5th Sunday of Lent Year B
Sunday March 14, 2027
Mass Readings for the 5th Sunday of Lent Year B
- First Reading – Jeremiah 31:31-34: God promises a new covenant with Israel and Judah, different from the old. He will write His laws in their hearts, be their God, and they, His people. All will know Him and be forgiven.
- Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 51: I ask God for mercy and cleansing from my sins. May He create a pure heart in me, not casting me away, and restore the joy of salvation to guide others.
- Second Reading – Hebrews 5:7-9: Jesus Christ, during His time on earth, earnestly prayed to the Father, and was heard for His deep reverence. Through suffering, He learned obedience, becoming the source of eternal salvation for His followers.
- Gospel –John 12:20-33: When some Greeks sought Jesus during Passover, He spoke of His impending death, likening it to a grain of wheat that must die to produce many seeds. He emphasized self-denial for eternal life and the honor given to those who serve Him. Jesus, troubled, chose to glorify God’s name over seeking rescue. A divine voice affirmed this, leading to varied interpretations among the crowd. Jesus explained His crucifixion would judge the world and draw all to Himself, revealing the nature of His death.
Upcoming dates: March 14, 2027, April 7, 2030, April 3, 2033
Amen, amen, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit.
John 12:24
Themes for the 5th Sunday of Lent Year B
The 5th Sunday of Lent Year B invites us to reflect on the meaning of sacrifice, obedience, and the promise of new life. The readings explore Jesus’ willingness to die for our salvation and the new covenant that brings us closer to God. These themes help us prepare for Holy Week and deepen our understanding of Jesus’ mission.
- Self-Sacrifice and Fruitfulness: Jesus speaks about a grain of wheat that must die to bear fruit. This shows that self-sacrifice leads to new life and growth, calling us to follow His example of self-giving love.
- Obedience Through Suffering: The second reading highlights Jesus’ obedience through suffering. This reminds us that true obedience sometimes involves hardship, but it brings salvation and spiritual growth.
- The New Covenant: In the first reading, God promises a new covenant written on our hearts. This covenant invites a deeper relationship with God, based on love and forgiveness.
- Glorifying God’s Name: Jesus seeks to glorify God even when facing suffering and death. This teaches us to honor God in all circumstances, trusting that His plan is greater than our struggles.
- Drawing All People to Christ: Jesus says His crucifixion will draw all people to Himself. This shows the universal nature of His mission and invites us to share His message of salvation.
- Life Through Death: Jesus explains that losing one’s life for His sake leads to eternal life. This challenges us to live selflessly, putting God and others first.
These themes for the 5th Sunday of Lent Year B encourage us to reflect on Jesus’ sacrifice and our own call to follow Him. By embracing obedience, self-sacrifice, and trust in God, we prepare our hearts for the celebration of Easter.
Resources for the 5th Sunday of Lent Year B
Sunday March 14, 2027
Dying to Live – A Lesson Plan on Death and New Life
The 5th Sunday of Lent Year B invites us to reflect on Jesus’ teaching about dying to live. In the Gospel, Jesus compares His death to a grain of wheat falling to the ground. Just as the grain must die to produce new life, Jesus’ sacrifice brings salvation to all. This lesson challenges us to let go of selfishness and live for God’s purpose.
This “Dying to Live” lesson plan helps youth understand how letting go can lead to new beginnings. It encourages them to see how losses or endings in their lives can open the door to growth and renewal. By embracing Jesus’ example of self-giving love, they learn to live more fully in faith. The 5th Sunday of Lent Year B reminds us that true life comes from trusting in God’s plan, even when it means letting go.
What Is the Paschal Mystery?
The Paschal Mystery is the center of our faith. It is about Jesus’ passion, death, resurrection, and ascension. Through these events, Jesus saves us from sin and gives us the hope of eternal life. On the 5th Sunday of Lent Year B, the readings remind us that new life often comes through sacrifice and suffering. Just as Jesus died and rose again, we are called to let go of our selfishness to find new life in Him.
In the Gospel, Jesus compares His death to a grain of wheat that must die to produce fruit. This teaches us that our struggles and sacrifices can lead to growth and renewal. The 5th Sunday of Lent Year B invites us to reflect on how we can follow Jesus by dying to our own desires and living for others. In doing so, we share in the hope and promise of the Paschal Mystery.
The Book of the Prophet Jeremiah
The first reading for the 5th Sunday of Lent Year B is from the Book of Jeremiah. In this passage, God promises a new covenant with His people. Unlike the old covenant, which was written on stone tablets and often broken, this new covenant will be written on their hearts. It shows God’s desire for a closer and more personal relationship with His people.
