10th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C

• First Reading – 1 Kings 17:17-24: God demonstrates His power and compassion by resurrecting the deceased son of a widow through the prophet Elijah.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 30: The Lord has rescued me, turning my mourning into dancing; I will praise Him forever for His deliverance and steadfast love.
• Second Reading – Galatians 1:11-19: Paul emphasizes the divine origin of his Gospel message, recounting his personal transformation from a persecutor of Christians to a faithful follower of Christ.
• Gospel – Luke 7:11-17: Jesus displays His power and compassion by raising the widow of Nain’s son from the dead, demonstrating His authority over life and death. This miraculous event brings immense joy and astonishment to the people, revealing Jesus as the source of hope and the fulfillment of God’s promises.

Lectionary Reference: 90

The readings above are for lectionary cycle C. For other years see the links below:
10th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A
10th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B

The 10th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C focuses on God’s power and mercy. The readings show how God brings life, offers hope, and calls people to faith.

• God’s Power Over Death: Elijah and Jesus both raise the dead, showing that God has control over life and death. These miracles reveal God’s authority and bring hope to those who are suffering.
• Compassion for the Suffering: Both widows in the readings face deep sorrow, and God responds with mercy. These stories show that God cares for those in pain and does not leave them alone.
• Faith in God’s Call: Paul explains that he once opposed Christians but was called to follow Jesus. His story reminds people that God can change lives and lead them in a new direction.
• Jesus as the Source of Hope: The people in the Gospel witness Jesus raising the widow’s son, and they rejoice. This moment shows that Jesus brings hope and can change even the darkest situations.
• God Works Through His Servants: Elijah and Paul both act according to God’s will, and their actions reveal God’s power. This reminds people that God often works through chosen individuals to carry out His plans.
• The Joy of New Life: The widow’s sorrow turns into joy when her son is brought back to life. This shows that God can bring happiness even after great suffering.

God’s love brings life and hope. The readings remind people to trust in Him, even in difficult times.

The Power of Touch: Reaching Lives with the Gospel

This reflection from Jeff Cavins on the readings for the 10th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C highlights the power of God over death and the importance of reaching out and touching the lives of others as Jesus did. It contrasts the Pharisees’ emphasis on separation and what they couldn’t do with Jesus’ focus on righteousness and the transformative power of his touch, urging us to interact with the world and share the Gospel fearlessly.

The 10th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C reminds us of God’s power, mercy, and call to change. The readings show how God restores life, brings hope to the suffering, and calls people to follow Him. Through these stories, we see that God is always near, working in ways we may not expect.

God’s Power to Bring Life from Despair

The 10th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C shows how God brings life even in the darkest times. In the first reading, a widow’s son dies, leaving her with deep sorrow and no hope for the future. Elijah, a prophet of God, prays, and the boy is brought back to life. This miracle shows that God sees the pain of His people and responds with mercy.

In the Gospel, a similar moment happens when Jesus meets a widow mourning the loss of her only son. Jesus does not wait for her to ask for help. He sees her sorrow, steps forward, and brings her son back to life. The people watching are amazed, realizing that God’s power is at work.

These stories remind us that God is never distant from our struggles. Even when life seems hopeless, He can bring new life and healing. The widows thought their situations were final, but God showed them that nothing is beyond His reach.

The 10th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C invites us to trust in God, even when we feel lost. He is the one who lifts us up when we are struggling. Just as He restored life to these widows’ sons, He can bring hope to our lives as well.

A Path to Change

The second reading for the 10th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C tells the story of Paul. He once tried to stop the followers of Jesus, believing they were wrong. But then something happened that changed everything. God called him to follow Christ, and he became one of the strongest voices for the Gospel.

Paul’s story shows that no one is too far from God. Even when people make mistakes or go down the wrong path, God still reaches out to them. Paul did not change on his own. He listened to God’s call and allowed himself to be led in a new direction.

This reading reminds us that change is possible for everyone. Some people may feel stuck in their past or believe they cannot change. But God’s love can open new doors. He can give people the strength to take a new path, just as He did for Paul.

The 10th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C encourages us to reflect on our own lives. Are there ways God is calling us to change? Are we listening? Paul’s story reminds us that God is always ready to guide us if we are willing to follow.

Sharing God’s Love and Mercy

The 10th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C is a reminder that God’s love is not just for a few people. It is for everyone. In both the first reading and the Gospel, God reaches out to those who are suffering. He does not ignore them. He steps into their pain and brings hope.

As followers of Christ, we are called to do the same. We may not be able to raise the dead, but we can bring hope to others in different ways. A kind word, a helping hand, or simply being there for someone can make a difference. When we show love and mercy, we reflect God’s presence in the world.

Paul’s life also teaches us about sharing God’s message. After his own life changed, he did not keep the news to himself. He shared it with others, helping them find hope in Christ. We are called to do the same, spreading God’s love in our families, communities, and beyond.

