3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

The 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time reminds us that Jesus calls people to follow Him. In all three years, we hear stories of Jesus beginning His public mission. He calls His first disciples and invites them to leave everything and follow Him. This Sunday shows that following Jesus takes trust and a willing heart.

The readings also speak about light and hope. In Isaiah, people who walked in darkness see a great light. This message connects with Jesus, who brings that light into the world. Paul reminds the Church to stay united in Christ, not divided by human leaders. This Sunday calls us to listen, follow Jesus, and walk together as one Church.

Click on the appropriate year below to see resources, themes, homilies, and more. 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.

Lookup Other Liturgical Dates in the Lectionary

The Bible and the Lectionary both contain the word of God, but they are used in different ways. The Bible is the full collection of sacred books and can be read in any order for study or prayer. The Lectionary is a book used at Mass. It contains selected Bible readings arranged by the Church. These readings are organized to match the seasons of the Church year and highlight key themes.

The Lectionary includes Sunday and weekday readings. It follows a three-year cycle for Sundays and a two-year cycle for weekdays. Each reading has a lectionary number that makes it easy to find and use. On the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, like all Sundays, the readings are part of this cycle. The readings chosen for that day help Catholics hear and understand important parts of Scripture. The lectionary helps the whole Church stay on the same path through the Bible together.

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 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time tells us how Jesus begins His public mission. He brings light to people who are in darkness. Isaiah says a great light shines on those who lived in sadness. This shows that Jesus brings hope and change.

In each year’s Gospel, Jesus calls the first disciples. He invites fishermen to leave their nets and follow Him. They do not ask questions. They simply go. This shows that Jesus asks for trust and quick response.

Paul speaks to the Church and reminds them to stay united. He warns them not to argue about leaders but to stay focused on Jesus. Being one Church means following Christ together.

The 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time reminds us that Jesus still calls people today. He calls us to leave behind old ways and follow Him with trust.

The 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time is a good time to think about how we respond to Jesus. The disciples left everything to follow Him. Are we ready to follow when He calls us?

Take a few minutes to read the Scriptures for this Sunday. Think about what it means to leave behind your “nets.” Share your thoughts in the comments. What helps you say yes to Jesus?