3rd Sunday of Lent Year B

• First Reading – Exodus 20:1-17: God delivers the Ten Commandments: worship only Him, avoid idolatry, respect His name, observe the Sabbath, honor parents, and refrain from murder, adultery, theft, lying, and coveting.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 19: Your perfect laws energize and awaken us, Lord. Your principles and commands guide us in truth, showing the way. Your eternal statutes bring justice and enrich our lives.
• Second Reading – 1 Corinthians 1:22-25: We proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles. Yet, to the called, He embodies God’s power and wisdom, surpassing human understanding and strength.
• Gospel – John 2:13-25: At Passover, Jesus went to Jerusalem and found the temple commercialized. He cleared it, rebuking those who made it a marketplace, fulfilling a prophecy of zeal for God’s house. Challenged by Jewish leaders, he spoke of destroying and raising the temple in three days, signifying his resurrection. Many believed in him, but Jesus remained cautious of human nature.

If your parish is doing the RCIA scrutinies, use the readings for Year A instead.

Lectionary Reference: 29

Upcoming dates: February 28, 2027, March 24, 2030, March 20, 2033

The 3rd Sunday of Lent Year B invites reflection on God’s commandments, Jesus’ authority, and the call to true worship. It challenges believers to examine their faith and priorities.

1. Obedience to God’s Commandments: God gives the Ten Commandments as a guide for living rightly. These laws call for worshiping God alone and respecting others, forming the foundation of moral living.
2. True Worship and Reverence: Jesus clears the temple, showing that worship should be sincere and free from distractions. This challenges believers to reflect on the purity of their worship.
3. Christ’s Authority and Mission: Jesus speaks of raising the temple in three days, pointing to his resurrection. This shows his authority and mission as the Messiah who brings new life.
4. Faith Beyond Human Wisdom: Paul explains that Christ crucified seems foolish to some but is God’s power and wisdom. Believers are called to trust God’s plan even when it defies human logic.
5. Spiritual Zeal and Commitment: Jesus’ zeal for God’s house fulfills prophecy and shows his deep commitment. Christians are encouraged to examine their own zeal for God and faithfulness.
6. Self-Examination and Repentance: The readings call for self-examination, especially regarding obedience and worship. Lent is a time to repent and renew one’s relationship with God.

The 3rd Sunday of Lent Year B challenges believers to reflect on their obedience, worship, and faith. It encourages turning away from sin and growing closer to Christ.

What Is in Your Church? Lesson Plan on Participation at Mass

As we gather for the 3rd Sunday of Lent Year B, it’s crucial for youth to reflect on why they attend Mass. Is the church a sacred space where they encounter God? Or has it become something else? We must ask ourselves if we bring the worries and distractions of the world into the church, allowing them to hinder our connection with God.

Let’s explore these questions and encourage a deeper understanding of the purpose and reverence we should bring to our church experience.

Printable Ten Commandments Cryptogram

For an engaging activity on the 3rd Sunday of Lent Year B, try this Ten Commandments Cryptogram. This puzzle allows children to decipher the Ten Commandments using a fun and interactive approach. With a provided key, even those unfamiliar with cryptography can participate.

By incorporating this activity into your lesson or catechesis, you can help children deepen their understanding of the commandments and their relevance in their lives. It’s a great way to make learning about the commandments enjoyable and memorable.

Ten Commandments Dice Game

The Ten Commandments Dice Game is a fun and interactive way for children to learn and memorize the Ten Commandments. By turning learning into a game, children are more engaged and motivated to participate.

This activity is perfect for catechesis on the 3rd Sunday of Lent Year B, as it provides a hands-on approach to understanding the commandments. Children can roll the dice and match the number rolled to a specific commandment, helping them to internalize the commandments in a memorable way. Incorporating this game into your lesson will make learning about the commandments enjoyable and impactful.

Ten Commandments Activity

This simple Ten Commandments activity for the 3rd Sunday of Lent Year B will engage children and reinforce their understanding of the commandments. By providing children who already have some knowledge of the Ten Commandments with an opportunity to order them correctly, this activity encourages critical thinking and reflection. Children can be given a set of cards with the commandments written on them and asked to arrange them in the correct order.

This hands-on approach allows children to actively participate in their learning and deepen their understanding of the commandments. Incorporating this activity into your lesson will make the learning experience interactive and meaningful.