The 10th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C invites us to think about how we can bring God’s love to others. Are there people in our lives who need encouragement? Can we be a source of hope for them? God has shown us mercy, and now He calls us to share it with the world.

These reflections invite us to trust in God’s love and to share it with others. The 10th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C encourages us to open our hearts to change, to find hope in difficult times, and to be a source of kindness in the world. May we listen to God’s call and walk in His ways.

Prayer

Lord, You bring life where there is sorrow and hope where there is loss. Help us trust in Your love and see Your hand in our lives. Give us the courage to change, the strength to follow You, and the kindness to share Your mercy with others. Amen.

• How do the readings of the 10th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C show God’s power to bring new life?
• When have you experienced hope in a difficult time?
• What does Jesus’ compassion for the widow of Nain teach you about God’s love?
• How can you bring comfort to someone who is struggling?
• In what ways has God called you to change, like He did with Paul?
• How can you be more open to God’s plans for your life?
• What are some small ways you can share God’s love with others?
• How do these readings help you trust in God’s mercy?
• What do these stories teach you about faith during hard times?
• How can you respond to God’s call in your daily life?

The music selections for the 10th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C reflect themes of hope, renewal, and trust in God’s mercy. Many of these songs focus on God’s power to bring life where there is loss, just as He did for the widows in the readings. Others emphasize faith in God’s promises and the assurance that He is always with us, even in difficult times. Some songs remind us of Christ’s call to follow Him, just as Paul was called to a new path. Together, these songs help us pray, reflect, and respond to the message of God’s love and care.

• All Are Welcome, All Belong by Jesse Manibusan & Ken Canedo
• Awake, O Sleeper by Ike Ndolo
• Come Alive / Dry Bones by Lauren Daigle
• Come to Me and Drink by Bob Hurd
• From the Depths We Cry to Thee by Martin Herbst & Alan G. McDougall
• God Is Able by Hillsong Worship and Reuben Morgan
• Here’s My Heart by Lauren Daigle
• I Am the Bread of Life by Suzanne Toolan
• I Know that My Redeemer Lives by Scott Soper
• I Will Rise by Chris Tomlin
• Journey for Home by Ed Bolduc
• Psalm 30: I Will Praise You, Lord by Paul Inwood
• Psalm 30: I Will Praise You Lord by Rory Cooney
• What Wondrous Love Is This
• We Walk by Faith by Marty Haugen
• We Will Not Be Shaken by Bethel Music
• You Came (Lazarus) by Jonathan David Helser & Melissa Helser
• Your Promises by Elevation Worship

Music directors and musicians are encouraged to explore these selections and consider how they support the themes of the 10th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C. These songs can help the congregation connect with the readings in a deeper way. If you have other music that fits these themes, share your suggestions in the comments.

What is the main message of the 10th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C?

The readings for the 10th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C remind us that God brings life and hope where there is sadness. They show His care for those who suffer and His power to restore what is lost.

Why did Elijah pray for the widow’s son to live again?

Elijah asked God to bring the boy back to life to show that the Lord listens and cares for His people. It was also a way for the widow to see that God’s power is real and that He answers prayer.

How does Elijah’s story fit into the larger message of the Bible?

Elijah’s story shows that God works through people who trust Him. It reminds us that faith and obedience can bring hope, even when things seem impossible.

What does Psalm 30 teach us?

Psalm 30 teaches that God can turn sadness into joy. When we feel lost or afraid, He lifts us up and gives us reasons to be thankful again.

How does Paul’s message in Galatians connect to the other readings?

Paul tells how his life changed because of his faith in Jesus. His message fits with the theme of new life and hope. Just as the widow’s son was given life again, Paul was given a new life through faith.

What can we learn from the widow in the Gospel reading?

The widow shows deep sorrow and need. Jesus sees her pain and helps her. This teaches us that God cares when we are hurting and that His love brings comfort and hope.

Why did Jesus bring the widow’s son back to life?

Jesus wanted to show God’s care and power over death. It was also an act of compassion for a grieving mother who had lost her only son.

How does the story of the widow’s son speak to us today?

It reminds us that God is close when we are sad or afraid. He brings hope and new beginnings, even in the hardest moments.

What can we do when we feel hopeless like the widow?

We can pray and trust that God still works in our lives. Even when we cannot see the answer, He can bring help and peace in ways we do not expect.

How does the 10th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C help us grow in faith?

It helps us see that God’s care is not distant. He listens, heals, and restores. It calls us to trust Him when we face loss or pain.

Why is Paul’s story of change important for the 10th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C?

Paul’s change shows that God can bring new life to anyone. Just as Jesus gave life to the widow’s son, God gives us new purpose when we follow Him.

What does the 10th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C teach us about compassion?

It shows that faith is not only about belief but also about care for others. Like Jesus, we are called to notice those who are hurting and to bring kindness and hope.

How can we live out the message of these readings?

We can comfort those who grieve, help those in need, and trust that God’s love brings life where there is pain. Each small act of care shows faith in action.