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4th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C

Sunday January 30, 2028

The readings for the Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C bring to mind the adversity which can occur during discipleship

In the first reading Jeremiah hears that God will defend him. The psalm declares "In you, O Lord, I take refuge; let me never be put to shame." The second reading tells us that love never fails. In the gospel Jesus preaches in his home town and is rejected.

Daily Mass Readings for the 4th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C

  • First ReadingJeremiah 1:4-5, 17-19: God declares He knew and chose His prophet before birth, commanding him to speak boldly. Despite opposition, God promises strength and protection, ensuring victory through His presence.
  • Responsorial PsalmPsalm 71: I seek refuge in the Lord, asking for rescue and deliverance, trusting Him as my fortress and rock since youth, and vowing to proclaim His justice and salvation.
  • Second Reading1 Corinthians 12:31-13:13: Though spiritual gifts are important, love is superior. Without love, even great abilities are meaningless. Love is patient, kind, and enduring. It outlasts all gifts, and among faith, hope, and love, it is the greatest.
  • Gospel - Luke 4:21-30: In a synagogue, Jesus announced the fulfillment of Scripture, astonishing the audience with his eloquence. They recognized him as Joseph's son. Jesus anticipated their skepticism and referenced Elijah and Elisha, who ministered to non-Israelites, illustrating a prophet's rejection at home. This incited anger, leading to an attempt to harm him, but he left unscathed.

Themes for the Readings

  • Dealing with rejection
  • Perseverance
  • Trust in God

See some more extended themes and reflection questions at the bottom of this post.

Resources for the 4th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C

Unwelcome Lesson Plan on Rejection
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Unwelcome – A Lesson Plan on Rejection

This reflection helps teens understand that even Jesus was rejected. And it was by those who were close to him. What does Jesus teach us about rejection?

prayer after being rejected
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Prayer After Being Rejected

This prayer will help you pour out your heart to God when you have been rejected. God understands your pain. Jesus knew very well the sting of being pushed away.

A Prayer as I Grow Older Based on Psalm 71
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A Prayer as I Grow Older

This prayer is based on Psalm 71, which is the responsorial psalm for this Sunday. It asks God to be with us as we grow older and our lives change.

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They will fight against you but not prevail over you, for I am with you to deliver you, says the Lord.

Jeremiah 1:19

Homilies and Reflections for the 4th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C

The Primacy of Love

Bishop Robert Barron reflects on 1 Corinthians 13. Nothing matters without love.

Prophet to the Nations

Both Jeremiah and Jesus proclaim the message of God's salvation and both are rejected for it.

Jesus goes the way of the prophets: he presents himself as we would not expect.He is not found by those who seek miracles, new sensations, a faith made up of power and external signs.He is found instead by those who accept his ways and his challenges.

Pope Francis

More Themes for the 4th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C

The people are surprised by Jesus. They thought they knew him. He was a local boy. They had seen him grow up. They knew his parents. We can also have our own impressions of people which are difficult to change. And that can make it difficult to see them in a new light, as instruments of God in our world.

Jesus is a prophet in this gospel. He is pointing to rejection in history and to the future when he will also be rejected. By pointing out that God has aided foreigners in the past, he also foreshadows that he will bring salvation not only to the Jewish people but to the Gentiles also.

Jesus is challenging them to open their minds and hearts and see the generosity of the Father. But they grow angry and seek to hurl him off of a cliff. Their harsh rejection can serve as a reminder that Jesus knows our pain. When we feel the pain of rejection, we can turn to him and he understands. It is also a call to reach out to others who are rejected or on the outside.

Reflection Questions for the 4th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C

  • Do I stereotype people?
  • How can I be more open to seeing something new in others?
  • How have I known the pain of rejection?
  • Is there someone who feels left out whom I can reach out to today?

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