7th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C

• First Reading – 1 Samuel 26:2, 7-9, 12-13, 22-23: David, finding Saul asleep, refuses to harm him, saying it’s wrong to strike the LORD’s anointed. He takes Saul’s spear and jug, proving his mercy and faithfulness from afar.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 103: I praise the Lord and remember His kindness: forgiving sins, healing ailments, and saving from despair, showing endless mercy and love, far surpassing our shortcomings.
• Second Reading – 1 Corinthians 15:45-49: The first Adam was earthly, the last Adam (Christ) a life-giving spirit. We, once earthly, will transform to bear the likeness of the heavenly man.
• Gospel – Luke 6:27-38: Jesus taught his disciples to love their enemies, do good to those who hate them, and bless those who curse them. He emphasized non-retaliation, treating others as you wish to be treated, and loving unconditionally like God. He urged forgiveness and generosity, promising reciprocal blessings.

The readings for the 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C teach us about mercy, forgiveness, and love. These themes show us how to live like Jesus in our everyday lives.

• Mercy over revenge: David shows mercy to Saul, sparing his life even when he has the chance to kill him (1 Samuel 26:2, 7-9, 12-13, 22-23). This teaches us to choose mercy over revenge.
• Love your enemies: Jesus tells us to love our enemies and do good to those who hate us (Luke 6:27-28). This shows the radical love we are called to have.
• Forgive and be forgiven: Jesus teaches us to forgive others and we will be forgiven (Luke 6:37). Forgiveness is a key part of Christian living.
• Generosity in giving: Jesus encourages us to give without expecting anything in return (Luke 6:30, 38). This generosity reflects God’s love for us.
• Image of the heavenly man: Paul explains that we are to bear the image of Christ, the heavenly man (1 Corinthians 15:45-49). We are called to live like Christ.
• Judging others: Jesus warns against judging others (Luke 6:37). We are called to show understanding and compassion.

The 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C reminds us of the importance of love, mercy, and forgiveness in our lives. By following these teachings, we can live more like Jesus every day.

See the Homilies and Reflections section and the More Thoughts section for further expansion on these readings and some reflection questions for the 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C.

Love Your Enemies – A Lesson Plan on Conversion of Heart

The 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C reminds us of Jesus’ command to love our enemies. This lesson plan helps youth understand why God asks this of us. Jesus teaches that loving our enemies, forgiving those who hurt us, and avoiding judgment can change our hearts and the world. It’s difficult but necessary. By forgiving, we free ourselves from anger and become more like Christ. Remembering that God loves and forgives all, including those who have wronged us, is key.

Change My Heart Relay Race Game

The Change My Heart relay race game is a fun way to understand the message of the 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C. This game illustrates the transformation Jesus calls us to in Luke 6:27-38. Just as players replace stones with candy hearts, we are invited to replace hard, unforgiving hearts with loving and merciful ones. The game highlights the need for a change of heart to love our enemies and show kindness. This activity helps us see that changing our hearts can make us more like Christ.

How to Pray for Somebody Who Has Hurt You

The 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C teaches us to love our enemies and pray for those who hurt us. Praying for someone who has wronged us can help release resentment and bring healing. This simple prayer encourages us to forgive and ask God to bless those who have caused us pain. By following Jesus’ command to love our enemies, we open our hearts to God’s grace and peace.

Love Your Enemies Activity Sheet

The Love Your Enemies activity sheet is a great tool for religious education or Children’s Liturgy of the Word. It helps children learn and remember Jesus’ teaching from Luke 6:27, which is the Gospel reading for the 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C. The activity involves filling in the blanks with words like love, good, bless, and pray. This simple and interactive exercise encourages kids to understand and apply the message of loving and praying for their enemies.

Why Must I Pray for My Enemies?

The 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C teaches us the importance of praying for our enemies. Jesus commands us to love, not just avoid hurting others, but actively work for peace and justice. This means praying for those who have wronged us, whether they are far away or close to us. By doing so, we follow Jesus’ example and open our hearts to forgiveness and reconciliation. God loves all His children, even those who harm us, and desires their salvation.

Psalm 103: Praise the Goodness of God

The 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C features Psalm 103, praising the goodness of God. This prayer reminds us of God’s mercy and forgiveness. He knows us completely and still loves us, not holding our sins against us. It highlights how God calls us back when we stray and renews our lives with His mercy. By recognizing our strengths and weaknesses, God offers His unconditional love. The psalm also acknowledges God’s power to save and set us free.

