29th Sunday in Ordinary Time

On the 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time, we are reminded that our worldly actions reflect our spiritual priorities. We must choose between pursuing wealth and power or dedicating our time to prayer and God’s Kingdom. This day emphasizes humility, sacrifice, and persistence, even when results aren’t immediate. It challenges us to evaluate how we use our gifts and to seek justice, aligning our actions with God’s will. We must consider whether we truly commit to prayer and discipleship, even when it’s difficult. This Sunday invites us to reflect on our allegiance to God and our role in creating a just world.

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

29th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A
29th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B
29th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C

Mass Readings for the 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A

See resources, homilies, and more for the 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A readings here.

First Reading – Isaiah 45:1, 4-6: The LORD empowers Cyrus for Israel’s sake. Even though Cyrus doesn’t recognize the LORD, God uses him to show there’s no other God besides Him.
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 96: All lands should sing to the LORD and share his marvelous deeds. He surpasses all gods and created the heavens. All nations should honor him, and recognize his just rule.

Second Reading – 1 Thessalonians 1:1-5B: Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy greet the Thessalonians, offering thanks for their faith, love, and hope. They emphasize the gospel’s powerful delivery, beyond just words, through the Holy Spirit.
Gospel – Matthew 22:15-21: The Pharisees tried to trap Jesus with a question about taxes to Caesar. Jesus, seeing through their intent, responded wisely, indicating to give Caesar his due and God what’s His.

Mass Readings for the 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B

See resources, homilies, and more for the 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B readings here.

First Reading – Isaiah 53:10-11: The LORD allowed the Suffering Servant to suffer for our sins. He will offer his life, see his descendants, fulfill the LORD’s will, and justify many through his affliction and bearing their guilt.
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 33: The Lord’s word is reliable, and his works are trustworthy. He watches over those who fear him and hope for his kindness, rescuing them from death and sustaining them in famine.
Second Reading – Hebrews 4:14-16: Jesus, the Son of God, our great high priest, understands our weaknesses and temptations. Let us confidently approach God’s throne for mercy and grace in our time of need.

Gospel – Mark 10:35-45: James and John asked Jesus for positions of honor. Jesus taught that true greatness comes from serving others, not from seeking power. He emphasized that he came to serve and give his life for many.

Mass Readings for the 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C

See resources, homilies, and more for the 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C readings here.

First Reading – Exodus 17:8-13: Amalek attacked Israel. While Joshua fought, Moses stood on a hill with God’s staff. As long as Moses’ hands were raised, Israel prevailed. Aaron and Hur supported Moses’ hands, and Joshua defeated Amalek.

Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 121: Our help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. He guards us constantly, protects us from harm, and watches over us always.
Second Reading – 2 Timothy 3:14-4:2: Stay faithful to the Scriptures, which provide wisdom for salvation. All Scripture is inspired by God and useful for teaching and training. Proclaim the word persistently, with patience and encouragement.
Gospel – Luke 18:1-8: Jesus told a parable about a persistent widow to teach the importance of constant prayer. If an unjust judge grants justice, how much more will God respond to his chosen ones?

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