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14th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C

Sunday July 9, 2028

Peace Like a Flowing River

The 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C shows us how God brings comfort and joy. Isaiah gives us a gentle picture of a mother caring for her child. This is how God cares for us. He promises peace that flows like a river and joy that fills the heart. His people will be safe, happy, and full of life.

Psalm 66 tells everyone to praise God. All the earth is called to sing with joy. The psalm reminds us of God’s great deeds. It is a call to speak of God’s kindness and to trust in His power.

Paul’s message in Galatians is clear. The cross of Jesus brings new life. Paul wants us to follow Jesus, not rules made by men. He says we are a new creation. That means we are changed from the inside out by following Jesus.

In Luke’s Gospel, Jesus sends out 72 disciples. He tells them to preach, heal, and bring peace. They go with little but return full of joy. Jesus says their real joy should be in this: their names are written in heaven. The 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C reminds us to trust God, share His peace, and find joy in His care.

Mass Readings for the 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C

  • First ReadingIsaiah 66:10-14C: The joy and comfort that the Lord will bring to his people, using metaphors of a nursing mother, a comforting mother, and a flowing river. The Lord promises to extend peace to his people like a river, and his people will rejoice and be glad, with their hearts flourishing like grass.
  • Responsorial PsalmPsalm 66: All people on earth should cry out to God with joy and proclaim his tremendous deeds. The author praises God for his works and his kindness, and calls on all who fear God to listen to their testimony.
  • Second ReadingGalatians 6:14-18: The cross of Christ is important as the means of salvation and new life for believers. Paul declares that he will boast only in the cross of Christ, which has made him a new creation, and he encourages the Galatians to avoid the false teachers who seek to impose circumcision and other works of the law on them, instead urging them to embrace the new creation in Christ.
  • GospelLuke 10:1-12, 17-20: Jesus sends out seventy-two disciples to go ahead of him and proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God, instructing them to rely on God’s provision and hospitality, and to shake off any dust from towns that reject them. The disciples return with joy, reporting that even demons were subject to them in Jesus’ name, and Jesus rejoices that their names are written in heaven.

Lectionary Reference: 102

Go on your way; behold, I am sending you like lambs among wolves. Carry no money bag, no sack, no sandals; and greet no one along the way.

Luke 10:3-4

Themes for the 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C

The 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C invites us to reflect on themes of peace, joy, and discipleship. The readings remind us of God’s blessings, our call to share the Gospel, and the hope we find in Christ.

  • Joy in God’s blessings: Isaiah speaks of rejoicing in God’s care, showing how He comforts His people. This reminds us to trust in His love and rejoice in His blessings.
  • Peace as a gift: The readings highlight God’s gift of peace. Jesus tells His disciples to bring peace wherever they go, showing that peace is central to Christian life.
  • Trust in God’s care: Isaiah shows how God takes care of His people like a mother caring for her child. This reminds us to trust that God provides for all our needs.
  • Boasting in the Cross: Paul reminds us to glory only in the Cross of Christ. The Cross is a sign of God’s love and the source of our salvation.
  • Call to discipleship: Jesus sends His followers out in pairs to share the Good News. This reminds us that we are called to work together to spread God’s message.
  • Hope in eternal life: Jesus tells His disciples to rejoice because their names are written in heaven. This reminds us that our ultimate joy is in eternal life with God.

The 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C reminds us of the joy, peace, and hope that come from God. The readings call us to trust in Him, share His message, and focus on the promise of eternal life.

Resources for the 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C

Sunday July 9, 2028

Celebrating Our Identity in Christ Lesson Plan

This Identity in Christ lesson plan is inspired by the Gospel for the 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C (Luke 10:1-12, 17-20). In this passage, Jesus sends out His disciples and reminds them that their joy should come not from their achievements, but from knowing their names are written in heaven. This lesson helps youth understand that their true worth is found in being loved by God and belonging to Him.

By focusing on their identity in Christ, youth learn to let go of the pressure to prove themselves and find confidence in God’s unchanging love. This message encourages them to live with purpose and trust, knowing that their value comes from being children of God.

The Book of Isaiah: Comfort for the Faithful

Isaiah 66:10-14C brings the book’s message of hope and restoration to a close. After many chapters warning of judgment and calling for faithfulness, Isaiah ends with a promise of joy, peace, and comfort. The image of Jerusalem as a nurturing mother highlights God’s care for His people. In a time of sorrow and exile, this section points toward healing and new life.

