32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B
Sunday November 7, 2027
Mass Readings for the 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B
- First Reading – 1 Kings 17:10-16: Elijah asked a widow for water and bread. She had little but obeyed him. God provided enough flour and oil for them to eat for a year.
- Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 146: The Lord is faithful, just, and caring. He provides for the needy, frees captives, and protects the vulnerable. He will reign forever.
- Second Reading – Hebrews 9:24-28: Christ entered heaven, not a man-made sanctuary, and sacrificed himself once to remove sin. He will return to bring salvation to those who wait for him.
- Gospel – Mark 12:38-44: Jesus warned about the scribes’ hypocrisy and praised a poor widow who gave all she had, contrasting her true generosity with the surplus contributions of the rich.
Amen, I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the other contributors to the treasury. For they have all contributed from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has contributed all she had, her whole livelihood.
Mark 12:43-44
Themes for the 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B
The 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B features readings that emphasize faith, sacrifice, and trust in God. These themes help us reflect on our relationship with God and others.
- Trust in God’s plan: In 1 Kings 17:10-16, the widow trusts Elijah’s word from God and is blessed with food. This shows that trusting God’s plan brings blessings.
- Generosity in poverty: The widow in Mark 12:38-44 gives all she has. Her generosity shows that true giving comes from the heart, not from excess.
- Sacrifice: Hebrews 9:24-28 speaks about Jesus’ sacrifice. Jesus’ offering of himself is the ultimate act of love and service.
- Humility: Jesus criticizes the scribes in Mark 12:38-44 for their pride. Humility is important in our relationship with God and others.
- Faith in God’s promises: The widow in 1 Kings 17:10-16 acts on faith. Believing in God’s promises leads to unexpected blessings.
- Jesus as the mediator: Hebrews 9:24-28 describes Jesus as the mediator between God and humanity. This emphasizes the importance of Jesus in our salvation.
- True wealth: The story of the widow’s mite in Mark 12:38-44 shows that true wealth is not measured by money. It’s about giving and trusting in God.
- Obedience to God: Elijah asks the widow to make bread in 1 Kings 17:10-16, and she obeys. Her obedience leads to God providing for her needs.
The readings for the 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B remind us of the importance of trust, faith, and humility in our lives. Reflecting on these themes can strengthen our relationship with God and guide us in our daily actions.
See the Homilies and Reflections section and the More Thoughts section for further expansion on these readings and some reflection questions for the 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B.
Resources for the 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B
Sunday November 7, 2027
Give It Your All Lesson Plan
This lesson plan for the 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B helps youth understand how to use their gifts to honor God. Based on Mark 12:38-44, it contrasts the scribes’ pursuit of prestige with the widow’s humble offering. The scribes enjoyed respect for their knowledge but lacked true concern for others. The widow, however, gave all she had in faith, showing genuine trust in God. Jesus praises her small contribution as an act of love and worship. This teaches us to use what we have for God’s glory, not our own. Be generous in supporting others.
Penny Chin Game
The Penny Chin game is a fun icebreaker for youth, connecting to the Gospel for the 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B (Mark 12:38-44). In the game, participants try to balance a penny on their chin, which is challenging and requires concentration. This activity helps youth build friendships and create happy memories. It also teaches lessons about money and generosity, encouraging discussions on sharing and giving. The game fosters humility and perseverance, reminding us to stay steady and not take ourselves too seriously. By playing together, youth learn to support each other, building a sense of community and belonging.
Prayer for Generosity
The Prayer for Generosity asks God for the grace to give fully and serve Him selflessly. This prayer ties into the theme of generosity in the readings for the 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B. Though often attributed to St. Ignatius of Loyola, it reflects his belief that all we have is given to serve God. The prayer reminds us that everything comes from God, and we should willingly give back to Him. It encourages us to seek to do God’s will above all else.
Psalm 146: Unlock the Power of Trusting God
Psalm 146 is the responsorial psalm for the 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B. It expresses trust in God, similar to the widow who gave her two coins. This psalm acknowledges God’s trustworthiness, care, and provision. It praises God for His creation, guidance, and protection, emphasizing a deep and unwavering trust in Him above all others. The psalm highlights gratitude for God’s love and a commitment to praise Him forever.
Understanding the Book of Hebrews
Hebrews 9:24-28 is the second reading for the 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B. It emphasizes that Jesus is our high priest and greater than any other priest. Jesus offered Himself as the perfect and final sacrifice, which means we do not need other sacrifices. This letter, written to Jewish Christians, encourages them to stay strong in their faith. It compares Jesus to angels, Moses, and priests, showing His superiority. Hebrews highlights the importance of faith and gives practical advice for living a Christian life, ending with a blessing and final greetings.
