30th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A

• First Reading – Exodus 22:20-26: Do not oppress aliens, widows, or orphans; I will hear their cries. Don’t charge interest to your poor neighbors, and return pledged cloaks before sunset. I am compassionate.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 18: I love you, Lord, for you are my strength, rock, and deliverer. Praised be the Lord; I am safe from enemies and blessed. You give victories and show kindness.
• Second Reading – 1 Thessalonians 1:5C-10: You followed our example and the Lord’s, receiving the word even in hardship. Your faith has become a model for believers far and wide, and you’ve turned from idols to serve God.
• Gospel – Matthew 22:34-40: A scholar tests Jesus on the greatest commandment. Jesus says it’s to love God fully and the second is like it, love your neighbor as yourself. These sum up all law and prophets.

Lectionary Reference: 148

Upcoming dates: October 25, 2026, October 28, 2029, October 24, 2032

The readings for the 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A focus on love, justice, and faithfulness. They teach about caring for others, staying faithful to God, and living with compassion.

• Love for God and Neighbor: Jesus says the greatest commandment is to love God fully and love others as yourself. This shows that faith is not just about rules but about relationships.
• Compassion for the Vulnerable: God tells His people not to mistreat outsiders, widows, or orphans. He listens to their cries and expects His people to care for them.
• Justice and Fairness: The first reading warns against taking advantage of the poor. God wants people to act fairly and show kindness in their dealings.
• Faith in Hardship: The second reading praises believers who remained faithful despite struggles. Their strong faith became an example for others.
• Turning Away from Idols: The Thessalonians left behind false gods to serve the true God. This reminds people to put God first in their lives.
• The Law Fulfilled in Love: Jesus says all laws come from loving God and loving others. Following this commandment sums up what God wants from His people.

The readings for the 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A remind people to love, be fair, and stay faithful. God sees how people treat others and calls them to live with kindness and justice.

What Is Love? Reflection and Questions

The Gospel for the 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A (Matthew 22:34-40) focuses on the two greatest commandments: loving God and loving your neighbor. This lesson plan asks what love really is and presents questions for contemplation. Both the Gospel and the reflection emphasize that love is not just a feeling, but also an action. They both suggest that genuine love for God manifests in love for others. By questioning how we demonstrate love, the reflection offers a way to gauge if we’re truly following the core teachings in Matthew’s Gospel. It acts as a practical guide to understand and embody these key commandments.

Do One of the Corporal Works of Mercy

The Gospel for the 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A (Matthew 22:34-40) tells us to love God and our neighbor. TheCorporal Works of Mercy are actions that help our neighbors in tangible ways. Loving your neighbor isn’t just a feeling, but an action. The Corporal Works of Mercy serve as practical ways to live out the Gospel’s teachings. By engaging in these actions, like feeding the hungry or visiting the sick, you are actively fulfilling the second greatest commandment: to love your neighbor as yourself.

Psalm 18: Discover God’s Strength and Justice in Your Life

Psalm 18 is for the 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A. It’s a thankful song to God, our rock, who helps us in tough times. Even though we might not understand everything God does, He hears our cries and rescues us. By following God’s rules, we stay close to His strength and aren’t scared. The psalm reminds us that God is our source of life and strength.

See a prayer based on Psalm 18

The Book of Exodus: Lessons on Freedom, Faith, and Leadership

The Book of Exodus details the Israelites’ escape from Egyptian slavery and their journey under Moses’ leadership. This event is central to their identity as God’s chosen people. The book also includes the Ten Commandments, which serve as moral guidelines for living a just life. The 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A focuses on Exodus 22:20-26, urging compassion and fairness towards marginalized people. Both the historical journey and these specific teachings stress the importance of ethical conduct and social justice. The messages from Exodus remain relevant, offering enduring lessons on moral living and faith.

Resources for the Gospel of Matthew

The Gospel for the 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A is from Matthew 22:34-40 and centers on the two greatest commandments: love God and love your neighbor. This article provides an overview of the Gospel of Matthew as a whole. Both sources emphasize the importance of love as an action, not just a feeling. Matthew’s Gospel often focuses on ethics and righteous living, making the specific passage about the two commandments a key message within that larger context. Reading Matthew as a whole can give you a broader understanding of why these commandments are pivotal and how they relate to the other teachings presented.

Loving God by Loving Others

Jeff Cavins talks about his experience as a Protestant pastor before becoming Catholic, mentioning how he initially saw people as obstacles to his joy. He discusses that our relationship with God isn’t just vertical (God and me) but also horizontal (God, me, and you). In Matthew 22:34-40 Jesus outlines the greatest commandments: to love God and love your neighbor. Cavins emphasizes that to truly express love for God, one must show kindness and love towards others, even those considered ‘less than lovable’. He encourages the listener to practice this form of love in various aspects of life, like work and family.

