6th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B
Sunday February 17, 2030
Healing and Wholeness
The 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B reminds us that God wants to make us whole. The readings focus on healing, not just of the body, but of the heart and spirit. They show how God’s mercy reaches those who feel left out or unclean. His love restores people to community and hope.
In the Gospel, Jesus meets a man with leprosy who comes to Him in faith. Jesus reaches out and touches him, even though others would not. The man is healed right away. This moment shows how Jesus brings people back into life with others. His touch restores both health and belonging.
The other readings help us see how healing connects to holiness. Leviticus speaks about purity and separation, but Jesus shows that God’s compassion can bridge every distance. Paul reminds us to live in ways that give glory to God and help others. On the 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B, we see that God’s healing always brings people closer—to Him and to one another.
Mass Readings for the 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 above are for lectionary cycle B. For other years see the links below:
6th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A
6th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C
Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand, touched him, and said to him, ‘I do will it. Be made clean.
Mark 1:41
Themes for the 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B
The readings for the 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B show how sickness affected people in the past and how Jesus responded with mercy. They also teach about honoring God in daily life and helping others find salvation.
- Illness and isolation: In the first reading, lepers were separated from others and had to live alone. This shows how sickness often led to loneliness and exclusion.
- Jesus’ compassion: In the Gospel, Jesus touched the leper instead of avoiding him. This shows that Jesus cared more about helping people than following strict rules.
- Faith and healing: The leper believed Jesus could heal him and asked for help. This shows the importance of trusting Jesus in times of trouble.
- Obedience to God: Jesus told the healed man to follow the law and see the priest. This shows that obedience to God’s instructions is important, even after a miracle.
- Glorifying God in all things: The second reading reminds people to honor God in everything they do. This means even simple actions like eating and drinking should be done with a good heart.
- Spreading the good news: The healed man told others about Jesus, even though Jesus told him not to. This shows how people naturally want to share good news, even when told to stay quiet.
These themes from the 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B remind people that God cares for those who suffer. They also show that faith, obedience, and sharing God’s love are important.
Resources for the 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B
How Can I Get Clean? Lesson Plan
Everyone struggles with mistakes, bad habits, and regrets. Like stains on clothing, sin can make us feel unclean and unworthy. In the Gospel, Jesus does not avoid the leper—he reaches out and heals him. This shows that no one is too broken for his mercy. No matter what we have done, Jesus is always ready to forgive and restore us.
The 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B reminds us to come to Jesus with trust, just as the leper did. He did not hide or run away but asked for healing. In the same way, we should bring our weaknesses to Jesus and let him make us new. His mercy is greater than our failures, and he wants to free us from anything that keeps us from living fully. When we turn to him, we find hope, healing, and a fresh start.
The Book of Leviticus: Cleansed and Set Apart
In Leviticus, holiness means being set apart for God. The laws on leprosy show how physical impurity symbolized separation from the covenant community. By requiring priestly judgment, God ensured that holiness and purity remained central to Israel’s identity. This connects to Leviticus’ wider theme of maintaining God’s presence among His people through ritual and moral order.
The instructions for those declared unclean remind Israel of the cost of impurity. Separation from others mirrors the separation caused by sin. Yet even here, God’s care is seen in the structured process for restoration. This reading for the 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B points to the need for healing that restores both body and community.
Psalm 32: The Joy of Forgiveness
Psalm 32 celebrates the happiness of those who receive forgiveness. The psalmist speaks from experience, showing that confession brings freedom and joy. It fits the broader message of the Psalms, where honesty before God leads to renewal. The Lord is not distant but responds with mercy and protection to those who trust in Him.
This psalm teaches that forgiveness restores relationship with God. It echoes the Psalter’s larger theme of reliance on divine mercy rather than human strength. For the 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B, this psalm reminds us that confession turns sorrow into gladness and guilt into peace.
The First Letter to the Corinthians: Living for God’s Glory
Paul urges the Corinthians to act for God’s glory in every part of life. This reflects a main theme of 1 Corinthians: unity and witness within a diverse community. By calling believers to avoid giving offense, Paul shows how personal freedom must serve the common good and the mission of salvation.