See a prayer of Gratitude and Peace based on Psalm 103

Give as God Gives

In his homily for the 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, Bishop Robert Barron explains how Jesus calls us to love without expecting anything in return. He discusses the rivalry in gift-giving among tribes and how it can lead to destruction. He also highlights the difference between human and divine gift-giving, emphasizing that only God can give purely, without expecting anything back. Bishop Barron encourages us to love our enemies, do good to those who hate us, and give without strings attached, reflecting God’s perfect love. This teaching is possible only by sharing in God’s grace.

Davids and Sauls

In his reflection for the 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, Scott Hahn compares the story of David and Saul to Jesus’ teachings on mercy. David’s mercy towards Saul illustrates how Jesus wants His disciples to love their enemies. Jesus’ new law makes all people kin, urging us to be merciful like our Heavenly Father. We, like Saul, are spared by God’s mercy despite our sins. Jesus demonstrated this love through His Passion, forgiving His enemies. Scott Hahn emphasizes that believers in Jesus, the “last Adam,” will rise from the dead, reflecting Jesus’ image and mercy.

The 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C offers us lessons on mercy, forgiveness, and living like Jesus. The readings guide us in avoiding judgment, showing compassion, and bearing the image of Christ in our actions. By reflecting on these themes, we can grow in love and understanding, bringing us closer to living out our faith in everyday life.

Showing Compassion

The 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C reminds us of Jesus’ teaching about not judging others. Jesus warns us against judging because it leads to unfairness and a lack of compassion. When we judge, we often don’t know the whole story and can hurt others with our assumptions.

Jesus calls us to understand and help each other. Instead of judging, we should try to understand the struggles others are facing. Showing compassion means being kind and supportive, even when we don’t fully understand someone’s situation.

Judging others can create barriers and harm relationships. It separates us and makes it hard to see the good in others. By choosing to show understanding instead of judgment, we can build stronger, more loving communities.

Reflecting on this message during the 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, we see that Jesus wants us to follow His example of love and mercy. When we avoid judging and instead show compassion, we follow the path that Jesus set for us. This way, we help bring more kindness and understanding into the world.

Living Like Christ

The 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C also brings Paul’s message about bearing the image of Christ. Paul explains that we are to live like Jesus, showing His love and mercy in our actions. Living like Christ means embodying His values in our everyday lives.

Being in the image of Christ means showing love, kindness, and forgiveness. Jesus showed us how to love others, even those who hurt us. By following His example, we can reflect His goodness to the people around us.

This calling is not always easy. It requires patience and a willingness to put others first. But when we strive to live like Christ, we become a light for others, showing them the path to peace and love.

Reflecting on Paul’s message during the 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, we are reminded of our call to live like Jesus. By bearing His image in our actions, we help to spread His message of love and kindness. This way, we bring a bit of Christ’s love into the world each day.

Mercy and Forgiveness

The 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C teaches us about being faithful to Jesus’ call. Jesus tells us to love our enemies, which goes against the way our world usually works. Today, we often see competition, especially in politics and on social media, where getting ahead seems most important. Imagine how different things could be if we truly loved our enemies and showed forgiveness and mercy to everyone.

Jesus’ message is clear. We are called to a life of mercy, just like David showed mercy to Saul. Mercy means choosing kindness over revenge. It means forgiving others, even when it is hard. This path is not easy, but it brings us closer to living like Jesus.

Forgiveness is something we all need. We might think it is just for those who have wronged us, but we also need it for ourselves. Holding grudges can harm us and prevent us from finding peace. Jesus reminds us that we should forgive to be forgiven.

Healing from wounds takes time. When someone hurts us, the pain doesn’t disappear overnight. We can pray for God’s help in healing our hearts. Asking for the strength to let go of our need for revenge and for the desire to forgive can lead us to true peace.

On this 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, let’s remember Jesus’ teachings. By choosing love and mercy over revenge, and by seeking forgiveness, we can live a life that reflects Jesus’ love. This change in our hearts can make the world a better place.

The reflections for the 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C remind us of the importance of living out Jesus’ teachings in our daily lives. By avoiding judgment, showing compassion, and striving to live like Christ, we can make a positive impact on those around us. These lessons encourage us to grow in love, forgiveness, and mercy, bringing us closer to the heart of Jesus.

Prayer

Lord, help us to follow Your example of love and mercy. Teach us to avoid judging others and to show compassion instead. Give us the strength to live like Jesus, spreading kindness and forgiveness. Amen.

