17th Sunday in Ordinary Time

The 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time reminds us that God listens to those who seek Him with faith. Solomon asks for wisdom, and God answers. Abraham pleads for mercy, and God is willing to spare a city for the sake of a few good people. Jesus teaches us to pray with trust, knowing God is generous and kind. He gives what is needed, especially the Holy Spirit.

These readings also show the value of God’s gifts. The Kingdom of heaven is a treasure worth more than anything. God’s word brings joy and wisdom. Jesus feeds the hungry crowd, and there is more than enough. We are called to live with humility and unity, formed by God’s love and grace. In all things, God is at work, shaping us through prayer, mercy, and faith.

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

17th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A
17th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B
17th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C

Mass Readings for the 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A

See resources, homilies, and more for the 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A readings here.

• First Reading – 1 Kings 3:5, 7-12: God granted Solomon exceptional wisdom to govern, pleased by his request for discernment over personal gains.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 119: I cherish God’s laws more than wealth and find joy and wisdom in obeying them. God’s mercy and commands are my delight and comfort.
• Second Reading – Romans 8:28-30: God ensures all events benefit those who love Him, shaping them to resemble His Son, calling, justifying, and glorifying them as part of His divine plan.
• Gospel – Matthew 13:44-52: Jesus compares the Kingdom of heaven to hidden treasure, a precious pearl, and a sorting net, illustrating the value and final judgment of good and evil, with understanding likened to a wise householder.

Mass Readings for the 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B

See resources, homilies, and more for the 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B readings here.

• First Reading – 2 Kings 4:42-44: Elisha fed a hundred people with only twenty barley loaves, fulfilling God’s promise that there would be food left over.
• Second Reading – Ephesians 4:1-6: I urge you to live with humility, gentleness, and patience, lovingly tolerating each other to maintain spiritual unity, embracing our one Lord, faith, and baptism.
• Gospel – John 6:1-15: Jesus miraculously feeds over five thousand people with five barley loaves and two fish, collecting leftovers in twelve baskets. Seeing this, the crowd acknowledges him as the prophesied Prophet.

Mass Readings for the 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C

See resources, homilies, and more for the 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C readings here.

• First Reading – Genesis 18:20-32: God tells Abraham He will check on Sodom and Gomorrah’s sin. Abraham asks God to spare the city if ten innocent people are found, and God agrees.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 138: I thank the Lord for hearing my prayers, giving me strength, and protecting me. His kindness lasts forever, and He will complete His work for me.
• Second Reading – Colossians 2:12-14: In baptism, you were buried and raised with Christ. God forgave your sins, canceled your debt, and made you alive with Christ.
• Gospel – Luke 11:1-13: Jesus teaches His disciples how to pray and emphasizes persistence in prayer, assuring them that God will answer. He highlights God’s readiness to give the Holy Spirit to those who ask.

Lookup Other Liturgical Dates in the Lectionary

The Bible is the full collection of sacred books, while the Lectionary is a book used at Mass that contains selected readings from the Bible. The Lectionary organizes these readings by day or theme, not by the order of the Bible. It includes readings for Sundays, weekdays, and special occasions, with introductions and conclusions added to each reading. Not all parts of the Bible are included in the Lectionary.

The Lectionary follows a three-year cycle for Sundays: Year A focuses on Matthew, Year B on Mark, and Year C on Luke. The Gospel of John is read during special seasons. Weekday readings follow a two-year cycle: Year I in odd-numbered years and Year II in even-numbered years. Each reading has a lectionary number to help track when it is used. In the United States, the New American Bible is the translation used at Mass. For example, the readings for the 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time are assigned a specific lectionary number, making it easy to find and prepare for that day’s Mass.

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 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time shows us what is truly important. Solomon asks God for wisdom instead of riches. God is pleased with this and gives him a wise heart. Jesus says the Kingdom of heaven is like a hidden treasure or a pearl. It is worth more than anything else.

We also hear about people being fed. Elisha feeds one hundred people with just a few loaves. Jesus feeds over five thousand. There is more than enough. God gives what we need, both in body and spirit.

Prayer is another key part of this Sunday. Abraham prays for mercy. Jesus teaches the disciples how to pray. He reminds us to keep asking, seeking, and knocking. God listens and gives good things to His children.

The 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time is a reminder to seek wisdom, to trust in God’s care, and to keep praying. God’s Kingdom is worth everything.

Think about what stands out to you from the readings for the 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time. Is it the wisdom of Solomon, the miracle of the loaves, or the promise that God hears your prayers?

Share your thoughts in the comments. What has God shown you in your own life? Let’s learn from one another and grow in faith together.