The example of Christ guides all Christian behavior. Paul’s appeal to imitation ties the community’s daily choices to Jesus’ self-giving love. For the 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B, this message calls us to live with intention, seeking the good of others in every action.
The Gospel of Mark: The Healing Touch of Jesus
In Mark’s Gospel, Jesus’ healing of the leper shows His power and compassion. This moment early in the Gospel confirms His authority to restore what sin and sickness destroy. It fits Mark’s focus on Jesus as the servant who acts with mercy and authority, bringing God’s kingdom into broken lives.
By touching the leper, Jesus crosses boundaries of purity and isolation. His action shows that God’s mercy is stronger than ritual impurity. For the 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B, this passage reminds us that Jesus restores both body and spirit, calling the outcast back into community.
Homilies and Commentaries for the 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B
Reaching Out to the Lepers
Bishop Barron’s homily for the 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B focuses on Jesus healing a leper and what it means for us. In Jesus’ time, lepers were treated as outcasts, forced to live apart from society. By touching the leper, Jesus broke social and religious rules to show mercy. The Church today must follow his example by reaching out to those who are rejected or forgotten.
Barron also connects this healing to sin and worship. Just as the leper was cut off from society, sin can make people feel unworthy and distant from God. Jesus wants to heal and restore everyone, no matter their past. Worship is also important because turning away from God leads to spiritual sickness. Barron urges people to return to faith and to share Jesus’ love with those on the margins.
Made Clean
Scott Hahn’s commentary for the 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B explains that leprosy in the Old Testament was seen as a punishment for disobedience. Lepers were considered unclean and symbolized the living dead, cut off from worship and community. In the Gospel, Jesus’ healing of the leper is more than just a miracle—it shows that He is God. Only God can heal leprosy and cleanse sin, and Jesus does both with His touch and His word. This moment reveals His divine power and His mission to restore those who are lost.
Hahn compares this healing to the sacrament of penance, where sinners, like the leper, come to Jesus for cleansing. Through the priest’s words and actions, God forgives sins and restores people to grace. The 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B reminds believers to rejoice in God’s mercy and to share His love with others. Every action, even small ones, should bring glory to God and lead others to Him.
Who Are You Afraid To Touch?
Fr. Richard Rohr’s homily for the 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B challenges common views of Jesus’ healings. He explains that in Jesus’ time, lepers were outcasts, banned from the city and considered unclean. The priests controlled healing and determined who could reenter society. By touching the leper, Jesus not only healed him but also broke social and religious barriers. Jesus did not seek to compete with the priests, but His healing offered something deeper—restoring dignity and belonging.
Fr. Richard highlights how Jesus took the leper’s place, moving outside the city while the healed man was welcomed back. The 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B asks believers to consider who they avoid or see as unworthy. Jesus calls His followers to reach out to those on the margins, whether they are homeless, disabled, or from different backgrounds. True discipleship means stepping beyond comfort zones to love without fear.
Reflection for the 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B
The readings for the 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B show how Jesus responds to suffering with compassion. He does not avoid those who are sick or outcast. Instead, he reaches out to heal and restore them. These reflections focus on faith, healing, and sharing what God has done in our lives. They invite us to think about how we treat those in need, how we trust in God, and how we share our faith with others.
Embodying Compassion in Action
The Gospel for the 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B tells the story of Jesus healing a man with leprosy. At that time, leprosy was not just a sickness. It made people outcasts, forcing them to live alone and stay away from others. Society saw them as unclean, and religious laws required them to be separated from the community. The leper who approached Jesus risked rejection, but he had faith that Jesus could heal him.
Jesus did something shocking. He reached out and touched the man before healing him. This was against the rules because touching a leper made someone unclean. But Jesus was not afraid. His compassion was greater than the law. He showed that no one is too far gone to be helped, and no one should be ignored because of their condition.