This promise of a new covenant points to Jesus, who fulfills it through His death and resurrection. It invites us to open our hearts to God’s love and to live according to His will. The 5th Sunday of Lent Year B reminds us that faith is not just about following rules but about letting God’s love guide our actions and decisions.
Resources and Reflections for the Gospel of John
The Gospel of John shows the divinity of Jesus and the promise of eternal life for those who believe in Him. It presents Jesus as the Word made flesh, fully human and fully God. In the Gospel for the 5th Sunday of Lent Year B, Jesus speaks of His death as a seed that must die to bring new life. This shows that through His sacrifice, He brings eternal life to all who believe.
The Gospel of John also emphasizes love as a sign of true discipleship. Jesus teaches that we should love others as He has loved us. On the 5th Sunday of Lent Year B, we are reminded that following Jesus means dying to selfishness and living in love and service to others. This message encourages us to deepen our faith and follow Christ’s example of sacrificial love.
Lenten Ideas for Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving
The 5th Sunday of Lent Year B invites us to reflect on renewal and sacrifice. This is a time to grow closer to God through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Prayer helps us seek God’s will and trust in His plan. Fasting teaches self-control and reminds us of our dependence on God. Almsgiving encourages us to help others and show love in action.
In the Gospel for the 5th Sunday of Lent Year B, Jesus speaks about the grain of wheat that must die to produce fruit. This teaches us that sacrifice leads to new life. By embracing prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, we follow Jesus’ example of giving Himself for others. These practices help us let go of selfishness and grow in faith and love.
Here is a small sampling of the 75+ ideas for prayer, fasting, and almsgiving available on this page:
Homilies and Commentaries for the 5th Sunday of Lent Year B
Sunday March 14, 2027
Drinking the Blood of Christ
In his homily for the 5th Sunday of Lent Year B, Bishop Robert Barron explains the meaning of the new covenant promised in Jeremiah 31:31. He describes how God made several covenants with His people in the Old Testament, sealed by blood sacrifices. These covenants were meant to unite God and His people, but they were often broken. Jeremiah foretold a new covenant that would be written on people’s hearts, bringing them into a closer relationship with God.
Bishop Barron explains how Jesus fulfills this prophecy at the Last Supper. By offering His body and blood, Jesus establishes the new and eternal covenant. When Catholics receive the Eucharist, they take this covenant into their hearts. The law of God is no longer just a set of rules but becomes a part of who they are. This homily shows how the promise in Jeremiah is fulfilled every time Catholics participate in the Mass.
He Leadeth Me
In this homily above for the 5th Sunday of Lent Year B, Bishop Robert Barron shares the compelling story of Jesuit Father Walter J. Ciszek in He Leadeth Me. Captured during World War II and enduring 23 years in Soviet captivity, Ciszek’s story is a testament to faith and resilience. Despite the hardships, he found strength in prayer and a profound sense of purpose in God’s will, transforming suffering into spiritual growth.
His experience illustrates the power of accepting God’s will in every moment, showcasing how deep faith can lead to inner peace amidst adversity, making He Leadeth Me a source of inspiration for Christians facing their own trials.
The “Hour” Comes
In his commentary for the 5th Sunday of Lent Year B, Scott Hahn explains how Jesus fulfills the prophecy of a new covenant given by Jeremiah. This new covenant is made in the “hour” of Jesus’ Death, Resurrection, and Ascension. Hahn points out that this covenant is not just for Israel but for all people, offering spiritual restoration and forgiveness. Jesus’ promise to draw all people to Himself shows the universal reach of this new covenant.
Hahn also connects Jesus’ words about being “lifted up” to His Crucifixion and exaltation as the Messiah. Jesus willingly offers Himself on the Cross, trusting in the Father’s will. Hahn explains that to follow Jesus, we must let go of sin and selfishness and trust in God’s plan. Through the Eucharist, we join our sacrifices to Christ’s, participating in His saving work. This commentary beautifully connects the readings for the 5th Sunday of Lent Year B to our own call to holiness.
Reflection for the 5th Sunday of Lent Year B
The 5th Sunday of Lent Year B invites us to reflect on God’s promises, sacrifice, and obedience. The readings reveal God’s plan to write His covenant on our hearts, calling us to a deep and personal relationship with Him. Jesus shows us the power of sacrifice and the fruit that comes from letting go of selfish desires. We are also reminded of the importance of obedience and surrender to God’s will. These reflections encourage us to trust in God’s love and to follow Jesus’ example.
Written on Our Hearts
The first reading for the 5th Sunday of Lent Year B speaks of a new covenant that God promises to write on our hearts. This covenant is different from the old one made with the ancestors, which they broke. Instead of being written on stone tablets, this new covenant will be internalized and become part of who we are. It will shape our hearts and guide our lives from within.
