33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

The 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time reminds us that this world will not last forever. Jesus tells His followers to stay awake and be ready. He warns about hard times, including disasters, false teachers, and persecution. But He also promises to return with power and glory. He tells us to keep going and trust that God will protect us.

We are also reminded to use our time and gifts well. In one Gospel, Jesus praises servants who use what they are given to do good. In other readings, we see that faith includes hard work, kindness, and living with hope. God wants us to act with wisdom and stay faithful in all we do.

See more resources for the 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time for youth ministers, catechists, teachers, and parents below. See how to determine the correct year.

33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A
33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B
33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C:

Mass Readings for the 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A

See resources, homilies, and more for the 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A readings here.

• First Reading – Proverbs 31:10-13, 19-20, 30-31: A worthy wife is a priceless treasure, bringing goodness always. She works diligently, helps the needy, and her true value lies in her reverence for the LORD. Her deeds earn her praise.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 128: Blessings await those who respect the LORD and follow His paths. Their work thrives, family flourishes like a fruitful vine and olive plants, and they enjoy lasting prosperity.
• Second Reading – 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6: The day of the Lord will arrive unexpectedly like a thief at night. Despite sudden disasters, those who live in light, staying alert and sober, will not be overtaken.
• Gospel – Matthew 25:14-30: Jesus tells a parable about a master who entrusts his servants with different amounts of money (talents) before going on a journey. Two of the servants invest and double their talents, while the third servant buries his out of fear. When the master returns, he rewards the faithful servants but punishes the one who did nothing with what was given. This parable teaches the importance of using our God-given abilities and resources wisely for His kingdom.

Mass Readings for the 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B

See resources, homilies, and more for the 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B readings here.

• First Reading – Daniel 12:1-3: During a time of extreme distress, the Archangel Michael will arise. Many will awake from sleep, with the wise shining brightly and justice leaders likened to everlasting stars.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 16: The Lord is my portion and provides stability. I am joyful and confident, knowing I won’t be abandoned. The Lord guides me to life, overflowing joy, and eternal delight.
• Second Reading – Hebrews 10:11-14, 18: Priests repeatedly offer sacrifices, yet sins persist. But one offered a single, perfect sacrifice for all sins and sat beside God, bringing eternal perfection to the consecrated through forgiveness.
• Gospel – Mark 13:24-32: Jesus describes the future signs of His coming, stating that the sun will be darkened, the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall. He assures His disciples that He will return with great power and glory. Jesus emphasizes that no one knows the exact time of His return, not even the angels, but only the Father. Therefore, His followers must be alert and watchful for His coming.

Mass Readings for the 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C

See resources, homilies, and more for the 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C readings here.

• First Reading – Malachi 3:19-20A: The imminent day will blaze, reducing the proud and wicked to ashes. However, for those respecting the LORD’s name, the healing sun of justice will rise.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 98: With instruments and joy, we praise the LORD. Let nature join in this jubilation. For the LORD arrives to govern the earth with fairness and justice for all peoples.
• Second Reading – 2 Thessalonians 3:7-12: We set an example of hard work and self-reliance for you to follow. If one isn’t willing to work, they shouldn’t eat. We encourage everyone to work quietly and mind their own business.
• Gospel – Luke 21:5-19: Jesus speaks of the temple’s destruction and warns His disciples about false messiahs, wars, and natural disasters, which are signs of the end times. He assures them that they will face persecution but encourages them to stand firm, as their testimony will bear witness to Him. Jesus promises that not a hair on their heads will perish, and by their endurance, they will gain their lives.

Lookup Other Liturgical Dates in the Lectionary

The Bible is the full book of scripture, while the Lectionary is a book that contains selected Bible readings for Mass. These readings are arranged to match the Church calendar. Each Sunday has its own set of readings and a lectionary number. The 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, for example, has a specific group of readings chosen to match its theme.

The Lectionary follows a three-year cycle for Sundays—Years A, B, and C—and a two-year cycle for weekdays—Years I and II. This setup helps Catholics hear many parts of the Bible over time. In the United States, the readings come from the New American Bible, which is the approved translation 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

The 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time reminds us that the world will not last forever. Jesus speaks of signs in the sky, warnings about false teachers, and the need to stay alert. He tells us to be ready because we do not know when He will return. We should not live in fear, but with trust and hope.

In one Gospel, Jesus tells a story about servants given talents. Two use their talents well, and one hides his out of fear. The message is simple: use what God gives you for good. Do not waste time or gifts.

Other readings speak of hard work, wisdom, and the promise of new life. The readings remind us to be faithful and steady. God sees our efforts and wants us to stay strong, even when life is hard.

The 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time calls us to live with purpose. Use your time well, and stay awake in faith.

The 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time invites us to look at how we use our time and gifts. Are we growing in faith or staying stuck?

Read the Scripture passages. Think about how they speak to your life. Share your thoughts in the comment section.