This story from the 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B reminds us that Jesus cared about people who were rejected by others. He did not just heal their sickness; he brought them back into the community. He showed that love and mercy matter more than rules that push people away.
We can learn from this example. There are many people today who feel like outcasts because of illness, poverty, or mistakes they have made. We may not have the power to heal, but we can offer kindness, acceptance, and support. Following Jesus means being willing to reach out to those who are ignored or avoided.
Faith and Healing Go Together
The leper in the Gospel for the 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B had faith in Jesus. He did not demand healing. Instead, he humbly said, “If you will, you can make me clean.” This shows deep trust. He knew Jesus had the power to heal, but he left the decision up to him. He did not doubt Jesus’ ability, and he accepted whatever answer he would receive.
Jesus responded with compassion. He did not just say the man was healed—he touched him. This small action meant a lot. In those times, no one touched a leper. It was risky and made a person unclean. But Jesus did not hesitate. His power was greater than any disease. His touch showed that he was not afraid to connect with those who were suffering.
This story from the 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B teaches that faith is not just about asking for help. It is about trusting that God knows what is best. Sometimes healing comes in ways we do not expect. Sometimes it takes time. But faith means believing that God is still with us, even when things are difficult.
We may not have leprosy, but we all have struggles. Maybe it is sickness, doubt, or pain from the past. Like the leper, we can come to Jesus with trust. We can say, “If you will, you can help me.” And we can believe that, in his way and in his time, he will give us what we need.
Sharing What God Has Done
After Jesus healed the leper in the Gospel for the 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B, he told him to go to the priest and follow the law. This was important because the priests were the ones who declared a person clean and allowed them back into the community. Jesus wanted the healing to be recognized in the proper way.
But the man could not keep quiet. He was so happy that he told everyone what had happened. Because of this, large crowds came looking for Jesus. His reputation spread, and people wanted to see him for themselves. This created challenges for Jesus, but it also meant that more people heard about his power and mercy.
This part of the story shows that when something good happens, it is hard to keep it to ourselves. When God helps us, we naturally want to share it. Our personal stories of faith can encourage others. They show that God is still working in the world.
On this 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B, we can ask ourselves: Have we shared what God has done in our lives? Have we told others how faith has helped us through struggles? Just as the healed man could not stay silent, we should not be afraid to speak about God’s goodness. Someone else may need to hear our story to find hope in their own life.
The message of the 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B is clear: no one is beyond God’s love. Jesus shows that compassion is greater than fear and that faith leads to healing. We are called to follow his example by trusting in God, helping those in need, and sharing our faith with others. May we open our hearts to this message and live it in our daily lives.
Prayer
Lord, you showed mercy to the leper who came to you for healing. You did not turn him away, but you reached out and made him whole. Help us to trust in you and to care for those who feel alone or forgotten. Teach us to share your love with others. Amen.
Reflection Questions for the 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B
- How does Jesus’ response to the leper challenge the way I see others who are suffering?
- Have I ever felt like an outcast or excluded? How did I respond?
- What does this Gospel teach me about faith and trust in God?
- How do I show compassion to those in need?
- Have I ever received help from someone when I felt alone?
- Why do you think Jesus touched the leper before healing him?
- How can I be more open to helping people who are struggling?
- Have I shared my experiences of faith with others? Why or why not?
- What does this Gospel say about the power of testimony?
- How can I live out the message of the 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B in my daily life?
Social Media Graphics and Bulletin Artwork for the 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B
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The Touch That Heals
This image for the 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B captures the moment Jesus reaches out to a man with leprosy. His touch breaks barriers of fear and isolation, showing the mercy and compassion of God.
Use this artwork in bulletins, newsletters, or youth ministry materials to reflect on how Christ still heals hearts, restores hope, and calls us back into community.
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Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand, touched him, and said to him, “I do will it. Be made clean.”
The leprosy left him immediately, and he was made clean.