Wanting to Fix People

Father Mike Schmitz argues against the tendency to “fix, replace, or ignore” people, especially in relationships. Instead, he promotes acceptance, delight, and love. His message aligns with the gospel for the 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A, Matthew 22:34-40, where Jesus states the greatest commandments are to love God and love your neighbor as yourself. Fr. Mike essentially calls for practicing these commandments in everyday relationships. By accepting, delighting in, and loving others, we are fulfilling the essence of what Jesus instructed: to love unconditionally and without judgment.

The Great Commandment

Bishop Robert Barron’s homily for the 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A focuses on loving what God loves, as per the Gospel reading Matthew 22:34-40. Using his experience of visiting President Reagan’s ranch, he illustrates how Nancy Reagan loved the simple ranch because her husband did. He argues that the core Christian message is to love God fully and, in doing so, love what God loves, including those who are most in need. This notion echoes Exodus 22:20-26 and 1 Thessalonians 1:5-10, which also emphasize kindness to the marginalized. Barron suggests that love for God should compel us to extend love to everyone, especially the poor and needy.

Love Commanded

Scott Hahn’s reflection for the 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A focuses on Jesus’ teaching that love is the fulfillment of the Old Testament law. According to Jesus, all 613 commands in the Bible’s first five books can be summarized by love for God and neighbor. This love is not mere sentiment; it requires full commitment to God and concrete actions towards neighbors. Love acts as the binding factor between the two sets of laws engraved on the stone tablets: love for God and love for neighbor. The reflection underscores that this love is a response to God’s first loving us and providing salvation. It advocates living a life of continual sacrifice as an expression of this love.

The Law of Israel

In this homily for the 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A, Bishop Robert Barron focuses on how Israelite identity in the Old Testament is formed by three sets of laws: liturgical, ritual, and moral. In modern Catholicism, the liturgical laws are incorporated and ritual laws are largely sidelined, while moral laws remain unchanged. These moral laws, rooted in the natural law, continue to shape our ethical understanding. The homily cites various passages from the Bible to argue that while the liturgical and moral laws have been integrated into modern Catholic teaching, the ritual laws have been largely set aside. The moral laws, however, are still relevant and serve as foundational principles for ethical behavior.

The 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A highlights the call to love, act with justice, and live out faith. The readings remind people that faith is not just about belief but also about how they treat others. God commands His people to care for the weak, be fair in their actions, and love others as they love themselves. Jesus teaches that love is the foundation of all God’s laws. These reflections explore the themes of justice, action, and love in light of these readings.

Old Rules for Fair Treatment

The first reading for the 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A gives laws about justice and fairness. God tells His people not to mistreat foreigners, widows, or orphans. He also tells them to be fair when lending money and to return a borrowed cloak before sunset. These laws show that God cares for the weak and expects His people to do the same.

The command to treat foreigners with kindness is still important. Many people today face discrimination or unfair treatment because they are different. The reading reminds people to be welcoming and kind, especially to those who are alone or struggling.

God also warns against taking advantage of people who are poor. Lending money with high interest or keeping something they need for warmth is wrong. These rules remind people that money and power should not be used to harm others.

The laws given in the first reading are not just old rules. They teach fairness and compassion. The 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A reminds people to care for those in need and treat everyone with justice.

Actions Matter

The second reading for the 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A speaks about faith in action. Paul praises the Thessalonians because their faith is not just words. They live in a way that shows what they believe. Others see their example and are inspired.

Faith should change how people live. It is not enough to say the right things. Actions show what is truly in a person’s heart. If someone believes in love and justice, they must show it in how they treat others.

In the modern world, people often share opinions online or talk about doing good. But real change comes through action. Just as the Thessalonians became an example by how they lived, people today can show their faith by what they do.

The 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A is a reminder that faith is more than words. It calls people to act with love, kindness, and fairness.

Love and Compassion

The readings for the 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A focus on love. The first reading teaches care for the vulnerable, and the Gospel says the greatest commandment is to love God and love others. Jesus explains that all laws are based on these two commandments.

Loving God means more than just prayers or worship. It means following His ways and caring for others. Love is not just a feeling—it is a choice and an action. It means treating people with kindness, fairness, and respect.

The first reading mentions widows, orphans, and foreigners. These were the most vulnerable people in ancient times. Today, there are many who are struggling—people without homes, those facing discrimination, or those who are lonely. Loving them means more than feeling sorry for them. It means helping in real ways.

The 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A teaches that love is active. Loving God and loving others go together. If people truly love God, they will show it by caring for those in need.

The 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A is a call to live with love and fairness. Faith should shape how people treat others, especially those who are vulnerable. Loving God means caring for those in need and making choices that reflect justice and kindness. These readings remind people that faith is not just about words but about real actions that make a difference.

Prayer

Lord, teach us to love as You love. Help us to treat others with kindness and fairness. Open our eyes to see those who need our help. Give us the courage to act with justice and compassion. May our faith be shown in the way we live. Amen.

