* As an Amazon affiliate, this site earns from qualifying purchases.

11th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B

Mass Readings for the 11th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B

  • First ReadingEzekiel 17:22-24: The Lord promises to take a shoot from a cedar, plant it on a high mountain, and make it a great tree where birds will find shelter. He will humble the proud and exalt the humble.
  • Responsorial PsalmPsalm 92: Giving thanks and praise to the Lord is good. The righteous will flourish and proclaim the Lord’s justice.
  • Second Reading2 Corinthians 5:6-10: We walk by faith, not sight, aiming to please the Lord. We will be judged by Christ for our deeds.
  • Gospel Mark 4:26-34: Jesus taught the crowds about the kingdom of God using parables, comparing it to a growing seed and a mustard seed that becomes a large plant. He explained these teachings privately to his disciples.

This is how it is with the kingdom of God; it is as if a man were to scatter seed on the land and would sleep and rise night and day and through it all the seed would sprout and grow, he knows not how.

Mark 4:26-27

Themes for the 11th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B

The readings for the 11th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B are filled with images of growth. The first reading tells of planting a shoot on a mountain, which then becomes a shelter for the birds. And in the gospel Jesus tells the parable of the seed that grows and the parable of the mustard seed.

So on the 11th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B, the readings focus on faith, growth, and humility. The messages show God’s power to nurture and transform lives, encouraging us to trust and follow Him.

  • God’s Nurturing Power: God takes a small shoot and grows it into a great tree. This shows His ability to nurture small beginnings into something great.
  • Faith and Trust: We are called to walk by faith, not by sight. Trusting in God’s plan, even when we cannot see the outcome, pleases Him.
  • Judgment by Deeds: We will be judged by Christ for what we have done. Our actions matter and we should strive to do good.
  • Humility and Exaltation: God humbles the proud and exalts the humble. He values humility and lifts up those who are lowly.
  • Parable of the Mustard Seed: The kingdom of God starts small like a mustard seed but grows large. This shows the power of faith and the growth of God’s kingdom.

The readings for the 11th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B remind us to trust in God’s power and care. They encourage us to live humble, faithful lives, knowing God will grow and nurture our faith.

See the Homilies and Reflections section and the More Thoughts section for further expansion on these readings and some reflection questions for the 11th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B.

Resources for the 11th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B

Sunday June 13, 2027

Planting Seeds of Faith

This “Planting Seeds of Faith” lesson plan helps youth explore their faith’s growth. Through planting seeds and discussions, they learn how faith starts small but can grow. The lesson is based on the gospel for the 11th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B, Mark 4:26-34. Jesus compares the Kingdom of God to seeds that grow into large plants. Students will see that small acts of faith can lead to great things. They will reflect on how to care for and nurture their faith through prayer, scripture, sacraments, and service, trusting in God’s work in their lives.

The Book of Ezekiel

The book of Ezekiel, part of the Old Testament, offers insights into prophetic visions and messages. Ezekiel used vivid imagery and symbolic actions to convey God’s teachings. Themes include God’s sovereignty, the people’s unfaithfulness, and the promise of restoration. The book begins with Ezekiel’s call, describes the downfall of Jerusalem, and illustrates spiritual revival through symbolic acts like dry bones. It also envisions Israel’s restoration and a new Temple. These messages encourage repentance and spiritual renewal. The background information in this article will help readers understand the first reading for the 11th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B, Ezekiel 17:22-24.

Psalm 92: Renew Your Spirit with a Path to Gratitude

The responsorial psalm for the 11th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B is Psalm 92. It reminds us to praise God from morning to night, recognizing Him as the source of our joy. The prayer contrasts those who live unaware of God with those who sense His presence and are strong. It highlights the importance of treating others with care and finding true joy in following God. Praising and thanking God all day brings love and joy into our lives.

See a A Prayer for Strength and Gratitude based on Psalm 92.

Background Information for the Gospel of Mark

Background material is available to help readers understand the context for the gospel for the 11th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B, Mark 4:26-34. The Gospel of Mark, written by John Mark, is known for its fast-paced narrative and focus on Jesus’ actions and miracles. This section of the Gospel highlights Jesus’ ministry in Galilee, emphasizing His authority and the proclamation of the kingdom of God through parables. These parables use simple stories to convey deep spiritual truths, inviting listeners to reflect on their lives and respond to God’s message.

Homilies and Reflections for the 11th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B

Sunday June 13, 2027

See Things Differently

In his homily for the 11th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B, Bishop Robert Barron discusses how people of faith see the world differently. He reflects on Ezekiel’s prophecy, Paul’s mission, and Jesus’ parables, showing that faith reveals God’s purpose beyond the obvious. Ezekiel’s vision of a restored Israel, Paul’s mission to spread the Gospel, and Jesus’ parable of the mustard seed all point to the growth of God’s kingdom from humble beginnings. Bishop Barron emphasizes that walking by faith, not just by sight, helps believers see the unfolding of God’s plan and the Church’s role in it.