Background Information on the Gospel of Mark
In the Gospel for the 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B, Mark 12:38-44, Jesus teaches in the temple and challenges the religious leaders. He exposes their hypocrisy and self-serving motives, emphasizing the importance of genuine devotion to God and care for others. Jesus covers many topics in the temple, including authority, taxes, resurrection, and the greatest commandment. He calls for true discipleship, urging us to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love our neighbors as ourselves. This passage encourages us to examine our own faith and actions.
Homilies and Reflections for the 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B
Sunday November 7, 2027
Not Just the Leftovers
In this reflection from the Order of Preachers for the 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B, Sr. Connie Koch reflects on Jesus’ praise of the poor widow who gave her last coins to the temple treasury. Unlike the wealthy who give from their abundance, the widow gives all she has, making a true sacrifice. Sr. Connie points out that this selfless generosity mirrors Jesus’ own sacrifice on the cross. She calls us to live with the same sincere dedication, serving others with courage and generosity, regardless of our own circumstances, just as Jesus taught and lived.
Kingdom Sacrifice
In this homily for the 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B, Fr. Mike Schmitz reflects on worship as an act of sacrifice. He explains that true worship doesn’t come from our leftovers but from giving our best and trusting God with what we value most. He contrasts Cain’s reluctant offering with the widow’s sacrificial gift, showing that worship is not about what we get but about what we give. Fr. Mike encourages us, as baptized “kingdom priests,” to offer even our struggles, distractions, and sacrifices at Mass, trusting that true worship sets us free.
Closing Your Generosity Gap
In this reflection from Dynamic Catholic for the 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B, Matthew Kelly explores Jesus’ teaching on true generosity. Jesus contrasts the pride of the scribes with the humble trust of a poor widow who donates her last coins to the temple. While many give from their surplus, the widow gives everything she has, showing deep faith and dependence on God. Kelly challenges us to examine our own generosity, questioning whether our giving truly impacts us or merely comes from our abundance. He invites us to strive for a “staggering generosity” that mirrors the widow’s trust.
Seeing the Vulnerable as Family
In this USCCB video reflection for the 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B, Fr. Greg Friedman highlights the poor widow’s offering in the Gospel and what it reveals about true generosity. In Jesus’ time, widows had no rights and relied on the community for support, symbolizing all who are poor and vulnerable. Fr. Friedman connects this with Pope Francis’ call in Fratelli Tutti to treat the poor, disabled, and marginalized as family members, not problems. This message urges us to reflect on how we can move beyond isolation to compassion, especially toward those society often overlooks.
A Tale of Two Widows
In his homily for the 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B, Bishop Robert Barron reflects on 1 Kings 17:10-16. He explains how Elijah and the widow of Zarephath trust in God during a severe drought. Despite their desperate circumstances, they give what little they have and find their resources miraculously multiplied. Bishop Barron emphasizes the “law of the gift,” where giving selflessly leads to abundance. This story teaches us to trust in God’s providence, especially in difficult times, and to be attentive to the ways God provides for us.
The Widow’s Generosity
In his reflection for the 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B, Jeff Cavins highlights how Jesus observed people giving money at the temple treasury in Mark 12. He contrasts the large sums given by the wealthy with the two small coins given by a poor widow. Jesus teaches that true generosity comes from giving all we have, not just from our surplus. Cavins encourages us to give not only money but also time and talent from our hearts, emphasizing that everything we have belongs to God. This reflection challenges us to give like the widow, wholeheartedly and sacrificially.
The Widows’ Faith
In his reflection for the 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B, Scott Hahn focuses on the lesson of living by the obedience of faith, which shows itself through charity and self-giving. He highlights the stories of two widows: one in the First Reading who gives her last bit of food to Elijah and the other in the Gospel who donates her last coins to the Temple. Both widows embody the love and sacrifice that Jesus calls us to imitate. Hahn emphasizes that we will be judged by the spirit of generosity and love behind our giving, not the amount we give.
More Thoughts for the 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B
The readings for the 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B teach us important lessons about faith, sacrifice, and trust in God. By reflecting on these stories, we can better understand our own faith journey and how to live in a way that pleases God.
The Widow’s Trust
In 1 Kings 17:10-16, we see a widow who is struggling to survive. She has very little, but when Elijah asks her for food, she trusts God’s promise and shares what she has. Her trust leads to a miracle, as her jar of flour and jug of oil do not run out.
