5th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C

• First Reading – Isaiah 6:1-2A, 3-8: Isaiah saw the Lord on His throne, felt unworthy, but was cleansed by a seraphim. When God asked for a messenger, Isaiah offered to go.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 138: I will thank and praise God for His kindness and truth. He answers me and gives me strength. All will praise Him for His great glory and enduring kindness.
• Second Reading – 1 Corinthians 15:1-11: Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose on the third day. He appeared to many, including me. By God’s grace, I preach, and you believed.
• Gospel – Luke 5:1-11: Jesus told Simon to fish in deep water. They caught so many fish that their nets almost broke. Simon, James, and John were amazed. Jesus said they would now catch people. They left everything to follow him.

The 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C readings highlight important themes. These themes help us understand our faith and God’s call in our lives.

• God’s Holiness: Isaiah’s vision shows God’s holiness. The seraphim praise God, reminding us of His greatness and our need to honor Him.
• Human Unworthiness: Isaiah feels unworthy before God. This teaches us humility and the need for God’s forgiveness.
• God’s Call: Isaiah answers God’s call, saying, “Here I am, send me.” This shows that we should be ready to respond to God’s call in our lives.
• Witnessing to Faith: Paul reminds the Corinthians of the gospel he preached. This shows the importance of sharing our faith with others.
• God’s Grace: Paul speaks of God’s grace working in him. This reminds us that any good we do is by God’s help.
• Following Jesus: In the Gospel, Jesus calls Peter, James, and John to follow Him. This teaches us to trust Jesus and follow His lead.

These themes from the 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C guide us in our faith journey. They remind us of God’s greatness, our call to serve, and the need to trust and follow Jesus.

See the Homilies and Reflections section and the More Thoughts section for further expansion on these readings and some reflection questions for the 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C.

Fishy Business – A Lesson Plan on Holiness

The 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C teaches us about holiness and discipleship through Peter’s encounter with Jesus. Peter, a fisherman, listens to Jesus and experiences a miraculous catch of fish. Despite feeling unworthy, Peter follows Jesus, leaving everything behind. This Gospel shows that growing in holiness requires saying yes to Jesus, working hard, and trusting God despite our imperfections. God calls us to follow Him and grow in our relationship with Him.

Litany of the Call to Discipleship

The “Litany of the Call to Discipleship” is a prayer asking our Lord for the grace to follow Him as His disciples. It reflects on various people in the gospel, like Mary, the apostles, and Peter, and seeks their strength to respond to God’s call. This litany, which involves repeated responses, is especially relevant for the 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, reminding us of the importance of saying yes to Jesus, trusting Him, and spreading His message.

Abandon Your Nets Reflection

The 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C helps us understand what we need to leave behind to follow Jesus. Just as the disciples left their nets, which symbolized their livelihood and security, we are called to let go of things that hinder our spiritual growth. These “nets” can be habits, possessions, or relationships that keep us from a closer relationship with Jesus. Reflect on what might be holding you back and consider how abandoning these things can help you follow Christ more fully.

Yes No Game

The Yes No game is a fun way to help youth understand the importance of saying “Yes” to God, especially in light of the 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C. The game shows how often we say “No” automatically and encourages us to be more mindful of our responses. In the Gospel, Peter said “Yes” to Jesus and experienced a miraculous catch of fish. This reminds us that saying “Yes” to God’s call can lead to amazing blessings. Reflect on how we can be more open to God’s invitations in our daily lives.

Donut Fishing

The Donut Fishing game is a fun and engaging activity for youth ministry, perfect for teaching trust and teamwork. It ties well with the 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, where Peter trusted Jesus and experienced a miraculous catch of fish. Just as Peter had to rely on Jesus’ guidance, participants must rely on their partners to “catch” the donut. This game also reinforces the importance of community and supporting one another, much like the disciples who worked together.

A Prayer of a Grateful Heart

This prayer, inspired by Psalm 138, expresses deep gratitude for God’s constant presence and care. It is perfect for the 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, reminding us of our importance to our Heavenly Father despite our seeming insignificance. The prayer thanks God for being near, protecting us in times of danger, and listening to us always. It encourages a grateful heart for His unwavering attention and love.

The Invasion of Grace

In his homily for the 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, Bishop Robert Barron highlights the parallels between Isaiah’s call and Peter’s calling by Jesus. Both Isaiah and Peter experience God’s overwhelming presence, feel their unworthiness, and are then sent on missions. Barron emphasizes that the spiritual life begins with God’s grace breaking through, leading to an awareness of sin and a call to mission. He encourages reflecting on Isaiah chapter 6 and Luke chapter 5 to understand the journey of grace, sin acknowledgment, and mission.

