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31st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B

Sunday October 31, 2027

Love That Leads Us

The 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B helps us remember what matters most in faith. God calls His people to love. We hear that love for God and love for neighbor are at the center of all the commandments. These two are tied together. They guide how we live and how we treat one another.

This Sunday, Moses tells the people to love God with all their heart, soul, and strength. Jesus repeats this same truth in the Gospel. It is not only about rules. It is about a relationship with God that fills our lives with meaning. When we love God, that love shows in how we act toward others.

The readings for the 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B remind us that faith is simple, but not easy. It calls for trust, kindness, and courage. We grow in love by practicing it each day. God gives us strength to live this way, turning our hearts toward Him and toward one another.

Mass Readings for the 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B

  • First Reading – Deuteronomy 6:2-6: Moses instructed the people to fear and obey the LORD, promising growth and prosperity. Love the LORD with all your heart, soul, and strength, and take these words to heart.
  • Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 18: I love you, Lord. You are my strength, rock, and refuge. You save me and keep me safe. Blessed be my savior, who gives victories and shows kindness.
  • Second Reading – Hebrews 7:23-28: Jesus is our eternal high priest who intercedes for us. He is holy and offered himself once for all. He is perfect forever.
  • Gospel – Mark 12:28b-34: A scribe asked Jesus about the greatest commandment. Jesus answered, saying to love God completely and love your neighbor as yourself. The scribe agreed, and Jesus affirmed his understanding.

Lectionary Reference: 152

The readings above are for lectionary cycle B. For other years see the links below:
31st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A
31st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C

One of the scribes came to Jesus and asked him, Which is the first of all the commandments?

Mark 12:28

Themes for the 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B

On the 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B, we reflect on key teachings from Deuteronomy, Hebrews, and the Gospel of Mark. These readings guide us in understanding love, obedience, and Jesus’ eternal priesthood.

  • Love of God: In Deuteronomy, we are commanded to love God with all our heart, soul, and strength. This shows the importance of putting God first in our lives.
  • Obedience to Commandments: Deuteronomy also calls us to keep God’s commandments. Obeying these commandments brings us closer to God and guides our actions.
  • Jesus’ Eternal Priesthood: Hebrews emphasizes that Jesus is our eternal high priest. His priesthood is perfect and unchanging, unlike the priests of the old covenant.
  • Perfect Sacrifice: Jesus offers himself as the perfect sacrifice for our sins. This sacrifice is once and for all, showing his great love and mercy.
  • Greatest Commandments: In Mark, Jesus teaches that the greatest commandments are to love God and love our neighbor. These two commandments summarize the entire law and the prophets.
  • Unity of Love and Law: Jesus’ teaching in Mark unites love and law. True love for God naturally leads to loving others and keeping God’s commandments.

Reflecting on these themes for the 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B helps us grow in our faith and understanding. On the 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B, we are reminded of God’s love and our call to love him and others.

Resources for the 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B

Best Ever – A Lesson Plan on the Great Commandment

The 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B focuses on Jesus’ teaching of the Greatest Commandment from Mark 12:28b-34. This lesson plan helps youth understand how these commandments can change our view of rules in life. Jesus emphasizes loving God with all our heart, soul, and strength and loving our neighbor as ourselves.

These commandments form the foundation of all other laws. By following them, we strengthen our relationship with God and others, finding deeper meaning in everyday rules and actions. This understanding helps us live a more connected and purposeful life.

Love Your Neighbor Game

The 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B focuses on Jesus’ teaching from Mark 12:28b-34 about loving God and our neighbor. The “Love Your Neighbor” game is an icebreaker similar to musical chairs or Duck Duck Goose.

Players answer if they love their neighbor, then follow specific actions based on their answer. This game encourages thinking about what it means to love our neighbors while having fun and moving around. It’s a way to engage with the message of loving others as Jesus taught.

Veggie Tales explains what it means to be a neighbor

The Book of Deuteronomy: Faith That Flows from Love

In Deuteronomy, Moses reminds Israel of its covenant with God. The call to love the Lord with all one’s heart, soul, and strength is central to the covenant relationship. It connects obedience to love, showing that faithfulness brings life and blessing. On the 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B, we hear this call to live God’s law from the heart.

This passage stands within a larger teaching about passing faith to future generations. The words of the covenant are meant to be remembered, spoken, and lived daily. Deuteronomy links love of God to community and responsibility. It teaches that true obedience grows from love.

Learn more in the article about the Book of Deuteronomy.

