, sorrow, joy, or material dealings, are fleeting. The world’s present form is passing, emphasizing a transient existence.
• Gospel – Mark 1:14-20: After John’s arrest, Jesus went to Galilee, preaching God’s imminent kingdom and urging repentance and belief in His message. By the Sea of Galilee, He called Simon and Andrew, fishermen, to follow Him and become ‘fishers of men.’ They promptly did. Next, Jesus summoned James and John, who also instantly left their father and work to follow Him, illustrating the compelling nature of Jesus’ call and message.

Mass Readings for the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C

See resources, homilies, and more for the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C readings here.

• First Reading – Nehemiah 8:2-4A, 5-6, 8-10: Ezra reads the law to the people from morning until noon. The assembly responds with worship and tears, and Nehemiah encourages celebration and sharing, emphasizing joy in the LORD.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 19: The LORD’s laws refresh and guide the soul, bringing joy and wisdom. His enduring commands foster a deep reverence that pleases Him.
• Second Reading – 1 Corinthians 12:12-30: Christ’s body, like a human body, consists of many parts, each unique and essential. Unity and diversity coexist, emphasizing mutual respect and shared responsibilities among all members.
• Gospel – Luke 1:1-4; 4:14-21: Jesus returns to Galilee, teaches widely, and in Nazareth, reads from Isaiah, announcing the fulfillment of the prophecy, emphasizing his mission to liberate and heal, witnessed by his hometown.

More About Lectionary Cycles

The Bible contains all sacred scriptures, while the Lectionary selects specific passages for Mass. It organizes these readings according to the liturgical calendar, like those read on the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, to deepen our faith throughout the year. The Church uses approved Bible translations in the Lectionary to ensure clarity and reverence during worship. To better understand the distinction between a Bible and a Lectionary, how the Lectionary is arranged, and the translations used, you can visit this detailed USCCB resource.

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