The 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C readings present us with rich themes that call us to reflect deeply on our faith. Through the stories of Isaiah, Paul, and Peter, we explore God’s holiness, human unworthiness, witnessing to faith, and the call to follow Jesus. These reflections aim to help us understand these themes and how they apply to our lives.

Responding to God’s Holiness

In the first reading for the 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, Isaiah has a vision of God’s holiness. He sees the Lord on a throne with angels around Him, singing praises. The scene is full of awe and majesty. This vision reminds us of God’s greatness and the importance of honoring Him in our lives.

Isaiah’s reaction to this vision is one of unworthiness. He feels unclean and inadequate before God. He says, “Woe is me! I am lost, for I am a man of unclean lips.” This humility is crucial in our relationship with God. Recognizing our unworthiness helps us understand the need for God’s forgiveness and mercy.

In the Gospel, Peter also feels unworthy. After witnessing the miraculous catch of fish, he falls at Jesus’ knees and says, “Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man.” Peter’s reaction is similar to Isaiah’s, showing that encountering God’s greatness often makes us aware of our own sins.

When we feel unworthy, we should remember that God still calls us. Isaiah and Peter were both chosen despite their feelings of inadequacy. God does not call the perfect; He perfects the called. Our response to God’s holiness should be one of humility, repentance, and readiness to serve, just like Isaiah and Peter.

Witnessing to Faith and God’s Grace

In the second reading for the 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, Paul reminds the Corinthians of the gospel he preached to them. He emphasizes that Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again on the third day. Paul is a witness to these truths, having seen the risen Christ himself. This message is central to our faith and should be shared with others.

Paul acknowledges that he is not worthy to be called an apostle because he persecuted the Church. However, he credits his apostleship to God’s grace working in him. “By the grace of God, I am what I am,” Paul says. This shows that any good we do is because of God’s help, not our own merit. It’s a reminder to rely on God’s grace in our own lives.

Sharing our faith, like Paul, is essential. We may feel unworthy or inadequate, but God’s grace enables us to witness effectively. Our personal experiences of God’s grace can be powerful testimonies to others. We are called to share the gospel, trusting that God will work through us despite our weaknesses.

Our witness should be consistent and sincere. Paul’s life was changed by God’s grace, and his actions reflected his faith. As followers of Christ, our lives should show the impact of the gospel. By relying on God’s grace, we can overcome our shortcomings and be effective witnesses of our faith.

Following Jesus

In the Gospel for the 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, Jesus calls Peter, James, and John to follow Him. They were fishermen, likely illiterate and not scholars of Scripture. Yet, Jesus saw potential in them. He calls ordinary people to be His disciples, showing that anyone willing to follow Him can be used for His purposes.

The fishermen’s response is immediate. They leave everything and follow Jesus. This act of leaving behind their livelihood and security demonstrates their trust and commitment. It teaches us that following Jesus often requires sacrifice and a willingness to let go of our own plans.

Jesus’ choice of these unlikely followers highlights that He values a willing heart over qualifications. He does not look for the most educated or the most skilled, but for those ready to give themselves fully to Him. This gives hope to all of us, as it shows that we don’t need to be perfect to be used by God.

Our call to follow Jesus is similar. We might feel unqualified or unworthy, but Jesus invites us to trust Him and follow Him wholeheartedly. By answering this call, we embark on a journey of faith, trusting that Jesus will guide and equip us. Like the fishermen, we are called to leave behind anything that hinders our commitment and follow Jesus with our whole heart.

The 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C encourages us to reflect on God’s holiness, our unworthiness, the power of God’s grace, and the call to follow Jesus. These reflections remind us that, despite our shortcomings, we are called to witness our faith and serve God wholeheartedly. May these themes inspire us to grow in our faith and trust in God’s guidance.

Prayer

Lord, help us recognize Your holiness and our need for Your grace. Strengthen us to witness our faith with courage and sincerity. Guide us to follow You wholeheartedly, leaving behind anything that holds us back. Amen.

• What steps can I take to grow in humility and recognize my need for God’s mercy?
• How do I respond to God’s holiness in my daily life?
• In what ways do I feel unworthy before God, and how can I seek His forgiveness?
• How can I be more ready to answer God’s call like Isaiah and Peter?
• What can I do to share my faith more effectively with others?
• How has God’s grace worked in my life, and how can I rely on it more?
• What sacrifices might God be calling me to make in order to follow Him more closely?
• How can I trust Jesus more, especially in difficult situations?
• What is holding me back from fully committing to follow Jesus?
• How can I live out the gospel message in my daily actions and decisions?