• How do you show love for God in your daily life?
• Who in your community is vulnerable or in need? How can you help?
• Have you ever seen someone being treated unfairly? How did you respond?
• What actions can you take to live out your faith more fully?
• Why do you think Jesus said love is the greatest commandment?
• How does faith influence the way you treat others?
• In what ways can small acts of kindness make a big difference?
• Do you sometimes struggle to put love into action? Why?
• What are some modern examples of injustice that relate to the first reading?
• How can you be an example of faith to others like the Thessalonians were?

The music selections for the 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A focus on love, faith, and unity. Some songs highlight the greatest commandment—to love God and love others. Others remind people to trust in God’s presence and be still in His care. Some songs celebrate God’s greatness and call people to praise Him with joy. Others encourage believers to care for one another and live in kindness and justice. These songs reflect the themes of the readings and help the congregation connect with the message through music.

• All Who Enter Here by John Angotti
• At the Sound by Ike Ndolo
• Be Still and Know That I Am God by Christopher Walker & Sr. Paule Freeburg
• Christians, Let Us Love One Another by Claudia Foltz
• God is Love by Cyril Vincent Taylor & Timothy Rees
• Great Are You Lord by Casting Crowns
• Hold Us Together by Matt Maher
• I Give You a New Commandment by Bob Hurd
• I Have Loved You by Michael Joncas
• Jesus We Love You by Shane & Shane
• Joyful, Joyful We Adore You
• King of My Heart by Greg Walton

Music directors and musicians can use these selections to bring the readings to life. These songs help people reflect on love, faith, and justice in their own lives. If you have other songs that fit the themes of the 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A, share them in the comments. Let’s work together to choose music that lifts hearts and deepens faith.

What date is the 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time?

The next date is Sunday October 25, 2026.
For other years see the links below:
30th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B
30th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C

What are the Mass readings for the 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A?

The Catholic Mass readings for Sunday October 25, 2026 are:
First Reading – Exodus 22:20-26: Compassion and Justice
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 18: Loving the Protector
Second Reading – 1 Thessalonians 1:5C-10: Imitators and Models
Gospel – Matthew 22:34-40: Greatest Commandments

What is the main message of the 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A?

The readings focus on love, justice, and faith in action. God calls His people to treat others fairly, care for the weak, and live out their faith through love.

Why does God tell the Israelites to care for widows, orphans, and foreigners?

These groups had no protection or support in society. God wanted His people to remember their own struggles and to show kindness to those in need.

How does the first reading connect to life today?

It reminds people to be fair and kind, especially to those who are vulnerable. It challenges people to treat immigrants, the poor, and the lonely with respect and care.

What does the second reading for the 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A teach about faith?

Paul praises the Thessalonians because their faith is strong and visible. Their actions show their belief, and others are inspired by their example.

Why does Jesus say love is the greatest commandment?

Loving God and loving others are the foundation of everything God asks. If people truly love, they will follow all of God’s other teachings.

How can we apply the Gospel from the 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A to our lives?

People can love God by praying, following His ways, and trusting Him. They can love others by being kind, helping those in need, and treating everyone with respect.

What does it mean to love your neighbor as yourself?

It means treating others with the same care and kindness that you want for yourself. This includes helping, forgiving, and respecting people, even when it is difficult.

Why is it important to act, not just believe?

Faith is not just about words or thoughts. Real faith shows in the way people live, especially in how they treat others.

What does the 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A teach about justice?

God wants people to be fair in their actions and to protect those who are vulnerable. Justice means treating everyone with respect and kindness, not taking advantage of others.

How can we follow the lessons of the readings in daily life?

People can be fair in their dealings, help those in need, and live their faith through action. Love and justice should be part of everyday choices.

Why is it wrong to take advantage of the poor?

People who are poor already struggle, and taking more from them causes more harm. God expects His people to help, not make life harder for others.

How does love connect to justice?

When people truly love others, they will treat them fairly and with respect. Justice comes from seeing others as valuable and caring for their needs.

The 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A focuses on love, justice, and faith. Jesus teaches that the greatest commandment is to love God with all your heart and to love others as yourself. This message connects to the first reading, where God tells His people to care for the poor and the weak. Faith is not just about following rules but about living with love and kindness.

The second reading encourages believers to stay strong in their faith, even in difficult times. The Thessalonians turned away from false gods and became an example to others. Their story reminds people that faith should shape how they live. It is not just about belief but also about action.

Jesus’ words show that love is the foundation of all God’s laws. When people love God and love others, they follow what God wants. The readings for the 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A remind people that faith should lead to love and justice.

The 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A challenges people to think about how they love God and others. Do they show kindness to those in need? Do they treat people with fairness? God asks for more than words—He wants real love in action.

Take time to reflect on these readings. Think about times when love and justice have guided your choices. Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments. How do these teachings shape your life?