This widow’s faith is an example for us. Even when we have little, we can trust in God’s promises. Her story shows us that God provides for those who put their faith in Him.
In our lives, we often face pressures to rely on ourselves or on material things. The widow reminds us to trust in God instead. By doing so, we open ourselves to God’s blessings, just as she did.
The Scribes’ Motives
During the time of Jesus, there was a lot of pressure to fit in with the dominant cultures of the Romans and the Greeks. These cultures influenced many aspects of daily life, including language, customs, and beliefs. It was challenging for the Jews to maintain their identity and faith amidst these pressures.
The scribes stood out by holding on to their Jewish traditions and symbols. They did not give in to the surrounding culture, and this made them popular among their fellow Jews. Their resistance was seen as brave, earning them honor and respect.
However, we must question their motives. Did they resist because of true faith, or were they seeking honor and prestige? Their actions seemed more about gaining approval from others rather than genuinely serving God.
In our lives today, we also face pressures to conform to societal norms and values that may not align with our faith. Like the scribes, we might sometimes be tempted to act in ways that earn us praise and acceptance. We need to examine our motives and ensure that our actions come from a place of genuine faith and devotion to God.
The example of the scribes teaches us to be mindful of why we do what we do. Are we living our faith to please God, or are we seeking recognition from others? True faith is about sincere devotion and trust in God, not about gaining honor or prestige.
The Widow’s Sacrifice
The story of the widow’s mite in Mark 12:38-44 shows a different kind of bravery. The widow gives all she has, even though it means she will have nothing left. Her sacrifice is real and comes from her deep trust in God.
Unlike the scribes, the widow does not gain any honor from her actions. No one notices her but Jesus. Her faith and trust are pure, and her sacrifice shows her deep love for God.
The widow’s example challenges us. Are we willing to give all we have to God? Her story encourages us to trust in God’s care, even when it is difficult. True sacrifice is giving without expecting anything in return.
The readings for the 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B remind us of the importance of faith, trust, and true sacrifice. By reflecting on the stories of the widow and the scribes, we can learn to live our faith more sincerely and to trust in God’s promises. Let us seek to please God in all we do.
Prayer
Lord, help us to trust in You like the widow did. Guide us to give from our hearts without seeking honor or praise. May our faith be sincere and our sacrifices real. Amen.
Reflection Questions for the 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B
- How do the pressures of our culture affect our faith?
- Do we sometimes seek honor and praise for our faith actions?
- How can we practice true humility in our faith?
- What does the widow’s trust in God teach us?
- How can we give to God without expecting anything in return?
- In what ways can we show true sacrifice in our lives?
- Are there times when we rely more on ourselves than on God?
- How can we seek God’s approval rather than human praise?
- What steps can we take to deepen our trust in God?
- How can we be more generous with what we have?
Quotes and Social Media Graphics for the 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B
Music Suggestions for the 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B
Sunday November 7, 2027
These music selections highlight themes from the readings for the 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B. The songs focus on trust in God’s care, generosity, and self-giving. They include hymns that encourage faith, hope, and gratitude, reflecting the widow’s trust in God and her willingness to give all she had. There are also songs about God’s constant presence and the assurance that He will provide for our needs. These themes help us connect with the lessons from the readings and inspire us to live out our faith through acts of love and generosity.
- All That We Have by Missalette
- All the Earth Proclaim the Lord by Lucien Deiss
- All Shall Be Well by the St. Louis Jesuits
- Enough by Chris Tomlin
- Eye Has Not Seen by Marty Haugen
- Gather Us In by Marty Haugen
- God Has Chosen Me by Bernadette Farrell
- God’s Holy Gifts by Dan Schutte
- In Every Age by Janèt Sullivan Whitaker
- Jesus, My Everything by Matt Maher
- Lay It Down by Matt Maher
- Lead Me Lord by John D. Becker
- Lord of All Hopefulness
- Now Thank We All Our God
- Our God Saves by Paul Baloche
- Praise the Lord My Soul by the St. Louis Jesuits
- Psalm 146: Praise the Lord, My Soul by William Ferris Chorale
- Seek Ye First by Karen Lafferty
- Sent Forth by God’s Blessing by Omer Westendorf
- Shepherd Me O God by Marty Haugen
- Shelter Me, O God by Sunday 7pm Choir
- The Cry of the Poor by Dan Foley
- There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy by Fredrick William Faber
- To You, O God, I Lift Up My Soul by Bob Hurd
- To You, O Lord by Marty Haugen
- Whom Shall I Fear (God of Angel Armies) by Chris Tomlin
- You Are Near by the St. Louis Jesuits
- Your Grace Is Enough by Matt Maher
Music directors and musicians are encouraged to try these selections in their liturgies for the 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B. These songs can help deepen the congregation’s understanding of the readings and their application in our lives. Share your experiences and suggest your own favorite pieces in the comments to create a richer worship experience for everyone.