Psalm 18: My Rock and My Refuge

Psalm 18 is a song of thanksgiving from someone who has experienced God’s saving help. The psalmist praises God as strength, rock, and deliverer. On the 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B, this psalm echoes the trust and love called for in the first reading, showing a heart devoted to the Lord.

Within the Book of Psalms, this song fits the theme of God’s faithfulness. It reminds believers that God rescues and sustains those who rely on Him. The psalm expresses confidence born from experience and gratitude for God’s steadfast care.

Read more in the reflection on Psalm 18.

See a contemporary prayer based on Psalm 18.

The Letter to the Hebrews: Christ, the Perfect Priest

In Hebrews, Jesus is described as the eternal high priest who intercedes for humanity. Unlike the priests of the old covenant, He offers Himself once for all. On the 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B, this reading points to the lasting salvation found through His sacrifice.

This passage fits into the wider theme of Hebrews, which presents Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s promises. He bridges heaven and earth, offering mercy that endures forever. Through His perfect priesthood, believers are brought close to God.

Continue exploring in the article about the Letter to the Hebrews.

The Gospel of Mark: The Greatest Commandment

In Mark’s Gospel, Jesus sums up the Law with two commandments: love God and love your neighbor. This moment captures the heart of His teaching. On the 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B, this reading shows how love unites all the commandments into one life of faith.

Throughout the Gospel of Mark, Jesus teaches that love defines discipleship. His mission reveals God’s mercy and invites others to live that same love. To follow Jesus is to serve God fully and care for others deeply.

Discover more in the article about the Gospel of Mark.

Homilies and Commentaries for the 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B

The Highest Good Is God Alone

In his homily for the 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B, Bishop Robert Barron focuses on the call to love God fully, based on the Shema prayer in Deuteronomy. Jesus reaffirms this commandment in the Gospel, guiding us to prioritize God above all else. Bishop Barron explains that God is the one supreme good, with no other rival. By centering our lives on God, all other aspects can fall into place under His love. He reminds us that God’s essence is love itself, and we are called to reflect this love in everything we do, ordering our lives toward God.

Made for Worship: Kingdom Priests

In his homily for the 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B, Fr. Mike Schmitz urges Catholics to fully engage in worship at Mass by actively offering their intentions and gifts to God. He explains that worship is not about what we get but about what we give, highlighting that Mass is a chance to exercise our “kingdom priesthood.” Fr. Schmitz encourages us to view worship as love in action, honoring God with our offerings and intentions during the offertory. Through this active participation, he emphasizes that we fulfill the call to love God and others deeply.

Some Things Never change, But Some Things Do

In this reflection for the 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B, Fr. Scott Steinkerchner emphasizes the importance of the two greatest commandments: loving God and loving one’s neighbor. He explains how Jesus linked these two, showing that a true love of God must lead to a love for others. He also highlights how Jesus expanded God’s promise, moving from a vision of a promised land to the hope of eternal joy in heaven. This reflection calls us to embrace an ever-growing understanding of God’s love, encouraging us to see that love as limitless and always unfolding.

The Power of Worship

In this reflection for the 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B, Matthew Kelly shares the story of Brother Lawrence, a humble servant who turned each small task into worship. Serving others, Brother Lawrence developed a habit of focusing entirely on God, transforming daily tasks into acts of devotion. Inspired by Jesus’ teaching to “love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength,” Kelly explains that God desires full devotion, not half-hearted worship. He encourages using simple prayers throughout the day to practice the habit of worship, bringing God into every thought, word, and action.

Knowing and Loving God and Neighbor

In this USCCB video reflection for the 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B, Fr. Greg Friedman recalls his Catholic school days learning the faith through the Baltimore Catechism. He connects this with the Jewish prayer, the Shema, a call to love God wholeheartedly. In the Gospel, Jesus echoes this prayer and adds a second commandment: to love one’s neighbor as oneself. Fr. Friedman highlights how Jesus shows us that loving God and others is central to our faith, and that true understanding brings us closer to God’s kingdom.

No God but the Lord Alone

In his homily for the 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B, Bishop Robert Barron discusses the importance of the greatest commandment, based on Mark 12:28b-34. Jesus emphasizes the Shema from Deuteronomy 6:4-5, calling us to love God with all our heart, soul, and strength. Bishop Barron explains that true discipleship involves listening to God and loving Him above all else, integrating this love into every part of our lives. He urges us to see God’s presence in all things and to live out this commandment fully.

Love God by Loving Others

In his reflection for the 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B, Jeff Cavins discusses the connection between loving God and loving others. He explains that Jesus emphasizes the Shema from Deuteronomy 6:4-5, urging us to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. Jesus also teaches that we must love our neighbors as ourselves. Cavins highlights that true discipleship involves this dual commandment: loving God and showing that love through our actions toward others. Every opportunity to love someone is an opportunity to love God.