What Is “Moral Law”?

“Moral law” refers to the set of principles and guidelines that help individuals discern between right and wrong. According to the teachings of the Catholic Church, moral law is considered to be divine in nature, originating from God as a means to guide and instruct us. It serves as a compass for our actions and decisions, providing a framework for ethical behavior.

Understanding the concept of moral law is essential for reflecting on the significance of the 3rd Sunday of Lent Year B, as it prompts us to examine our own moral compass and align our lives with God’s teachings.

Psalm 19: Discover Joy in God’s Law and Creation

For the 3rd Sunday of Lent Year B, Psalm 19 serves as the responsorial psalm, celebrating God’s glory and the wonders He performs. It reflects on how God’s perfect laws invigorate and enlighten us, guiding us in truth and justice.

This psalm emphasizes the importance of God’s commands and statutes in leading a life enriched by divine wisdom and righteousness, urging us to praise God for His unending support and guidance. This day in the liturgical calendar invites reflection on the role of God’s law in spiritual awakening and living a life aligned with divine will.

See a Prayer for Guidance and Awareness Based on Psalm 19

Resources and Reflections for the Gospel of John

On the 3rd Sunday of Lent Year B, the Gospel from John 2:13-25 portrays Jesus cleansing the Jerusalem temple at Passover, an act demonstrating His zeal for God’s house and rebuking its commercial misuse. Unlike the synoptic gospels, John’s narrative lacks parables and emphasizes Jesus’ divine nature throughout.

This event, where Jesus foretells His death and resurrection through the metaphor of destroying and rebuilding the temple in three days, highlights His authority and mission. Though many came to believe in Him, Jesus’ cautious approach towards human nature is evident, underscoring His divine insight and the unique perspective of John’s Gospel on His ministry.

Lenten Ideas for Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving

Looking for more ways to deepen your Lenten journey? Here are some specific ideas for practicing prayer, fasting, and almsgiving on the 3rd Sunday of Lent Year B and throughout the Lenten season. Engage in daily prayer by setting aside dedicated time to connect with God. Consider fasting from a particular food or habit that distracts you from spiritual growth.

And when it comes to almsgiving, remember that it’s not just about material possessions. Offer acts of kindness and service to those in need. By incorporating these practices into your Lenten observance, you can experience a more meaningful and transformative season.

Here is a small sampling of the 75+ ideas for prayer, fasting, and almsgiving here:

• Visit an Elderly Relative or a Nursing Home
• Make Blessing Bags for the Homeless
• Give Something You Like to Charity
• Go to a Prayer Labyrinth

An Expression of God’s Love

Jeff Cavins reflects on the 3rd Sunday of Lent Year B readings, focusing on the Ten Commandments from Exodus 20. He suggests viewing these not merely as rules but as expressions of love within a covenant between God and His people.

Cavins compares the covenant’s stipulations to the commitment and love in a marriage, emphasizing that what outsiders might see as restrictions are, in reality, expressions of a deep, covenantal love. He encourages seeing the commandments as part of a loving relationship with God, rather than as limitations, inviting a deeper appreciation of our faith’s richness and the beauty of living it out.

Do Catholics Follow All Those Weird Old Testament Laws?

Fr. Mike Schmitz, addressing concerns about cherry-picking Old Testament laws, explains the distinction between apodictic (universal) and casuistic (case-based) laws, as categorized by Pope Benedict XVI.

Fr. Mike simplifies this into three categories: Kingdom laws (specific to Israel’s context, now obsolete), temple laws (related to worship in the now-destroyed temple), and moral laws (universal, applicable to all times and places). He emphasizes that moral laws remain relevant, offering purpose, freedom, and joy when followed, contrasting with the constraints and dissatisfaction that come from ignoring God’s laws. Fr. Mike invites us to embrace a purposeful life by adhering to these enduring moral laws.

Spiritual Sacrifice

Scott Hahn reflects on Jesus fulfilling, not destroying, the temple, revealing its true purpose in God’s plan, as revealed in the readings for the 3rd Sunday of Lent Year B. He emphasizes Jesus as the Lord who purifies the temple, making it a house of prayer for all.