Music Suggestions for the 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B
The readings for the 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B focus on healing, mercy, and inclusion. The music selections reflect these themes by highlighting Jesus’ power to heal both body and soul. Some songs focus on physical and spiritual healing, reminding us that Jesus reaches out to those in need. Others celebrate the call to welcome and unite all people, just as Jesus restored the leper to the community. Songs of trust and comfort also fit well, encouraging faith in God’s mercy and presence in difficult times. Music that speaks of renewal, freedom, and new life captures the deeper meaning of Jesus’ healing touch.
- Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone) by Chris Tomlin
- A Rightful Place by Steve Angrisano
- Balm in Gilead
- Come Alive (Dry Bones) by Lauren Daigle
- Come As You Are by Matt Maher
- Do Not Be Afraid by Bernadette Farrell
- Gather Us In by Marty Haugen
- He Touched Me by Gaither Vocal Band
- Healer of Every Ill by Marty Haugen
- Healing River of the Spirit
- In Christ There Is No East or West by William A. Dunkerley
- Lay Your Hands by Carey Landry
- O Jesus Healer of Wounded Souls by Pedro Rubalcava
- Our God Saves by Paul Baloche
- Precious Lord Take My Hand
- Sing a New Church by Delores Dufner & Jeffrey Honoré, Randall DeBruyn
- We Come To You by Josh Blakesley
- Whatsoever You Do by Willard F. Jabusch
Music directors and musicians are encouraged to explore these selections and find songs that bring out the themes of healing and restoration. Consider trying a mix of familiar and new pieces that fit the message of the 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B. If you have other recommendations, share them in the comments!
Questions and Answers for the 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B
What is leprosy in the Bible?
Leprosy in the Bible was a serious skin disease that made people unclean. It separated them from family, worship, and the community.
Why were lepers forced to live outside the city?
People believed leprosy was dangerous and contagious. The law required lepers to stay away from others to keep the community safe.
Why did Jesus touch the leper?
Touching a leper was against the rules, but Jesus did it anyway. He wanted to show love, heal the man, and restore him to the community.
What does the first reading teach about leprosy?
The first reading explains how lepers were treated and separated from others. It shows how serious the disease was in society and religion.
How does the second reading connect to the Gospel?
The second reading teaches that everything should honor God. Jesus’ healing shows that helping others is a way to glorify God.
What is the main message of the Gospel in the 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B?
Jesus cares for those who are rejected and forgotten. He heals not just sickness but also broken relationships and isolation.
Why did Jesus tell the healed man to see the priest?
The priests were the ones who could declare a person clean. This allowed the man to return to normal life and worship.
Why did Jesus ask the man to stay quiet?
Jesus did not want to cause problems with the religious leaders. He also wanted people to focus on faith, not just miracles.
What does the 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B teach about faith?
The leper believed Jesus could heal him and asked for help. This shows that faith means trusting God even in difficult times.
How can we apply the 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B to our lives?
We can reach out to those who feel left out or alone. Like Jesus, we should show kindness and include others.
Who are the lepers in society today?
They are the people who feel rejected or ignored. This could be the homeless, sick, or anyone who feels unloved.
What does this Gospel say about following Jesus?
Jesus did not avoid those in need. To follow Him, we must be willing to help others, even when it is not easy.
Jesus Heals and Welcomes All
The readings for the 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B focus on sickness, isolation, and healing. The first reading explains how lepers were separated from others because their disease made them unclean. The Gospel tells how Jesus did not turn away from a leper but instead touched and healed him. The second reading reminds people to honor God in everything they do.
This Sunday shows how sickness affected people in the past and how Jesus responded with mercy. The leper had to live alone, away from family and friends. But Jesus did not avoid him. He showed kindness and gave him a new life.
The readings also teach about obedience and sharing good news. Jesus told the healed man to go to the priest, but the man spread the news instead. His excitement changed Jesus’ ministry, making it harder for Jesus to enter towns. This shows how people naturally want to share what God has done.
Your Turn
The 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B teaches about mercy, faith, and obedience. It reminds us that Jesus cares for those who suffer. Think about how these readings connect to your life.
What stands out to you? Have you ever experienced kindness when you felt alone? Share your thoughts in the comments. Your words might help someone else reflect on these important lessons.