Questions and Answers for the 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B
What date is the 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B?
The next date is Sunday November 7, 2027.
For other years see the links below:
32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A
32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C
What are the Mass readings for the 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B?
The Catholic Mass readings for Sunday November 7, 2027 are:
First Reading – 1 Kings 17:10-16: Elijah and the Widow’s Miracle
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 146: Praise the Lord, My Soul
Second Reading – Hebrews 9:24-28: Christ’s Eternal Sacrifice
Gospel – Mark 12:38-44: The Widow’s Offering
What is the main message of 1 Kings 17:10-16, the first reading for the 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B?
The main message of 1 Kings 17:10-16 is about trusting in God. The widow trusted Elijah’s word and shared her last bit of food. Because of her trust, God provided for her needs.
Why did Jesus praise the widow in Mark 12:38-44?
Jesus praised the widow in Mark 12:38-44 because she gave all she had. Her gift showed her deep faith and trust in God, unlike the rich who gave out of their surplus.
What can we learn from the widow’s sacrifice in 1 Kings 17:10-16?
We learn that trusting God and being generous can lead to blessings. The widow’s act of giving her last meal shows her faith in God’s promise.
Why does Jesus criticize the scribes in Mark 12:38-44, the Gospel for the 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B?
Jesus criticizes the scribes because they seek honor and respect from others. They perform their religious duties for show, not out of genuine faith.
How can we apply the story of the widow’s mite to our lives?
We can apply the story of the widow’s mite by being generous and trusting God. Even small acts of giving can be meaningful when done with faith and love.
What does the story of the widow in Mark 12:38-44 teach us about true wealth?
The story teaches us that true wealth is not about money but about faith and trust in God. The widow’s small gift was more valuable than the large amounts given by the rich.
How can we avoid being like the scribes in Mark 12:38-44?
We can avoid being like the scribes by focusing on serving God sincerely. We should not seek honor or recognition from others but aim to please God with our actions.
How does Hebrews 9:24-28 relate to the other readings?
Hebrews 9:24-28 talks about Jesus’ sacrifice for our sins. This connects with the widow’s sacrifice in Mark 12:38-44, showing true sacrifice is about giving fully and selflessly.
How do the readings for the 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B encourage us to live our faith?
The readings for the 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B encourage us to trust God, be generous, and avoid seeking honor for ourselves. They teach us to live our faith with sincerity and humility.
Faith, Sacrifice, and Trust in God
The readings for the 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B focus on themes of trust, sacrifice, and humility in our relationship with God. In 1 Kings 17:10-16, a widow who is struggling with poverty shares her last bit of food with Elijah. She trusts God’s promise, and as a result, her food does not run out. This story reminds us that God provides for those who put their faith in Him, even in hard times.
In Mark 12:38-44, Jesus contrasts the actions of the scribes with those of a poor widow. The scribes, who seek honor and respect, act out of pride and are often motivated by the approval of others. In contrast, the widow gives all she has to the temple treasury, expecting nothing in return. Her quiet sacrifice and deep trust in God are noticed only by Jesus. This act of giving from her poverty shows us that real faith is about giving generously, even when no one else notices.
The reading from Hebrews 9:24-28 speaks about Jesus’ sacrifice. He gave everything for us, becoming our mediator and offering Himself to bring us closer to God. His example teaches us the true meaning of sacrifice—giving fully out of love and trust.
Together, these readings encourage us to examine our own faith. Do we trust in God’s promises, as the widow did? Are we generous from the heart? Do we act out of true devotion, like Jesus, or for the approval of others? The 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B invites us to trust, give generously, and live with true humility.
Your Turn
Reflect on the readings for the 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B. How can you trust more fully in God’s promises? What does true generosity mean to you, and how can you put it into practice? Consider the example of the widow’s sacrifice and think about your own motives. Are they driven by love for God or by the approval of others?
Share your thoughts or experiences in the comment section. Let’s explore how faith, trust, and humility guide us in our own journey.
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