25th Sunday in Ordinary Time

On the 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time, we reflect on true generosity. While it’s easy to give when we expect something in return, God calls us to a different kind of generosity—one that cares for the least among us. We are challenged to move beyond seeking wealth or recognition and instead give selflessly, as God does. Resources for youth ministers, catechists, teachers, and parents can help teach this message.

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

25th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A
25th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B
25th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C

Mass Readings for the 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A

See resources, homilies, and more for the 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A readings here.

First Reading – Isaiah 55:6-9: Seek the Lord while He is near and turn away from wrongdoing. God’s ways and thoughts are higher than ours, and He forgives generously.
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 145: God is merciful, kind, and just, deserving praise forever. He shows compassion to all and is close to those who seek Him truthfully.

Second Reading – Philippians 1:20C-24, 27A: Christ is honored in my life or death. Living means working for Christ, but dying is better. Yet, I remain for your sake. Live worthily according to Christ’s gospel.
Gospel – Matthew 20:1-16A: A landowner hires workers throughout the day, agreeing to a fair wage. Even late hires receive a full day’s pay, illustrating God’s generous nature in the kingdom of heaven.

Mass Readings for the 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B

See resources, homilies, and more for the 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B readings here.

First Reading – Wisdom 2:12, 17-20: The wicked plot to test the righteous man with insults and torture, challenging his faith and patience, and plan to condemn him to a disgraceful death to see if God will protect him.
Responsorial Psalm –Psalm 54: O God, save and defend me. Hear my prayer. The proud and ruthless seek my life. You are my helper and support. I will praise your name, O LORD.
Second Reading – James 3:16-4:3: Jealousy and selfishness cause disorder and evil. Wisdom from above is pure and peaceable. Wars come from inner desires. You lack because you do not ask or ask with wrong motives.

Gospel – Mark 9:30-37: Jesus taught his disciples about his death and resurrection. In Capernaum, he addressed their argument about greatness, teaching that true greatness comes from being last and serving all, using a child as an example.

Mass Readings for the 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C

See resources, homilies, and more for the 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C readings here.

First Reading – Amos 8:4-7: God condemns those who cheat and exploit the poor, vowing to remember their wrongdoings.

Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 113: Praise the Lord, who is above all and helps the needy, lifting them from low places to high positions.
Second Reading – 1 Timothy 2:1-8: Pray for everyone, including leaders, so we may live peacefully. God wants everyone saved. Christ is our mediator. I was appointed to teach this truth. Pray with pure hearts.
Gospel – Luke 16:1-13: Jesus tells a story about a manager who, after being fired, shrewdly reduces debts to secure future favors. He teaches that one cannot serve both God and money.

More About Lectionary Cycles

Learn more about the difference between a Bible and a Lectionary, how the Lectionary is arranged, and translations of the Bible used at 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