God Works from Small Beginnings

On the 11th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B, Jeff Cavins reflects on feeling small and insignificant. He emphasizes that God can take the smallest beginnings and grow them into something great. He relates this to the readings from Ezekiel and Mark, showing how God uses small things to achieve big results. Cavins encourages us to trust God with our small efforts, like raising children or starting a ministry, knowing that He can turn them into something wonderful. He cites examples like Mother Teresa and Pope John Paul II, who achieved great things from humble starts.

Tree of Righteousness

On the 11th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B, Scott Hahn reflects on the prophecy of Ezekiel and its fulfillment in Christ. Ezekiel’s vision of a fruitful tree on a mountain points to the cross on Calvary, bringing salvation to all, including Gentiles. Hahn highlights how the readings show that God lifts the lowly and brings hope. The Psalm echoes this by praising God’s goodness. St. Paul reminds us that faith must show in our deeds, and we will be judged accordingly. Through the sacraments, God gives us the grace and courage to live as His children.

Always Courageous

In his homily for the 11th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B, Fr. Mike Schmitz shares a story about a TV character who felt safe with his dad driving into the night, symbolizing the courage to move forward despite uncertainty. Fr. Mike relates this to Christians, who, like St. Paul, must walk by faith, not by sight. He emphasizes that courage isn’t the absence of fear, but choosing to trust God and act rightly despite it. Using examples like his grandmother’s stand against abortions at her hospital, Fr. Mike urges us to trust God’s word and move forward with courage.

The Mustard Seed Principle

In this homily for the 11th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B, Bishop Robert Barron reflects on the mustard seed parable. He explains that God’s kingdom often starts small and grows quietly. Like a mustard seed, small efforts can lead to significant outcomes. God works under the radar, turning humble beginnings into something great. He reminds us not to be afraid of starting small, citing examples like Saint Paul and Mother Teresa. These small beginnings, unnoticed at first, led to massive impacts. God’s work often starts quietly and grows into something mighty. Trust in small actions prompted by God.

The Hidden Growth of God’s Kingdom

In the USCCB video reflection for the 11th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B, the Gospel of Mark’s parables about seeds and growth are explored. Jesus compares the Kingdom of God to seeds that grow unseen, highlighting the humble beginnings and inevitable growth of God’s reign. The parables, using everyday images like gardens and fields, show that God’s Kingdom starts small and hidden but grows steadily. This reflection encourages us to see God’s work in the ordinary aspects of our lives, reminding us that even in small, unnoticed ways, God’s Kingdom is continually expanding.

More Thoughts for the 11th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B

Trusting in God’s Plan

The readings for the 11th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B teach us to trust in God’s plan, even if it starts small. We might feel insignificant or think our actions do not matter. But God can use our small efforts to create something wonderful. Just like the small shoot in Ezekiel and the mustard seed in the Gospel, our small acts of faith can have a big impact.

In our daily lives, we often face challenges and uncertainties. We might not see the results of our efforts right away. But these readings remind us to have faith and trust that God is working through us. Our job is to be faithful and do our best, leaving the rest to God.

St. Paul’s message in 2 Corinthians also reminds us of the importance of our actions. We are called to live by faith and aim to please the Lord. Even if we do not see immediate results, we know that our efforts are important and will be judged by Christ.

Humility and Growth

The theme of humility is also present in these readings for the 11th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B . God exalts the humble and brings low the proud. This is a reminder that we should not seek greatness for ourselves but trust in God’s plan. When we are humble, God can use us to do great things.

The parable of the mustard seed shows that small beginnings can lead to great growth. This can be seen in the lives of many saints who started with small acts of faith. Their humility and trust in God allowed them to achieve great things. We too can be part of God’s kingdom by being faithful in small things.

Reflecting on these readings for the 11th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B , we are encouraged to trust in God’s power to grow our small efforts into something great. Whether it is in our family, work, or community, our small acts of faith and kindness can have a big impact. God sees our efforts and will bless them in His time.

Living Our Faith

As we meditate on the readings for the 11th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B, we see the importance of living our faith. Our actions matter and are seen by God. We might not always see the results, but we trust that God is working through us.

Let us be encouraged by the promise in Ezekiel, the call to live by faith in Corinthians, and the parable of the mustard seed in the Gospel. God is with us in our small efforts and will use them to build His kingdom. We do not need to worry about being great in the eyes of the world. Instead, we focus on being faithful and humble servants of God.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help us to trust in Your plan and be faithful in our small efforts. Give us the courage to live by faith and to act with humility. Use our lives to build Your kingdom and bring glory to Your name. Amen.