These music selections highlight the themes of the 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C. The readings focus on God’s call and our response, recognizing our unworthiness, and trusting in God’s grace. Many of the songs express a commitment to follow Jesus and answer His call, just as Peter, Isaiah, and Paul did. They also emphasize gratitude for God’s presence and guidance. The selections include a mix of traditional hymns and contemporary worship songs, all aimed at inspiring the congregation to reflect on their own journey of discipleship and trust in God’s plan.

• Amazing Grace / My Chains Are Gone by Chris Tomlin
• Anthem by Tom Conroy
• Beautiful Things by Gungor
• Come Follow Me by Gael Berberick, Barney Walker, Kevin Keil
• Fish With Me by Ken Canedo
• Follow Me by Ray Repp
• God Has Chosen Me by Bernadette Farrell & St. Thomas More Group
• God, We Praise You by Christopher Idle
• Here I am Lord by Dan Schutte
• Holy God, We Praise Thy Name by the Benedictines Of Mary, Queen Of Apostles
• Holy, Holy, Holy by Audrey Assad
• Holy Is the Lord by Chris Tomlin
• I Will Choose Christ by Tom Booth
• I Will Follow by Chris Tomlin
• In the Sight of the Angels by Ricky Manalo
• Lead Me, Lord by John D. Becker
• Let Me Follow by Bob Fabing
• Lord When You Came to the Seashore by Eileen Fiore
• Pescador de Hombres by Cesáreo Gabaráin
• Psalm 138: In the Sight of the Angels by Michael Joncas
• Sing to the Mountains by the St. Louis Jesuits
• The Servant King by Graham Kendrick
• The Summons by John L Bell
• We Are Called by Gary Daigle
• You Have Called Us by Bernadette Farrell

Music directors and musicians are encouraged to incorporate these songs into their worship services. These selections align with the themes of the 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, enhancing the worship experience. Please try these songs and share your own suggestions in the comments. Let’s enrich our liturgies with music that speaks to our hearts and deepens our faith.

What date is the 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C?

The next date is Sunday February 9, 2025.
For other years see the links below:
5th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A
5th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B

What are the Mass readings for the 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C?

The Catholic Mass readings for Sunday February 9, 2025 are:
First Reading – Isaiah 6:1-2A, 3-8: Isaiah’s Vision of the Lord
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 138: Praise in the Presence of Angels
Second Reading – 1 Corinthians 15:1-11: Christ’s Death and Resurrection
Gospel – Luke 5:1-11: The Miraculous Catch of Fish

What does Isaiah’s vision in the first reading for the 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C mean?

Isaiah’s vision shows God’s holiness and glory. It reminds us to honor God and recognize our need for His forgiveness.

Why does Isaiah feel unworthy in Isaiah 6:1-2A, 3-8?

Isaiah feels unworthy because he sees God’s holiness. It teaches us to be humble and seek God’s forgiveness for our sins.

What is the meaning of “Here I am, send me” in Isaiah 6:1-2A, 3-8?

Isaiah says “Here I am, send me” to answer God’s call. This shows we should be ready to serve God when He calls us.

Why does Paul remind the Corinthians of the gospel in the second reading for the 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C?

Paul reminds the Corinthians of the gospel to strengthen their faith. This shows the importance of remembering and sharing our faith.

What is God’s grace according to Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:1-11?

God’s grace is His help and support in our lives. Paul says any good he does is because of God’s grace, teaching us to rely on God.

Why does Jesus tell Peter to “put out into deep water” in the Gospel for the 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C?

Jesus tells Peter to fish in deep water to test his trust. It shows we should trust Jesus, even when things seem difficult.

What does Peter’s reaction to the large catch of fish mean?

Peter feels unworthy when he sees the large catch. This shows that we often feel unworthy of God’s blessings but should trust in His love.

Why does Jesus call Peter, James, and John to follow Him in Luke 5:1-11?

Jesus calls Peter, James, and John to follow Him and become His disciples. This teaches us to follow Jesus and spread His message.

How can we apply the readings from the 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C to our lives?

The readings teach us to trust God, answer His call, and share our faith. We should be humble, rely on God’s grace, and follow Jesus.

What is the main message of the 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C?

The main message is to recognize God’s holiness, answer His call, and trust in His guidance. This helps us grow in our faith and serve others.