The Law of Love

In his reflection for the 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B, Scott Hahn explains that love is the greatest law, fulfilling all commandments. We must love God fully and love our neighbors as ourselves. Jesus’ perfect sacrifice shows us the way to approach God through love. Hahn highlights that true self-sacrifice, as seen in Jesus’ death on the cross, is the love God desires. He urges us to examine our hearts, ensuring nothing hinders our love for God and others. Loving our enemies and praying for those who oppose us are also essential.

Reflection for the 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B

The 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B readings invite us to reflect on love, loyalty, and faithfulness. These themes are evident in the commands given in Deuteronomy, the eternal priesthood of Jesus in Hebrews, and Jesus’ teaching on the greatest commandments in Mark. Let us explore how these readings guide us in our journey of faith.

Get a mug with the command to love God on one side and love neighbor on the other

Love and Loyalty in the Old Testament

In Deuteronomy, Moses speaks to the people about loving God with all their heart, soul, and strength. This love is shown through loyalty and obedience to God’s commandments. Though the people often fail in their faithfulness, God remains steadfast and never abandons them.

God’s call to love Him is a call to be loyal and faithful. Despite the people’s shortcomings, God continually reaches out to them. This shows us that God’s love is constant and unwavering, even when we fall short.

Our response to God’s love should be one of loyalty and faithfulness. We must strive to keep His commandments and put Him first in our lives. This type of love is not just an emotion but an ongoing commitment to follow God.

The Love of the Kingdom

In Mark, a scribe asks Jesus which commandment is the greatest. Jesus responds by highlighting the importance of loving God and loving our neighbor. He tells the scribe, “You are not far from the Kingdom of God,” showing that this kind of love is essential for the Kingdom.

For the Kingdom of God to flourish, we need to embrace this love that Jesus teaches. It’s a love that looks beyond ourselves and reaches out to others. This love must be evident in our actions and relationships.

Jesus’ emphasis on love as central to the Kingdom challenges us. It calls us to examine our own lives and see how we can better live out this commandment. Through this, we can help build God’s Kingdom here on earth.

Faithful Love in Jesus’ Message

Jesus could have focused on many aspects of His nature, such as His wisdom or power. Instead, He emphasizes a faithful and steadfast love. This is the love that He shares perfectly with the Father and calls us to imitate.

Jesus shows us that faithful love is at the heart of His message. This love is constant and does not waver, even in difficult times. It is the kind of love that He has for us and wants us to show to one another.

By focusing on this faithful love, Jesus invites us into a deeper relationship with Him and with others. We are called to reflect this love in our daily lives, striving to be faithful in all that we do. This is the love that builds up the community and reflects the heart of Jesus’ teachings.

Jesus’ Eternal Priesthood

In Hebrews, we learn about Jesus’ role as our eternal high priest. Unlike the priests of the old covenant who were many and temporary, Jesus’ priesthood is perfect and eternal. He offers Himself as the perfect sacrifice for our sins, once and for all.

Jesus’ eternal priesthood shows us His deep and faithful love for us. He continually intercedes for us, always remaining our advocate before God. This unchanging and steadfast role of Jesus reassures us of His constant care and support.

Our response to Jesus’ eternal priesthood should be one of gratitude and faithfulness. We are called to trust in His ongoing work in our lives and to follow His example of sacrificial love. By acknowledging His eternal priesthood, we deepen our understanding of His love and commitment to us.

The readings for the 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B remind us of the importance of love, loyalty, and faithfulness. We see these themes in the commandments given in Deuteronomy, the eternal priesthood of Jesus in Hebrews, and the greatest commandments taught by Jesus in Mark. Let us strive to live out this love in our lives, building up the Kingdom of God through our faithful actions.

Prayer

Lord, help us to love You with all our heart, soul, and strength. Guide us to be faithful in our actions and relationships. May we reflect Your steadfast love in our daily lives. Amen.

Reflection Questions for the 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B

  • How can you show love for God in your daily actions?
  • What does it mean to be loyal to God?
  • How does God’s faithfulness inspire you?
  • In what ways can you love your neighbor more fully?
  • How can Jesus’ teaching on the greatest commandments change your life?
  • What does faithful love look like in your relationships?
  • How can you help build the Kingdom of God in your community?
  • What challenges do you face in being faithful to God’s commandments?
  • How can you better reflect Jesus’ love in your actions?
  • What steps can you take to deepen your relationship with God?