Reflection Questions for the 11th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B

  • How can you trust God more with the small efforts you make each day?
  • In what areas of your life do you need to live more by faith and less by sight?
  • How can you practice humility in your daily life and let God use you for His purposes?
  • What small actions can you take this week to show your faith and trust in God’s plan?
  • How do the examples of the mustard seed and the small shoot inspire you to be patient and persistent in your faith?
  • Have you ever experienced a small effort of yours growing into something significant? How did that strengthen your faith?
  • How do you feel knowing that your actions, even if unnoticed by others, are seen and valued by God?
  • What are some practical ways to live out the parable of the mustard seed in your community or church?
  • How does understanding that God often works quietly and under the radar change your perspective on success and achievement?
  • How can you cultivate a heart that is open to God’s prompting, even in the smallest tasks?

Quotes and Social Media Graphics for the 11th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B

11th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B

Music Suggestions for the 11th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B

Sunday June 13, 2027

These music selections reflect the themes of growth, faith, and trust found in the readings for the 11th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B. They emphasize the importance of planting seeds of faith and watching them grow, trusting in God’s plan, and recognizing His presence in our lives. The songs remind us to be thankful for God’s gifts, to find strength in His light, and to walk by faith. They celebrate the beauty of creation and God’s ability to restore life, encouraging us to participate in the growth of God’s kingdom.

Music directors, musicians and worship leaders, consider incorporating these selections into your services for the 11th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B. They align well with the themes of this Sunday’s readings and can enhance the worship experience. We invite you to try these songs and share your own suggestions in the comments. Let’s work together to create meaningful and inspiring worship music.

Questions and Answers for the 11th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B

What date is the 11th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B?

The next date is Sunday June 13, 2027.
For other years see the links below:
11th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A
11th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C

What are the Mass readings for the 11th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B?

The Catholic Mass readings for Sunday June 13, 2027 are:
First Reading –  Ezekiel 17:22-24: The Lord’s Promise of the Cedar
Responsorial Psalm –  Psalm 92: Praise and Thanks to the Lord
Second Reading – 2 Corinthians 5:6-10: Walking by Faith
Gospel Mark 4:26-34: Parables of the Kingdom 

What does the small shoot in Ezekiel 17:22-24 represent?

The small shoot in Ezekiel 17:22-24 represents a small beginning that God will grow into something great. It shows how God can take something small and make it important.

Why does Jesus compare the kingdom of God to a mustard seed in Mark 4:26-34?

Jesus compares the kingdom of God to a mustard seed to show how it starts small but grows into something large. This teaches us that small acts of faith can have a big impact over time.

How can I apply the message of the mustard seed to my life?

You can apply the message of the mustard seed by trusting that your small actions can lead to great things. Be faithful in the little things you do each day, knowing that God can use them.

What does it mean to “walk by faith, not by sight” in 2 Corinthians 5:6-10?

“Walk by faith, not by sight” means trusting in God’s plan even when we can’t see the results. It encourages us to live according to our faith in God, not just by what we see.

How does the reading from Ezekiel connect to the Gospel reading about the mustard seed?

Both readings show how small beginnings can grow into something great. Ezekiel talks about a small shoot growing into a large tree, and Jesus talks about a mustard seed growing into a large plant.

Why is humility important in these readings for the 11th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B?

Humility is important because it shows that we rely on God, not ourselves. These readings remind us that God values humble beginnings and can use them for great things.

How can we live by faith in our daily lives according to these readings?

We can live by faith by trusting God with our small efforts and believing He will use them for good. We should act with faith and trust that God is working through us.

What is the main lesson from the readings on the 11th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B?

The main lesson is that God can use small beginnings to do great things. We should trust in God’s plan and be faithful in our actions, no matter how small they seem.

How does the parable of the mustard seed encourage patience?

The parable of the mustard seed encourages patience by showing that growth takes time. We need to be patient and trust that God will grow our small efforts into something significant.

What should we remember when we feel our efforts are too small to matter?

When we feel our efforts are too small, we should remember that God sees and values them. The readings remind us that small beginnings can lead to great outcomes in God’s time.

Join our email list to receive weekly emails with Catholic reflections and more.

Comments

4 responses to “11th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B”

  1. DANIEL CHIMEZIE OKECHUKWU Avatar
    DANIEL CHIMEZIE OKECHUKWU

    Wonderful homilies and reflective questions. I am really fulfilled. God bless all those who make earnest effort to put these together.

    1. kevin onyima Avatar
      kevin onyima

      This is very good and encouraging. It builds faith and encouraged humility and trust as the tools of faithful disciples of the Lord. Thanks for touching my life positively.

  2. Asoanya Anthony Avatar

    Great reflection and very didactic..full of spirituality and inspiration… keep it
    Up and keep hope alive…. million thanks

  3. Johnson Ayimolga Avatar
    Johnson Ayimolga

    I feel refreshed. I have gained deeper understanding of the parable of the mustard seed and the small shoot in Ezekiel 17:22-24 than ever before. May God continue to increase you servants in wisdom and bless your ministry. Amen

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *