6th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B

• First Reading – Leviticus 13:1-2, 44-46: The Lord directed Moses and Aaron on handling potential leprosy, requiring priestly examination and, if confirmed, declaring the person unclean. Afflicted individuals had to signify their condition by their appearance, vocalize their unclean status, and live in isolation, highlighting the seriousness with which leprosy was treated.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 32: In confessing my sins, the Lord forgave me, turning my distress into the joy of salvation. Let the righteous find joy and refuge in Him, celebrating His mercy.
• Second Reading – 1 Corinthians 10:31-11:1: In everything, even in eating and drinking, aim to honor God. Avoid causing offense, seeking the good of many for salvation. Follow my example, as I follow Christ’s.
• Gospel – Mark 1:40-45: A leper’s plea for healing was met with Jesus’ compassionate touch and affirmation, leading to immediate cleansing. Despite Jesus’ directive for discretion and adherence to Mosaic law for verification, the healed man publicized his miracle, complicating Jesus’ public ministry and drawing even larger crowds to seek him in solitude.

The readings for the 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time for Year B (see below) demonstrate the healing power of Jesus and his ability to rid us of what is unclean in our lives. The first reading tells what should be done if someone has leprosy, and how being unclean separates us from others. The Gospel recalls how Jesus healed a leper.

The Mass readings for the 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B delve into several profound themes that resonate with both the historical context of the Scriptures and the contemporary application of these teachings in our daily lives. The themes include:

• Purity and Impurity: Leviticus discusses the laws concerning leprosy, a condition that rendered individuals ritually unclean. This theme explores the notions of purity and impurity, not just in a physical sense but also spiritually and morally, inviting reflection on what constitutes purity in our lives today.
• Isolation and Community: The afflicted are required to live apart, signifying not just a physical separation but a profound social and communal isolation. This theme invites us to reflect on the importance of community and the effects of isolation, as well as our responsibility towards those who are marginalized or ostracized.
• Compassion and Healing: Jesus’ compassionate response to the leper, contrary to the social norms of his time, emphasizes the theme of divine compassion and healing. It challenges us to consider how we extend compassion and healing to those in need, breaking beyond societal barriers.
• Obedience and Witness: While Jesus instructs the healed man to follow the Mosaic law and not to publicize the miracle, the man’s inability to keep silent highlights the tension between personal experience and communal directives. This theme can lead to discussions on the balance between obedience to religious practices and the natural desire to witness to God’s work in our lives.
• Holiness in Everyday Actions: Paul’s exhortation to do everything for the glory of God, even in mundane activities like eating and drinking, brings forward the theme of finding and honoring the sacred in everyday life. It prompts us to consider how our daily actions can reflect our faith and contribute to the common good.
• Imitation of Christ: Paul’s invitation to imitate him as he imitates Christ underscores the theme of discipleship and the call to live in a way that is reflective of Jesus’ teachings and example, emphasizing the Christian call to holiness through following Christ.

These themes interweave to form a rich tapestry of reflection for the 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B, offering avenues for deep spiritual introspection and practical application in the life of the Christian community.

See the Homilies and Reflections section and the More Thoughts section for further expansion on these readings and some reflection questions for the 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B.

How Can I Get Clean? Discussion and Reflection Questions

In the Gospel for the 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B (Mark 1:40-45), Jesus heals a leper, symbolizing his power to cleanse us from sin. This story is a powerful metaphor for youth, illustrating that we all carry “stains” of sin and imperfection in our lives. Just as we seek to remove physical stains, we desire to be freed from these spiritual blemishes. Jesus invites us to ask for his cleansing, offering forgiveness and renewal. Reflecting on personal “unclean habits,” this lesson invites participants to seek Jesus’ healing touch, just as the leper did, and to celebrate the freedom and purity offered through his mercy.

Internet Prayer for Youth (St. Isadore Prayer)

For the 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B, focusing on the theme of purity, youth can look to St. Isidore of Seville, the patron saint of internet users, for guidance. In an era where the internet is essential but also filled with harmful content, a prayer invoking St. Isidore’s intercession can be a valuable tool. This prayer, suitable for placing on a monitor, seeks God’s help to ensure that what youth see, do, and think online is pure and pleasing to God, aligning with the scriptural call to holiness and purity exemplified in the Sunday readings.

Resources and Reflections for the Gospel of Mark

In the Gospel for the 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B (Mark 1:40-45), we see Jesus’ ministry in action as he heals a leper, showcasing themes central to Mark’s Gospel: Jesus’ divine authority, the intertwining of human and divine in Jesus, and the call to faith and discipleship. This passage exemplifies Jesus’ compassion and power, inviting believers to deepen their faith and commitment to follow Him, embodying the broader themes of Mark’s narrative that emphasize Jesus’ identity as the Son of God, the importance of repentance, forgiveness, and the transformative power of faith in the face of challenges.

Walking in Holiness with Jesus

Jeff Cavins reflects on the 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B, focusing on Jesus touching a leper in Mark’s Gospel, challenging the perception of holiness as mere separation from the world. Cavins contrasts the Pharisees’ pride in their separateness with Jesus’ example of engaging with and healing the marginalized, emphasizing that true holiness comes from walking closely with Christ. This allows believers to engage with the world without being overwhelmed by its temptations, suggesting that holiness, like Jesus’ powerful purity, enables Christians to positively influence the world rather than withdraw from it.

The Leper and Evangelization

Bishop Robert Barron’s homily for the 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B focuses on the healing of a leper by Jesus in the Gospel of Mark, presenting it as an icon of spiritual life. He emphasizes our identification with the leper in feelings of unworthiness and sin, and how, once healed by Jesus, we are compelled to share our story of transformation. Barron highlights the courage and worshipful approach of the leper towards Jesus, acknowledging Jesus’ sovereignty and the mystery of His selective healings. The homily concludes with the notion that true evangelization springs from personal experience of Jesus’ healing power.

Made Clean

Scott Hahn reflects on the healing of a leper in the Gospel for the 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B, highlighting its deeper significance beyond a miraculous cure. He connects Old Testament leprosy, seen as a punishment and a state akin to death, with the transformative power of Jesus’ healing, which reveals Him as more than a prophet but as God among His people. Hahn draws parallels between this healing act and the sacrament of penance, where through confession and the priest’s absolution, our sins are cleansed, underscoring the call to live changed lives that glorify God and lead others to salvation.

Who Are You Afraid To Touch?

Father Richard Rohr’s homily for the 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B on Mark 1:40-45 emphasizes the cultural and spiritual implications of Jesus healing a leper. He clarifies that the miracle is less about proving divinity and more about challenging societal norms and offering relational healing. By touching the leper, Jesus not only physically heals but switches places within the community, highlighting the transformative power of inclusion and acceptance. The leper goes inside and Jesus must remain outside. Rohr challenges listeners to consider who they perceive as ‘untouchable’ in society, urging them to emulate Jesus’ radical inclusivity and compassion towards all, regardless of societal barriers.

Embodying Compassion

In the Gospel for the 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B, Mark 1:40-45, we witness a profound moment where Jesus, moved by compassion, heals a man afflicted with leprosy. This encounter isn’t just a miraculous healing; it’s a testament to Jesus’ radical approach to love and inclusion. By reaching out to touch the leper, Jesus breaks societal norms and religious laws that dictate purity.

This act is revolutionary, signifying that no person is beyond the reach of God’s love. Jesus’ willingness to become “unclean” to restore another’s health and dignity challenges us to reconsider our own attitudes towards the marginalized and the outcast in our society. It invites us to ask ourselves: Are we willing to extend our hands and hearts, even if it means crossing the boundaries of our comfort zones?

The Power of Faith and Healing

In the narrative of the leper’s healing in the Gospel for the 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B, we observe the power of faith in action. The leper’s humble request, “If you wish, you can make me clean,” is a poignant expression of unwavering belief in Jesus’ capacity to heal not just the body, but the very essence of a person’s life.

This plea embodies a deep-seated trust, acknowledging Jesus’ authority over illness and societal exclusion. Jesus’ affirmative response, “I do will it. Be made clean,” serves as a powerful declaration of his willingness to restore and purify. This act of healing transcends the physical realm, reinstating the leper’s place within the social and religious fabric of the community, thus highlighting the holistic nature of divine healing.

This encounter between Jesus and the leper underscores the dynamic nature of faith as an active, living force that challenges us to place our trust in God’s will, even amidst life’s uncertainties and trials. It serves as a poignant reminder that our faith, when genuinely embraced, becomes a wellspring of strength and transformation, capable of guiding us toward a path of healing, restoration, and ultimately, wholeness. As we navigate the complexities of our own lives, this story invites us to lean into our faith, trusting in God’s timing and providence, and to embrace the potential for healing and renewal in our own journey.

Community and Testimony

After the healing, Jesus instructs the man to show himself to the priests and offer the sacrifices required by Mosaic Law, highlighting the importance of community and testimony in the process of healing. This directive serves a dual purpose: it adheres to the law, thus legitimizing the healing in the eyes of the community, and it provides a powerful testimony of God’s mercy and power.

This aspect of the narrative in the Gospel for the 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B encourages us to not only seek personal healing and transformation but also to share our stories of faith and redemption with others. Our testimonies can be powerful catalysts for change and sources of hope for those who are struggling, reinforcing the communal aspect of our faith journey.

In reflecting on this passage from Mark’s Gospel for the 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B, we are called to embody the compassion, faith, and communal spirit demonstrated by Jesus. By extending love and mercy to those on the fringes, nurturing our faith amidst life’s trials, and courageously sharing our stories of God’s grace, we participate in the ongoing work of healing and reconciliation in our world. Let us strive to follow Jesus’ example, becoming beacons of hope and channels of God’s transformative love in our communities.

• Encountering the Marginalized: In what ways do you encounter “lepers” in your daily life, those marginalized or excluded by society? How can you extend Christ-like compassion to them?
• Breaking Boundaries for Love: Jesus broke societal and religious norms to heal the leper. What boundaries might you be called to cross to show God’s love to others?
• The Role of Faith in Healing: The leper’s faith was a crucial element in his healing. Reflect on a time when your faith played a key role in overcoming a personal challenge. How did it transform the situation?
• Active Faith: How can you make your faith more dynamic and active, following the example of the leper who approached Jesus with a bold request?
• Community and Healing: Jesus sent the healed man to the priests, emphasizing the importance of community in the healing process. How can you contribute to or seek healing within your community or church?
• Testimony of Healing: Sharing our stories of healing and transformation can inspire and encourage others. What is a testimony you can share that might bring hope to someone in need?
• Holistic Healing: Jesus’ healing of the leper restored him physically, socially, and spiritually. How do you understand the holistic nature of healing in your life? Are there areas where you seek such comprehensive healing?
• Trust in God’s Timing: The leper trusted Jesus’ will and timing for his healing. How can you cultivate a deeper trust in God’s timing and plan for your life, especially in areas where you seek change or healing?

Reflecting on these questions for the 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B can deepen your understanding of the Gospel’s message and encourage you to apply its lessons in your life, fostering a more compassionate, faith-filled, and community-oriented approach to following Christ.

For the 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B, music selections can resonate with the themes of healing, compassion, faith, and inclusion presented in the Gospel. These hymns and songs, both traditional and contemporary, aim to reflect the transformative encounter between Jesus and the leper, inviting us into a deeper engagement with the divine mercy and love that knows no bounds. As we sing, let our voices unite in a prayerful embrace of these sacred truths, fostering a community of faith that reaches out to all in need of God’s healing touch.

• Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)
• A Rightful Place
• Balm in Gilead
• Come Alive (Dry Bones)
• Come As You Are
• Do Not Be Afraid
• Gather Us In
• He Touched Me
• Healer of Every Ill
• Healing River of the Spirit
• In Christ There Is No East or West
• Lay Your Hands
• O Jesus Healer of Wounded Souls
• Our God Saves
• Precious Lord Take My Hand
• Sing a New Church
• We Come To You
• Whatsoever You Do

What date is the 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B

The next date is Sunday February 17, 2030.
For other years see the links below:
6th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A
6th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C

What are the Mass readings for the 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B?

The Catholic Mass readings for Sunday February 17, 2030 are:
First Reading – Leviticus 13:1-2, 44-46: Leprosy and Isolation
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 32: Joy in Forgiveness
Second Reading – 1 Corinthians 10:31-11:1: Living for God’s Glory
Gospel – Mark 1:40-45: Leprosy Healing and Its Aftermath

What is the significance of the Levitical laws on leprosy in the first reading for the 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B?

The Levitical laws on leprosy were significant because they outlined how to maintain community purity and health. They required priestly examination to prevent the spread of what was then considered a highly contagious disease, emphasizing isolation for those affected to protect the community.

How does the Gospel for the 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B portray Jesus’ approach to the Levitical laws on leprosy?

The Gospel of Mark portrays Jesus as compassionate and willing to transcend Levitical laws by touching and healing the leper, demonstrating that love and mercy surpass legalistic restrictions.

What does the Second Reading for the 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B from 1 Corinthians teach us about living our daily lives?

The Second Reading teaches us to do everything with the intention of glorifying God, including mundane activities like eating and drinking, and to live in a way that leads others towards salvation by following the example of Christ.

Why does Jesus tell the healed leper not to publicize the miracle in the Gospel for the 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B?

Jesus likely told the healed leper not to publicize the miracle to avoid misunderstanding his mission as merely a miracle worker, to prevent hindering his ability to preach due to large crowds, and to ensure adherence to Mosaic Law for ritual purification.

What themes are prevalent in the readings for the 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B?

The prevalent themes include purity and impurity, compassion and healing, obedience and witness, community and isolation, and the transformative power of faith and God’s love.

How does the theme of community and isolation manifest in these readings for the 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B?

In Leviticus, the leper is isolated from the community, highlighting the theme of isolation. In contrast, Jesus’ healing of the leper in Mark’s Gospel restores the individual back into the community, emphasizing the importance of inclusion and community healing.

What can we learn from Jesus’ act of healing the leper in the Gospel for the 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B in terms of social action today?

Jesus’ act of healing teaches us the importance of reaching out to the marginalized and ostracized in society, showing compassion and love, and actively working to include and restore them within the community.

How does Paul’s message in 1 Corinthians relate to the Gospel reading for the 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B?

Paul’s message to do everything for the glory of God complements the Gospel’s depiction of Jesus healing the leper out of compassion, both actions glorifying God by demonstrating love and care for others.

What is the connection between the First Reading and the Gospel for the 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B?

The connection lies in the topic of leprosy; the First Reading outlines the Levitical law’s approach to handling leprosy, while the Gospel shows Jesus’ fulfillment and transcendence of the law through compassionate healing.

How can we apply the principle of “doing everything for the glory of God” in our lives?

We can apply this principle from the second reading for the 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B by being mindful of our actions, attitudes, and words, ensuring they reflect Christ’s love and compassion, and by seeking to serve and uplift others in our daily activities.

What does the healed leper’s disobedience in spreading the news of his miracle teach us in the Gospel for the 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B?

While the leper’s disobedience complicates Jesus’ ministry, it also reflects the natural human response to God’s transformative work in our lives, highlighting the challenge of balancing personal witness with obedience to divine instruction.