• Why does Jesus warn us against judging others?
• How can we show understanding and compassion in our daily lives?
• What are the dangers of judging others without knowing their full story?
• How can living like Christ change our interactions with others?
• What does it mean to bear the image of Christ in our actions?
• How can we practice showing mercy to those who have hurt us?
• Why is forgiveness important for our own peace and well-being?
• What steps can we take to let go of grudges and seek healing?
• How can we show love to our enemies in practical ways?
• What impact can choosing kindness over revenge have on our community?

These music selections for the 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C focus on themes of love, mercy, peace, and forgiveness. They remind us of Jesus’ command to love our enemies, seek peace, and show mercy. The songs encourage us to reflect on God’s kindness and our call to follow Jesus by loving others. Through various styles, from hymns to contemporary worship, the music helps us connect with the message of loving and forgiving, as God loves and forgives us.

• Can We Love? by Tom Booth
• Canticle of the Turning by Rory Cooney
• Christians, Let Us Love One Another by Claudia Foltz 
• For the Healing of the Nations by John F. Wade, Fred Kaan & Randall Debruyn
• Forth in the Peace of Christ We Go by Luke D. Rosen
• God of Wonders by Third Day
• How He Loves by David Crowder Band
• I Give You a New Commandment by Bob Hurd
• I Have Decided to Follow Jesus by Jadon Lavik
• In Christ There Is No East or West by William A. Dunkerley
• Let Your Love Come Down by Josh Blakesley
• Litany of Peace by Barbara Bridge
• Lord Make Me a Means of Your Peace by Marilla Ness
• Love by Ed Bolduc
• Love Goes On by Bernadette Farrell 
• Mercy by Lorraine Hess
• Prayer of St. Francis by Sebastian Temple, Dr. Martin Neary LVO & Michael Ward
• Psalm 103: The Lord Is Kind and Merciful by Ricky Manalo
• The Lord Is Kind by John Michael Talbot
• The Lord Is Kind and Merciful by Rick Modlin
• They’ll Know We Are Christians by Jars Of Clay
• Ubi Caritas by Bob Hurd & Pedro Rubalcava
• Where Charity and Love Abide by Trevor Thomson
• Where Charity and Love Prevail

Music directors and musicians, try these selections to enhance your liturgy. Share your own favorite songs that capture these themes in the comments. Let’s create a meaningful worship experience together.

What date is the 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C?

The next date is Sunday February 23, 2025.
For other years see the links below:
7th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A
7th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B

What are the Mass readings for the 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C?

The Catholic Mass readings for Sunday February 23, 2025 are:
First Reading – 1 Samuel 26:2, 7-9, 12-13, 22-23: David Spares Saul’s Life
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 103: Remembering God’s Kindness
Second Reading – 1 Corinthians 15:45-49: From Earthly to Heavenly
Gospel – Luke 6:27-38: Teachings on Love and Mercy

What does David’s action in the first reading for the 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C teach us?

David shows mercy by sparing Saul’s life. This teaches us to choose kindness over revenge, even when we have the chance to hurt those who have hurt us.

What does the first reading from Samuel teach about power and mercy?

David’s choice to spare Saul shows that real strength comes from mercy, not from using power to harm others. We should use our power to help and not hurt.

What is the “heavenly one” in the second reading for the 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C?

The “heavenly man” is Jesus. Paul wants us to live like Jesus, showing love, kindness, and mercy.

Why does Jesus tell us to love our enemies in the Gospel for the 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C?

Jesus wants us to love our enemies to show the kind of love God has for everyone. It means caring for others, even those who are not kind to us.

How can we forgive others as Jesus teaches?

Forgiving others means letting go of anger and resentment. This helps us to live in peace and follow Jesus’ example of forgiveness.

What does Jesus mean by giving without expecting return?

Jesus teaches us to be generous and help others without looking for something back. This shows true kindness and reflects God’s love.

Why is judging others wrong according to Jesus?

Jesus warns against judging others because it leads to unfairness and lack of compassion. We should focus on understanding and helping others instead.

How can we apply “love your enemies” in daily life?

We can show love to our enemies by being kind, praying for them, and not seeking revenge. This helps to build peace and understanding.

How can we practice generosity as Jesus teaches?

We can give our time, help, and resources to those in need without expecting anything back. This makes our community stronger and shows God’s love.

What lesson can we learn about forgiveness from the Gospel for the 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C?

The Gospel teaches that forgiving others helps us to be forgiven by God. It frees us from bitterness and brings peace.