8th Sunday in Ordinary Time

The 8th Sunday in Ordinary Time reminds us that our words and actions show what is in our hearts. One Gospel says that a tree is known by its fruit. Good people speak and act with love and truth. Jesus teaches that before judging others, we should first look at ourselves. We all need to grow and change. We might reflect on our own lives as flawed individuals. But God can make beautiful things from our weaknesses.

In another year, Jesus talks about not worrying. God cares for the birds and flowers, and He cares for us even more. We should trust Him and not focus too much on money or things. Another reading warns about false teachers and the danger of empty words. The 8th Sunday in Ordinary Time calls us to live with honesty, trust in God, and let our faith shape how we live every day.

Click on the appropriate year below to see resources, themes, homilies, and more. See how to determine the correct year.

8th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A
8th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B
8th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C

Mass Readings for the 8th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A

See resources, homilies, and more for 8th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A readings here.

• First reading: Isaiah 49:14-15 – God’s people feel forgotten, but God says He will never forget them. Just like a mother cannot forget her child, God will always care for His people.
• Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 61 – The psalmist cries out to God for help and safety. He asks to live close to God and trust in His care.
• Second reading: 1 Corinthians 4:1-5 – Paul reminds the people that only God can judge rightly. We should not judge others or even ourselves too soon. God will bring everything into the light.
• Gospel: Matthew 6:24-34 – Jesus tells us not to worry about food, clothes, or tomorrow. God cares for the birds and flowers, and He will care for us too. We should seek God’s kingdom first and trust Him with everything else.

Mass Readings for the 8th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B

See resources, homilies, and more for the 8th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B readings here.

• First Reading: Hosea 2:16-17,21-22 – God promises to bring His people back with love. He speaks kindly to them and makes a new bond that will last forever. God’s love is faithful and strong.
• Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 103 – This psalm praises God for His mercy and kindness. He forgives sins, heals, and shows compassion. God is patient and full of love.
• Second Reading: 2 Corinthians 3:1-6 – Paul says that the message of Jesus is written on people’s hearts, not on stone. It is not about rules but about the Spirit. God gives life through the Spirit.
• Gospel: Mark 2:18-22 – People ask Jesus why His followers do not fast. He explains that you don’t fast while the bridegroom is with you. Jesus brings something new, and new things need new ways.

Mass Readings for the 8th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C

See resources, homilies, and more for the 8th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C readings here.

• First Reading – Sirach 27:4-7: Our words show what kind of people we are. Just like a tree is judged by its fruit, we are known by what we say. We should listen carefully before praising someone.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 92: The psalm praises God for His goodness and faithfulness. The just will grow strong like healthy trees. They will stay fresh and full of life, even in old age.
• Second Reading – 1 Corinthians 15:54-58: Death will not win in the end. God gives us victory through Jesus. We should stay strong and keep doing good, because our work for God matters.
• Gospel – Luke 6:39-45: Jesus says we must first look at ourselves before trying to correct others. A good person brings out good things from their heart. What we say and do shows what is inside us.

Lookup Other Liturgical Dates in the Lectionary

The Bible is the full book of Scripture. The Lectionary is a book used at Mass with selected readings from the Bible. These readings are picked to match the Church calendar. The Lectionary helps us hear the important parts of Scripture during each season. It does not include every Bible passage. The readings for the 8th Sunday in Ordinary Time are part of this planned cycle.

The Lectionary is set up in cycles. Sundays follow a three-year cycle called Year A, B, and C. Each year highlights a different Gospel writer. Weekday readings follow a two-year cycle. The Gospel of John is often read during Lent and Easter. In the United States, the readings at Mass come from the New American Bible. This keeps the readings clear and the same at every Mass, including on the 8th Sunday in Ordinary Time.

How to Determine the Liturgical Year

The liturgical cycle is a three-year sequence of A, B, and C.

• 2024 is Year B
• 2025 is Year C
• 2026 is Year A
• 2027 is Year B
• 2028 is Year C
• 2029 is Year A
• 2030 is Year B
• 2031 is Year C
• … and so on

The 8th Sunday in Ordinary Time reminds us that what we say and do shows who we really are. Jesus says that a tree is known by its fruit. In the same way, our actions and words come from what is in our hearts. If our hearts are good, our actions will show it.

One Gospel tells us not to focus on the faults of others. Instead, we should look at ourselves first. We all have things to work on. Before we try to fix others, we need to ask God to help us grow and change.

Another reading warns us not to trust empty words. Some people speak well but do not live well. Real wisdom comes from God and leads us to do what is right.

The 8th Sunday in Ordinary Time teaches us to be honest, kind, and humble. Our faith should guide how we live every day.

The 8th Sunday in Ordinary Time asks us to look at our words and actions. Do they show love and truth?

Read the Scripture readings. Think about what they say to you. Share your thoughts or experience in the comment section.