Hahn highlights that God, who liberated Israel, does not reside in man-made sanctuaries nor desires animal sacrifices. Instead, God’s law, a gift of divine wisdom and love, is perfectly expressed in Christ’s sacrifice on the Cross. Jesus’ body is the new sanctuary, and through the Eucharist, believers participate in His offering, called to worship in spirit and truth by offering praise and imitating Christ’s self-giving love.

The 3rd Sunday of Lent Year B invites us to reflect on our relationship with God and the priorities in our lives. The readings challenge us to consider our worship, purity of heart, and commitment to God’s commandments. By reflecting on these themes, we can better understand how to live faithfully.

The Temple and True Worship

The Gospel for the 3rd Sunday of Lent Year B takes place in the temple, the holiest place for the Jewish people. It was where they offered sacrifices and worshiped God, believing God was truly present there. To help travelers, merchants sold animals for sacrifice, which was convenient but led to a marketplace atmosphere.

Jesus was angered by this disrespect and distraction from the temple’s true purpose. He cleared out the merchants and money changers, restoring the temple as a place of worship. Jesus showed that nothing should interfere with honoring God.

We are called to reflect on this Gospel and consider how we might allow distractions to interfere with our worship. Just as the merchants lost sight of the temple’s purpose, we might let material things or busy schedules take priority over our relationship with God. Even good things, like fundraisers or activities, should never distract us from Mass and the Eucharist.

The temple also points to the true temple, the body of Christ. In the Eucharist, Jesus is truly present. When we receive the Eucharist, we enter God’s presence. Let us approach the Eucharist with reverence, focusing on worship. Let us also keep our hearts pure, making them a worthy dwelling place for Christ.

Pure Hearts

In the Gospel for the 3rd Sunday of Lent Year B, Jesus clears the temple, showing the need for purity. The temple had become cluttered with distractions and impurities. Jesus restored it to its purpose as a place of prayer and worship.

We are called to follow Jesus’ example by purifying our hearts and minds. This means being honest about our weaknesses and asking for forgiveness. It also means choosing thoughts, words, and actions that align with God’s will.

One important way to purify our hearts is through the sacrament of Reconciliation. Confessing our sins helps us receive God’s forgiveness and start fresh. This cleanses our hearts and strengthens our relationship with God.

Prayer and reflection also help us purify our hearts. By spending time in prayer, we allow God to work within us. We can ask God to help us see where we need to change and to give us the strength to do it.

Right Priorities

The 3rd Sunday of Lent Year B challenges us to examine our priorities. The first reading gives the Ten Commandments, guiding us to worship God alone and live rightly. In the Gospel, Jesus clears the temple, showing that worship and honoring God must come first.

Sometimes we get distracted by other things—money, work, possessions, or activities. Even good things can take over our lives if they come before God. We must ask ourselves if our priorities reflect our faith.

The Ten Commandments remind us to put God first and respect others. Jesus’ actions in the temple show that true worship requires focus and sincerity. Our lives should reflect this same dedication to God.

During Lent, we are called to examine our lives and make changes where needed. This may mean giving up distractions or changing habits that pull us away from God. It may also mean choosing to spend more time in prayer or helping others.

The 3rd Sunday of Lent Year B reminds us to put God first in all things. By setting the right priorities, we can grow closer to God and live out our faith more fully.

The 3rd Sunday of Lent Year B calls us to deepen our faith and renew our commitment to God. By examining our hearts, setting the right priorities, and focusing on true worship, we can grow closer to Christ. May these reflections inspire us to live with faith and love.

Prayer

Lord, help us to worship you with sincere hearts. Clear away distractions and purify our minds. Guide us to follow your commandments and live faithfully. Give us strength to set the right priorities and put you first. May we reflect your love and mercy to the world. Amen.

• What distractions keep you from true worship?
• How can you make the Eucharist the center of your life?
• In what ways have material things taken priority over your faith?
• How can you purify your heart and mind?
• When was the last time you received the sacrament of Reconciliation?
• What changes can you make to better follow God’s commandments?
• How do your actions reflect your faith and commitment to God?
• What steps can you take to put God first in your daily life?
• How can you make your heart a worthy dwelling place for Christ?
• What can you do this Lent to grow closer to God?

The music selections for the 3rd Sunday of Lent Year B reflect themes of repentance, worship, and commitment to God. Some songs call for purification and renewal, echoing the call to cleanse our hearts like Jesus cleansed the temple. Others focus on trusting God’s wisdom and following His commandments. There are also hymns that inspire faith and encourage the community to worship with sincere hearts. These selections help us focus on God’s presence and our call to live faithfully.

