16th Sunday in Ordinary Time

The 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time focuses on God’s patience and care. In all three years, the readings show how God watches over his people with kindness. He is patient with our weakness and gives us time to grow. Jesus uses stories like the wheat and weeds to show how God lets good and bad grow together until the right time.

The readings also remind us that God is close and helps us in our struggles. We are not alone. The Spirit prays with us when we do not have the words. God listens to us and guides us with love. The 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time teaches us to trust in God’s mercy and to be patient with others, just as God is patient with us.

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

16th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A
16th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B
16th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C

Mass Readings for the 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A

See resources, homilies, and more for the 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A readings here.

• First Reading – Wisdom 12:13, 16-19: God’s might is rooted in justice, yet wielded with lenience. This shows that true power is used wisely, teaching people to be just and kind. God allows room for repentance.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 86: The Lord is kind and forgiving, attentive to prayers. All nations will glorify Him for His great deeds. He is merciful, slow to anger, and gives strength to His servants.
• Second Reading – Romans 8:26-27: The Spirit helps us in our weakness, especially when we don’t know how to pray. The Spirit intercedes for us, aligning our prayers with God’s will.
• Gospel – Matthew 13:24-43: Jesus uses parables to describe the kingdom of heaven. Good and evil coexist until judgment day, when angels will separate them. The kingdom also grows from small beginnings, like a mustard seed or yeast, eventually encompassing all.

Mass Readings for the 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B

See resources, homilies, and more for the 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B readings here.

• First Reading – Jeremiah 23:1-6: God condemns the shepherds who have failed to guide His people. He vows to gather His flock and punish the negligent shepherds. A righteous descendant of David will come, bringing justice and security.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 23: The Lord is my shepherd who provides and protects. He leads me to peace, guides me in righteousness, and gives me courage in adversity. My cup overflows with blessings.
• Second Reading – Ephesians 2:13-18; Through Christ’s sacrifice, those once distant are brought near. He breaks down divisions, abolishes old laws, and establishes peace. Both near and far have access to the Father through Him.
• Gospel – Mark 6:30-34: The apostles report their activities to Jesus. Seeking rest, they go to a secluded place, but crowds follow. Despite the intent for rest, Jesus feels pity and begins teaching them.

Mass Readings for the 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C

See resources, homilies, and more for the 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C readings here.

• First Reading – Genesis 18:1-10A: Abraham welcomes three strangers near his tent with food and water. They reveal themselves as divine messengers, promising that Sarah will have a son within a year.
• Responsorial Psalm –Psalm 15: The person who acts justly and honestly, avoids slander, and treats others well will live in God’s presence. He doesn’t exploit financially and stands against corruption.
• Second Reading – Colossians 1:24-28: I find joy in my sufferings for the sake of the church. My role is to complete God’s word and reveal the hidden mystery of Christ among you, aiming for your perfection in Christ.
• Gospel – Luke 10:38-42: Martha welcomes Jesus but is busy serving, while her sister Mary listens to Him. Martha complains, but Jesus says Mary has chosen what’s truly important and won’t lose it.

Lookup Other Liturgical Dates in the Lectionary

The Bible and the Lectionary are both made up of Scripture, but they are used differently. The Bible contains all the books of the Old and New Testaments. It can be read in any order for prayer or study. The Lectionary is a book of selected Bible readings used at Mass. These readings follow a set order and are arranged to match the Church year. Each reading has a lectionary number. This number helps people find and prepare for the readings for each Mass.

The Lectionary is divided into Sundays, weekdays, and feast days. It follows a three-year cycle for Sundays and a two-year cycle for weekdays. On the 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time, like every Sunday, the assigned readings have a lectionary number. This system helps Catholics follow the story of Jesus and the message of the Gospel. It also encourages people to stay connected to Scripture and grow in faith throughout the year.

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 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time reminds us that God is kind and patient. He knows our struggles and waits for us to grow in faith. The readings from all three years show how God gives people time to change. In the Gospel, Jesus tells stories that show how good and bad grow together. God does not rush to judge but gives time for hearts to turn back to Him.

We also see that God is close to us. He does not leave us alone. In one reading, we hear that the Spirit helps us when we do not know what to pray. God hears even the quiet cries of our hearts. This gives us peace and hope.

The 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time also teaches us to be patient with others. Just as God is patient with us, we are called to be patient with each other. We must trust that God is working in all things.

We are reminded to live with faith and kindness. God is just, but He is also full of mercy. These readings help us see that God’s love is steady and sure.

Take a moment to read the Scripture for the 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time. Think about how God is patient in your own life. What does it mean to trust His timing?

We invite you to share your thoughts in the comments. Have you seen growth in yourself or someone else over time? The readings speak to all of us. Let’s learn from each other and support one another in faith.