29th Sunday in Ordinary Time

The 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time focuses on trust, prayer, and serving God. In one year, Moses prays with his hands raised while others support him. In another, Jesus tells a story about a widow who keeps asking a judge for help. In another year, Jesus speaks about giving to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God. These readings all show how to stay faithful in different situations.

This Sunday reminds us to keep going even when things are hard. Prayer should be steady. Trust in God should not fade. We are also reminded that our faith should show in how we live and in what we give to others and to God. The 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time calls us to stay close to God, trust in His help, and live in a way that puts Him first.

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 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?

Lookup Other Liturgical Dates in the Lectionary

The Bible and the Lectionary both contain Scripture, but they are used in different ways. The Bible is the full set of books from the Old and New Testaments. It can be read in any order for study, prayer, or reflection. The Lectionary is a book of selected readings arranged for use at Mass. It helps the Church hear key parts of the Bible during the year. These readings are picked to match the season or feast.

The Lectionary is divided into sections for Sundays, weekdays, and special feasts. It follows a three-year cycle for Sundays and a two-year cycle for weekdays. Each reading has a lectionary number. This number helps find the reading for any date, such as the 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time. The readings come from the Bible and are used in a way that helps people grow in faith and stay connected to the Church’s calendar and message.

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 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time teaches us to trust God and keep praying. One year shows Moses with his arms raised in prayer while others help him. This reminds us that we need support from others and that prayer is not just a one-time act. It needs faith and effort.

Another year’s Gospel tells the story of a widow who keeps asking a judge for justice. Jesus uses this story to show that we should not give up when praying. God listens, even if answers don’t come right away. We are asked to stay faithful.

In another Gospel reading, Jesus says to give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God. This reminds us to live with honesty and to put God first. The 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time calls us to pray, trust, and give ourselves fully to God.

This Sunday also shows that faith takes action. Prayer, justice, and honesty matter every day.

The readings for the 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time speak to daily life. They ask us to keep praying, keep trusting, and keep doing what is right. Look at the stories of Moses, the widow, and Jesus’ words about God and Caesar. Think about how these lessons fit into your life.

Have you ever kept praying when things were hard? Have you had to stand up for what’s right? Take time to read the passages. Let them guide you. Then share your thoughts in the comment section. Your story may help others keep going in faith too.