• 40 Days by Matt Maher
• Church of God Elect and Glorious by Rowland H. Pritchard, James E. Seddon & Randall Debruyn
• Christ Be Our Light by Bernadette Farrell
• Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation
• Come Alive / Dry Bones by Lauren Daigle
• Doxology by Passion and David Crowder Band
• From the Inside Out by Hillsong United
• Have Mercy Lord on Us/Attende Domine by Craig Kingsbury, Randall Debruyn & Melvin Farrell
• Holy, Holy, Holy/God with Us by Matt Maher
• Holy Is the Temple by Bob Hurd
• I Give You a New Commandment by Bob Hurd
• I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say by The Hillbilly Thomists
• I Will Follow by Chris Tomlin
• Lord Prepare Me (Sanctuary) by Oasis Worship
• One Thing Remains by Jesus Culture & Chris Quilala
• Only a Shadow by Carey Landry, Martha Lesinski & Louise Anderson
• Shelter Me O God by Bob Hurd
• Take Up Your Cross by Charles W. Everest & Johann Sebastian Bach
• The Church’s One Foundation by Samuel S. Wesley & Samuel J. Stone
• The Lord Is My Light by Christopher Walker
• We Remember by Marty Haugen

Music directors and musicians are encouraged to explore these selections and consider how they enhance worship for the 3rd Sunday of Lent Year B. Reflect on the themes of repentance, true worship, and commitment to God. Share your experiences and suggest other fitting songs in the comments to inspire others.

What date is the 3rd Sunday of Lent Year B?

The next date is Sunday February 28, 2027.
For other years see the links below:
3rd Sunday of Lent Year A
3rd Sunday of Lent Year C

What are the Mass readings for the 3rd Sunday of Lent Year B?

The Catholic Mass readings for Sunday February 28, 2027 are:
First Reading – Exodus 20:1-17: The Ten Commandments
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 19: The Glory of God Revealed
Second Reading – 1 Corinthians 1:22-25: The Paradox of the Cross
Gospel – John 2:13-25: Jesus Cleanses the Temple
If your parish is doing the RCIA scrutinies, use the readings for Year A instead.

What is the main message of the 3rd Sunday of Lent Year B?

The main message is about true worship, obedience to God’s commandments, and setting the right priorities. It calls us to reflect on our faith and remove distractions that keep us from God.

Why did Jesus get angry in the temple?

Jesus was angry because the temple was turned into a marketplace. People were focused on buying and selling instead of worshiping God. He wanted to restore the temple to its purpose as a place of prayer.

What does the cleansing of the temple mean for us?

It reminds us to examine our own lives and remove anything that distracts us from God. We should keep our hearts pure and focus on worshiping God sincerely.

How does the first reading connect to the Gospel?

The first reading gives the Ten Commandments, which guide us to put God first. In the Gospel, Jesus shows the importance of true worship and obedience to God. Both readings call us to live faithfully.

Why are the Ten Commandments important?

They guide us to worship God alone and live rightly with others. They help us set priorities and live in a way that honors God.

How can we apply the Ten Commandments in our daily lives?

We can put God first, speak truthfully, respect others, and avoid greed or jealousy. By following the commandments, we build good relationships with God and others.

What does it mean to worship God with a pure heart?

It means focusing on God without distractions or selfish motives. True worship is sincere, honest, and centered on God.

How does the 3rd Sunday of Lent Year B help us prepare for Easter?

It calls us to examine our hearts and repent from sin. By clearing out distractions and renewing our faith, we prepare to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus.

Why did Paul call Christ crucified foolishness to some people?

To some, the idea of a crucified Savior seemed weak or foolish. But Paul teaches that God’s wisdom is beyond human understanding, and through the cross, God showed His power to save us.

What is the connection between the temple and the Eucharist?

Just as the temple was God’s dwelling place, Jesus is present in the Eucharist. When we receive the Eucharist, we enter into God’s presence and worship Him truly.

How can we respond to the message of the 3rd Sunday of Lent Year B?

We can examine our hearts, remove distractions, and renew our commitment to God. We can also participate more fully in Mass and seek forgiveness through Reconciliation.