6th Sunday in Ordinary Time

On the 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time, the focus is on making choices that reflect God’s law and wisdom. The readings encourage us to choose good over evil and life over death. Jesus challenges us to go beyond just following rules and to understand the deeper meaning behind them. We are called to live with integrity and make decisions that align with God’s will.

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

6th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A
6th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B
6th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C

Mass Readings for the 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A

See resources, homilies, and more for the 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A readings here.

First Reading – Sirach 15:15-20: You can choose to keep the commandments and trust in God. God sees everything and gives you the choice between life and death, good and evil.
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 119: Happy are those who follow God’s law with all their heart. Teach me, Lord, to follow your commands and give me understanding to keep them faithfully.

Second Reading – 1 Corinthians 2:6-10: We share God’s hidden wisdom, planned for our glory, which the rulers did not understand. God’s prepared blessings for those who love him, revealed through the Spirit who knows everything.
Gospel – Matthew 5:17-37: Jesus teaches his disciples to fulfill the law, surpass the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, avoid anger, lust, and false oaths, and always speak the truth.

Mass Readings for the 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B

See resources, homilies, and more for the 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B readings here.

First Reading – Leviticus 13:1-2, 44-46: The Lord directed Moses and Aaron on handling potential leprosy, requiring priestly examination and, if confirmed, declaring the person unclean. Afflicted individuals had to signify their condition by their appearance, vocalize their unclean status, and live in isolation, highlighting the seriousness with which leprosy was treated.
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 32: In confessing my sins, the Lord forgave me, turning my distress into the joy of salvation. Let the righteous find joy and refuge in Him, celebrating His mercy.
Second Reading – 1 Corinthians 10:31-11:1: In everything, even in eating and drinking, aim to honor God. Avoid causing offense, seeking the good of many for salvation. Follow my example, as I follow Christ’s.

Gospel – Mark 1:40-45: A leper’s plea for healing was met with Jesus’ compassionate touch and affirmation, leading to immediate cleansing. Despite Jesus’ directive for discretion and adherence to Mosaic law for verification, the healed man publicized his miracle, complicating Jesus’ public ministry and drawing even larger crowds to seek him in solitude.

Mass Readings for the 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C

See resources, homilies, and more for the 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C readings here.

First Reading – Jeremiah 17:5-8: Those who trust in people are like barren bushes in the desert. Those who trust in the LORD are like fruitful trees by the water.

Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 1: Those who avoid the wicked and delight in God’s law are blessed and prosper. The wicked are like chaff blown away by the wind. God watches over the righteous.
Second Reading – 1 Corinthians 15:12, 16-20: If Christ is not raised, our faith is useless and we remain in sin. But Christ is risen, the first of those who have died.
Gospel – Luke 6:17, 20-26: Jesus blesses the poor, hungry, and sorrowful, promising them future joy and rewards in heaven. He warns the rich, well-fed, and joyful of future sorrow, highlighting how ancestors treated true and false prophets.

More About Lectionary Cycles

To understand the 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time better, it’s useful to know the difference between a Bible and a Lectionary. The Lectionary arranges Scripture readings used at Mass, guiding us through the Bible throughout the year. It includes specific readings for each Sunday, like the teachings on making good choices this week. Different translations of the Bible are used in the Lectionary, ensuring clear and faithful readings. For more details on how the Lectionary works and its relation to the Bible, visit the USCCB FAQ page.

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