Social Media Graphics and Bulletin Artwork for the 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B

If you would like an image to be made available as a specific product (card, poster, mug, etc.) or as an extra high resolution image for personal use just post a comment about what you want and we will create a link to our online store for you.

Light of Love

This image, created for the 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B, reminds us of Jesus’ words to love God with all our heart and to love our neighbor as ourselves. The warm glow of the candles reflects faith and love shining together.

Download this artwork to use in bulletins, newsletters, or youth ministry materials as a reminder of the light that grows when love is shared.

Paid subscribers may download a large copy this digital artwork without watermarks, suitable for use in bulletins, social media, newsletters, etc., free of charge by clicking here. You must be logged in as a paid subscriber to access the file.

Only current paid subscribers have the rights to use the artwork.

Music Suggestions for the 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B

The music selections for the 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B focus on themes of loving God and loving others. They include songs about worship, unity in Christ, and the call to love as Jesus loves. These pieces help us reflect on the readings, especially the command to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love our neighbor as ourselves. The music invites us to deepen our relationship with God and express our love for Him and our community through song.

Music directors and musicians are encouraged to try these selections in their services. Feel free to share your own song suggestions and experiences in the comments, helping others find meaningful music for worship.

Questions and Answers for 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B

What is the main message in Deuteronomy 6:2-6, the first reading for the 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B?

The main message is to love God with all your heart, soul, and strength. This means putting God first in everything you do and following His commandments.

Why is loyalty to God important in Deuteronomy?

Loyalty to God is important because it shows our love and commitment to Him. Even when we fail, God remains faithful to us, and we should strive to be faithful to Him.

What does Hebrews 7:23-28, the second reading for the 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B, teach us about Jesus?

Hebrews 7:23-28 teaches that Jesus is our eternal high priest. Unlike other priests who come and go, Jesus’ priesthood is forever, and He continually intercedes for us.

How does Jesus’ eternal priesthood affect our lives?

Jesus’ eternal priesthood means He is always advocating for us before God. We can trust in His constant support and love, knowing He sacrificed Himself for our sins once and for all.

What are the greatest commandments according to Mark 12:28b-34, the Gospel for the 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B?

The greatest commandments are to love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself. These commandments sum up the entire law and the prophets.

Why did Jesus say, “You are not far from the Kingdom of God”?

Jesus said this to the scribe who understood the importance of loving God and neighbor. It means that understanding and living these commandments brings us close to God’s Kingdom.

How can we apply the greatest commandments in our lives?

We can apply these commandments by putting God first and showing love and kindness to others. This involves daily actions and decisions that reflect our love for God and neighbor.

What does it mean to love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength?

It means loving God completely and fully. This involves dedicating every part of yourself—your emotions, thoughts, and actions—to God.

How does loving our neighbor relate to loving God?

Loving our neighbor is a way to show our love for God. When we care for others, we reflect God’s love and follow His commandments.

What is the key theme for the 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B?

The key theme is love and faithfulness to God and neighbor. The readings call us to show loyal and steadfast love in our relationship with God and others.

The Call to Love with Our Whole Heart

On the 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B, the readings focus on the command to love God fully and to extend that love to others. In Deuteronomy, Moses instructs the people to honor God wholeheartedly, encouraging them to live by His commandments. He emphasizes that a life dedicated to God will lead to blessings and growth, urging the people to love God with all their heart, soul, and strength. This reading reminds us that putting God first in our lives is central to our faith.

In Hebrews, Jesus is presented as our eternal high priest. Unlike previous priests, who offered sacrifices repeatedly, Jesus offers himself once and for all. His role as the perfect high priest reassures us of his constant intercession on our behalf. This reading encourages us to trust in Jesus’ lasting role as the one who bridges the gap between us and God.

In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus responds to a scribe’s question about the most important commandment. Jesus explains that the greatest commandment is to love God with all our being and to love our neighbor as ourselves. When the scribe affirms this, Jesus commends his understanding, saying he is close to the Kingdom of God. This dialogue highlights the simplicity yet depth of Jesus’ teaching, centering on love as the core of God’s commandments.

These readings together invite us to reflect on what it means to love fully and sincerely, encouraging us to renew our commitment to God and others. As we put these commands into practice, we deepen our relationship with God and live out our faith in meaningful ways.

Your Turn

On the 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B, the readings focus on the core command to love God and others. Reflecting on these passages encourages us to examine how we show our love in practical ways.

Consider how these readings invite you to renew your love for God and your neighbor. Share your insights and experiences in the comments.

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