31st Sunday in Ordinary Time

The 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time reminds us to follow God with a humble and honest heart. In one Gospel, Jesus warns against pride and teaches that true greatness comes from serving others. Zacchaeus, a tax collector, shows how meeting Jesus leads to real change. He chooses to do good and make things right.

The readings also focus on loving God fully and living out His commandments. We hear that God’s mercy is great, and He patiently waits for us to turn back to Him. Jesus is our high priest who gave Himself for us. We are called to live with love, humility, and trust in God’s goodness.

Click on the appropriate year below to see resources, themes, homilies, and more for the 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time. See how to determine the correct year.

31st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A
31st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B
31st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C

Mass Readings for the 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A

See resources, homilies, and more for the 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A readings here.

• First Reading – Malachi 1:14B-2:2B, 8-10: The Lord, a great and fearsome King, addresses the priests, warning them of the consequences of disregarding His commandments. Their actions have led others astray and dishonored the covenant. The Lord calls for faithfulness and unity among His people.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 131: I do not boast or seek greatness; my soul is calm and content. I find peace in the Lord, like a weaned child in its mother’s lap. O Israel, put your hope in the Lord forever.
• Second Reading – 1 Thessalonians 2:7b-9, 13: We cared for you with gentleness and affection, sharing not only the gospel but our very lives. Our toil and proclamation of God’s word were not in vain, as you received it with belief and it is at work within you.
• Gospel – Matthew 23:1-12: Jesus addresses the crowds and His disciples, cautioning them against following the hypocritical teachings and actions of the Pharisees and scribes. He advises the people to listen and observe their teachings but not to imitate their deeds. Jesus emphasizes the importance of humility, urging His followers not to seek titles or exaltation but to serve others with a genuine heart.

Mass Readings for the 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B

See resources, homilies, and more for the 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B readings here.

• First Reading – Deuteronomy 6:2-6: Hear, O Israel, the commandments of the Lord. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and strength. Teach them diligently to your children, bind them on your hands, and write them on your doorposts.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 18: I declare my love for the Lord, my rock and deliverer. He is my refuge and shield, my salvation and stronghold. I praise Him for His faithfulness and victories.
• Second Reading – Hebrews 7:23-28: Jesus, our eternal high priest, is able to save all who come to God through Him. Unlike the earthly high priests, He offered Himself as a sacrifice once for all, being holy, innocent, and separate from sinners. Through His perfect priesthood, He brings eternal salvation.
• Gospel – Mark 12:28b-34: A scribe approaches Jesus and asks Him about the greatest commandment. Jesus answers by quoting the Shema, affirming that the greatest commandment is to love God with all one’s heart, soul, mind, and strength. He adds that the second greatest commandment is to love one’s neighbor as oneself. The scribe agrees with Jesus, recognizing the significance of these commandments and that they are more important than sacrifices. Jesus commends him for his insight and tells him that he is not far from the kingdom of God.

Mass Readings for the 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C

See resources, homilies, and more for the 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C readings here.

• First Reading – Wisdom 11:22-12:2: The LORD’s mercy extends to all, even as the universe is minuscule compared to Him. God overlooks sins to allow for repentance and loves all His creations. He gradually corrects those who sin, aiming for their belief in Him.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 145: I will forever praise and bless the name of God, my King. The LORD is gracious, slow to anger, and kind to all. His faithful praise Him, talking of His mighty kingdom. He is trustworthy, uplifting those who are downtrodden.
• Second Reading – 2 Thessalonians 1:11-2:2: We pray that God makes you worthy of His calling and fulfills your faithful efforts. May you glorify Jesus and find glory in Him. Don’t be easily unsettled about the Lord’s coming; stay steadfast.
• Gospel – Luke 19:1-10: Jesus comes to Jericho and meets Zacchaeus, a wealthy tax collector who climbs a tree to see Him. Jesus visits Zacchaeus’ home, causing public grumbling. Zacchaeus promises restitution and charity, earning Jesus’ commendation for salvation.

Lookup Other Liturgical Dates in the Lectionary

The Bible is the full book of sacred scripture. The Lectionary is a book that has selected Bible passages for Mass. These readings follow the Church calendar. The 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time has its own assigned readings and lectionary number, which helps people find the correct texts for that day.

Sundays use a three-year cycle—Years A, B, and C—so different readings are heard each year. Weekdays follow a two-year cycle—Years I and II. This setup helps people hear many parts of the Bible over time. In the United States, the New American Bible is the approved translation used in the Lectionary.

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 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time teaches us to follow God with humility and love. Jesus warns His followers not to act like the Pharisees, who say one thing but do another. He tells us that true greatness comes from serving others, not seeking praise or titles.

In another Gospel reading, Zacchaeus climbs a tree just to see Jesus. When Jesus visits his home, Zacchaeus promises to make things right. His story shows that real change is possible when we open our hearts to Jesus.

Other readings speak about love for God and neighbor. We are told to keep God’s commandments and teach them to others. We are reminded to be gentle, honest, and faithful in how we live and treat others.

The 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time invites us to look at our own actions. Do we follow God in our daily lives? Do we treat people with care and respect?

The 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time asks us to live with honesty and love. Think about how you treat others and how you follow Jesus in daily life.

Read the Bible passages and share one thing that stood out to you. Leave a comment and tell us how these readings speak to you.