This promise shows God’s deep desire for a close relationship with His people. It is not about following external rules but about a change that happens inside us. God wants His law of love and mercy to dwell in our hearts, influencing our choices and actions. This is about knowing God personally and letting His love shape our lives.
God’s promise also includes forgiveness. He says He will remember our sins no more. This shows the depth of His mercy and love. It is a promise of a fresh start and a restored relationship. No matter what we have done, God is ready to forgive and embrace us.
As we reflect on the 5th Sunday of Lent Year B, we are invited to accept this covenant written on our hearts. We are called to allow God’s love and mercy to change us from the inside out. By doing this, we grow closer to God and live more fully as His people.
Producing Fruit
In the gospel for the 5th Sunday of Lent Year B, Jesus talks about a grain of wheat that must fall to the ground and die to produce much fruit. He is speaking about his own death, showing that his sacrifice will bring life to many. But he is also teaching us about the need for sacrifice in our own lives.
Just as the grain must die to grow, we must let go of selfishness and sin to live fully in God’s love. This means surrendering our own desires and following God’s will. It is not always easy, but it is necessary if we want to bear fruit.
Jesus shows us that sacrifice leads to new life. His death on the cross brought salvation to all who believe in him. In the same way, our sacrifices can bring life and love to those around us. When we give of ourselves, we share God’s love and help build His kingdom.
The 5th Sunday of Lent Year B reminds us that true life comes from giving ourselves in love and service. By letting go of our own desires and following God’s will, we can bear much fruit. We are called to trust in God’s plan and to give of ourselves generously, knowing that our sacrifices are not in vain.
Obedience and Surrender
The second reading for the 5th Sunday of Lent Year B speaks of Jesus’ obedience and surrender to the Father’s will. Even though he faced suffering, he remained faithful and obedient. Through his suffering, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who follow him.
Jesus’ obedience was not easy. He prayed earnestly to the Father and faced great sorrow. But he trusted in God’s plan and accepted the path of suffering. His surrender to the Father’s will shows us the way to true life and salvation.
We are also called to obedience and surrender in our own lives. This means trusting in God’s plan, even when it is difficult or painful. It means letting go of our own will and desires and seeking to do God’s will.
The 5th Sunday of Lent Year B invites us to follow Jesus’ example of obedience and surrender. When we trust in God and follow His will, we find true freedom and life. We are called to let go of control and to trust in God’s love and wisdom.
As we reflect on the 5th Sunday of Lent Year B, let us open our hearts to God’s covenant and allow His love to guide us. By making sacrifices, we can bear fruit and bring glory to God. Let us follow Jesus’ example of obedience and surrender, trusting in God’s plan for our lives. May these reflections inspire us to live more fully as God’s people.
Prayer
Lord, help us to accept the new covenant You have written on our hearts. Teach us to surrender our will and follow Yours. Give us the courage to make sacrifices in love and service. May our lives bear fruit for Your kingdom. Amen.
Reflection Questions for the 5th Sunday of Lent Year B
- How can I allow God’s covenant to shape my heart and life?
- What sacrifices can I make to bear fruit in my faith journey?
- How does Jesus’ obedience inspire me to trust in God’s will?
- In what areas of my life do I need to surrender control to God?
- How can I internalize God’s law of love and mercy?
- What does it mean to have God’s covenant written on my heart?
- How can I live out the call to self-giving love and service?
- How does Jesus’ example of sacrifice challenge me to grow in faith?
- What fruit can I bear by letting go of selfish desires?
- How can I live more fully as a person of the new covenant?
Quotes and Social Media Graphics for the 5th Sunday of Lent Year B
Music Suggestions for the 5th Sunday of Lent Year B
Sunday March 14, 2027
The music selections for the 5th Sunday of Lent Year B focus on themes of sacrifice, renewal, and trust in God. Many of these songs reflect the message of dying to self to bear fruit, as Jesus spoke about the grain of wheat. They also emphasize repentance, asking God to create a clean heart and renew the spirit within us. Other songs encourage us to take up our cross and follow Jesus, reminding us of His love and sacrifice. These themes connect deeply with the readings and invite us to reflect on how we can grow closer to God.
