5th Sunday in Ordinary Time

The 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time encourages us to share our faith actively. The themes include being a light to the world and performing acts of love and justice. The readings remind us that our actions should reflect God’s goodness and mercy. We are called to evangelize and help others, demonstrating the healing power of Jesus. This Sunday is a call to live out our faith through service and witness.

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

5th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A
5th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B
5th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C

Mass Readings for the 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A

See resources, homilies, and more for the 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A readings here.

First Reading – Isaiah 58:7-10: By sharing with the hungry, sheltering the oppressed, and clothing the naked, one finds healing and God’s presence. Helping others brings light in darkness.
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 112: A good person is kind, honest, and generous. He trusts in God and is steady, not fearing bad news. He helps the poor and is honored forever.

Second Reading – 1 Corinthians 2:1-5: I came to you with fear and weakness, focusing only on Jesus Christ. My message showed the Spirit’s power, so your faith would be in God’s power, not human wisdom.
Gospel – Matthew 5:13-16: Jesus told his disciples to be the salt and light of the world, showing their good works to others to glorify God in heaven.

Mass Readings for the 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B

See resources, homilies, and more for the Sunday Year B readings here.

First Reading – Job 7:1-4, 6-7: Job laments life’s hardships, comparing his suffering to a laborer’s toil and a slave’s longing for relief. His nights are restless, his days joyless, feeling his life fleeting like the wind.
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 147: Praise the Lord for His kindness and mercy. He restores and unites, heals the brokenhearted, and knows all creation intimately. He uplifts the humble, humbling the wicked.
Second Reading –1 Corinthians 9:16-19, 22-23: Preaching the gospel is my entrusted duty, not a ground for pride. My reward lies in sharing it freely, adapting to serve all, with the hope of sharing in its blessings.

Gospel – Mark 1:29-39: Jesus healed Simon’s mother-in-law at her home. That evening, many sick and demon-possessed were brought to him; he healed them, not allowing demons to speak. Seeking solitude, Jesus prayed in the early morning. Urged by his followers, he continued his mission, preaching and exorcising demons throughout Galilee.

Mass Readings for the 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C

See resources, homilies, and more for the Sunday Year C readings here.

First Reading – Isaiah 6:1-2A, 3-8: Isaiah saw the Lord on His throne, felt unworthy, but was cleansed by a seraphim. When God asked for a messenger, Isaiah offered to go.

Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 138: I will thank and praise God for His kindness and truth. He answers me and gives me strength. All will praise Him for His great glory and enduring kindness.
Second Reading – 1 Corinthians 15:1-11: Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose on the third day. He appeared to many, including me. By God’s grace, I preach, and you believed.
Gospel – Luke 5:1-11: Jesus told Simon to fish in deep water. They caught so many fish that their nets almost broke. Simon, James, and John were amazed. Jesus said they would now catch people. They left everything to follow him.

More About Lectionary Cycles

To understand the difference between a Bible and a Lectionary, and how readings are selected for Mass, visit USCCB’s FAQ. The Lectionary arranges Scripture readings for specific days, like the 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time, helping Catholics hear and reflect on God’s Word. It includes selected Bible translations used in Mass. This resource explains why and how these selections are made.

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