- At the Name of Jesus by Christopher Walker
- Can We Love? by Tom Booth
- Christ in Me Arise by Trevor Thomson
- Create in Me by Curtis Stephan
- Everlasting Covenant by Bob Fabing
- Give Us Clean Hands by Charlie Hall
- Here for You by Matt Redman
- How He Loves by John Mark McMillan
- Lift High the Cross by Sydney H. Nicholson
- O Sacred Head Surrounded by Tom Booth, Dean Baskerville & Jeramy Burchett
- Praise to You, O Christ, Our Savior by Bernadette Farrell
- Psalm 51: Create a Clean Heart in Me by Ricky Manalo
- Take and Eat by Brad Whittle
- Take My Life by Passion and Chris Tomlin
- Take Up Your Cross by Jaime Cortez
- There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy by Fredrick William Faber
- Unless a Grain of Wheat by Bernadette Farrell
- When I Survey the Wondrous Cross by Lowell Mason & Isaac Watts
- Your Promises by Elevation Worship
Music directors and musicians are encouraged to explore these selections and find those that resonate with their community. Consider how these themes can enhance worship and inspire deeper reflection. Feel free to share your own song choices and experiences in the comments, creating a space for ideas and inspiration.
Questions and Answers for the 5th Sunday of Lent Year B
What date is the 5th Sunday of Lent Year B?
The next date is Sunday March 14, 2027.
For other years see the links below:
5th Sunday of Lent Year A
5th Sunday of Lent Year C
What are the Mass readings for the 5th Sunday of Lent Year B?
The Catholic Mass readings for Sunday March 14, 2027 are:
First Reading – Jeremiah 31:31-34: The Promise of a New Covenant
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 51: A Prayer for Mercy and Renewal
Second Reading – Hebrews 5:7-9: Jesus, the Perfect High Priest and Sacrifice
Gospel –John 12:20-33: Following Jesus and Sharing in His Glory
What is the new covenant mentioned in the first reading?
The new covenant is God’s promise to have a closer relationship with His people. It is written on their hearts, meaning it is personal and internal, not just a set of rules.
Why is the new covenant different from the old one?
The old covenant was based on external laws and sacrifices. The new covenant is about an inner change, where people truly know and love God.
What does it mean to have God’s law written on our hearts?
It means that God’s teachings become a part of who we are. We follow His ways out of love, not just obligation.
How does the first reading relate to the 5th Sunday of Lent Year B?
It shows God’s plan to renew His people and prepare them for a deeper relationship with Him through Jesus. It connects to Jesus’ message of new life and salvation.
Why does the second reading say Jesus learned obedience through suffering?
Jesus experienced human suffering and chose to obey the Father’s will. His obedience shows us how to trust God, even in pain.
How does Jesus’ obedience bring salvation?
Jesus obeyed the Father by accepting death on the cross. Through His sacrifice, He saved us from sin and opened the way to eternal life.
Why does Jesus compare Himself to a grain of wheat?
Just as a grain of wheat must die to produce more life, Jesus must die to bring salvation to all. His death leads to new life for us.
What does it mean to hate one’s life in this world?
It means putting God’s will above personal desires. It’s about living for God’s purpose rather than worldly goals.
Why did Jesus say His hour had come?
Jesus knew it was time to fulfill His mission through His death and resurrection. It was the moment to complete God’s plan of salvation.
How does the Gospel connect to the 5th Sunday of Lent Year B?
It prepares us for Holy Week by showing Jesus’ willingness to sacrifice Himself. It invites us to follow Him through death to new life.
What does it mean that Jesus will draw all people to Himself?
By dying on the cross, Jesus offers salvation to everyone. His love and sacrifice invite all people to believe in Him.
How can we apply these readings to our lives?
We can trust in God’s plan, even in suffering, and live by His law of love. We are called to die to selfishness and live for Christ.
Sacrifice and New Life
The 5th Sunday of Lent Year B explores the themes of sacrifice, obedience, and new life. In the Gospel, Jesus speaks about a grain of wheat that must die to bear fruit, showing that his death will bring salvation to many. He reveals that his crucifixion will draw all people to himself, emphasizing his mission to save the world.
The first reading introduces the promise of a new covenant where God’s law will be written on people’s hearts. This covenant brings forgiveness and a closer relationship with God. It shows that God’s love and mercy are at the heart of salvation.
The second reading reflects on Jesus’ obedience and suffering. By accepting suffering, Jesus becomes the source of eternal salvation for all who follow him. This reminds us that true obedience sometimes involves sacrifice but leads to life and hope.
The 5th Sunday of Lent Year B calls us to reflect on Jesus’ sacrifice and our own call to follow him. It invites us to trust in God’s plan, embrace self-giving love, and prepare our hearts for the joy of Easter.
Your Turn
The 5th Sunday of Lent Year B challenges us to reflect on the meaning of sacrifice and obedience. As we hear about Jesus’ willingness to die for our salvation, we are invited to consider how we can live more selflessly. This is a time to examine our hearts and renew our commitment to follow Christ’s example of love and service.
Take some time to reflect on these readings and how they speak to your life. Consider how you can glorify God even in difficult times, just as Jesus did. Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments section. Your reflections may inspire others as we journey together toward Easter.
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