Isaiah often speaks of God’s justice and the need for faith, but this final chapter turns the focus to God’s mercy. Peace will flow like a river. God’s people will thrive, not by their own strength, but by the comfort and care God provides. The 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C reminds us that God’s love gathers and restores His people.

See more insights about the Book of Isaiah and its message for God’s people.

Psalm 66: Let the Earth Rejoice

The responsorial psalm is a song of thanksgiving for God’s mighty deeds. It reflects the Psalms’ focus on worship, remembering how God saved His people through history. This psalm invites the whole world to join in praising God, not just Israel. God’s actions are good for all people, and His kindness is cause for joy.

The psalmist gives personal witness, calling others to listen to what God has done for them. This matches the overall theme of the Psalms: God hears prayers, delivers the faithful, and deserves joyful praise. On the 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, this psalm ties into the joy and hope expressed in the first reading.

Learn more about Psalm 66.

See a contemporary prayer based on Psalm 66.

Galatians: Boasting in the Cross

In Galatians 6:14-18, from the final section of Galatians, Paul sums up his main point. He warns against those who focus on following old rules to appear holy. Instead, he points to the cross of Jesus as the only source of new life. Galatians is a letter about freedom in Christ. Paul urges the church to let go of law-based righteousness and live by the Spirit.

The new creation Paul talks about is a key theme in Galatians. Through Christ, believers are no longer bound by the old covenant. They live by faith and are part of something new. On the 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, this reading challenges us to keep our eyes on Jesus, not on religious show.

Read more about Paul’s letter to the Galatians and its message of freedom.

The Gospel of Luke: Sent to Serve

In Luke’s Gospel, Jesus often sends people out to bring God’s message. Today’s Gospel story fits that pattern. Jesus calls seventy-two disciples to prepare the way for him. They are to rely on others and trust in God. Luke focuses on God’s kingdom, showing that the message is for everyone, not just a few.

The disciples return full of joy, not just because of success, but because they belong to God. This Gospel reminds us that our mission is rooted in trust and joy. The 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C helps us remember that we are sent by Jesus too. The joy of serving others is a sign of the kingdom.

Explore more about the Gospel of Luke and its focus on mission and mercy.

Homilies and Commentaries for the 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C

Sunday July 9, 2028

Signers

The readings for the 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C speak about risk, sacrifice, and what we value most. Fr. Mike Schmitz shares a story from his high school job and how he discovered the final words of the Declaration of Independence. He talks about the 56 signers and how they gave up their security, wealth, and even their lives for liberty. Many of them paid a great price.

Fr. Mike compares those signers to the 72 disciples Jesus sent out. They also risked everything, with no backup or safety, just trust in Jesus. St. Paul did the same, giving up his past pride and accomplishments for the sake of Christ. Fr. Mike reminds us that every time we make the sign of the cross, we are also signers. We are choosing to follow Jesus, even if it costs us everything, because life with Him is worth more than anything else.

The Church’s Marching Orders

The Gospel for the 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C shows us what the Church is meant to be. Bishop Barron explains that Jesus sends out the 72 disciples to go in pairs, with no money or supplies, relying fully on God. The Church is always on mission, not meant to be private or quiet, but active and bold. We go together, support one another, and pray for God’s help.

Bishop Barron says we are called to heal the sick, proclaim the kingdom of God, and stand strong against evil. Generosity, trust in God, and courage are all part of our mission. The Church must rely on prayer and not just plans or programs. Even today, we are called to speak truth and bring hope, knowing that Christ gives us power over darkness. This passage is a guide for what the Church is and what we are sent to do.

The Gospel and My Life

In the Gospel for the 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, Jesus sends out seventy disciples to bring peace, heal the sick, and share the good news. Fr. Don Goergen reflects on this call to mission, especially the challenge of being sent like lambs among wolves. He says this gospel speaks to our own lives and asks how we respond to injustice and suffering in the world.

Fr. Don connects the reading to issues like immigration and poverty. He asks if we live the gospel with courage and honesty, even when it is hard. He challenges believers to speak and act with compassion, not just believe quietly. For him, real faith means asking hard questions and living in a way that brings peace and shows that the kingdom of God is near.

Prepare the Way. Walk the Way.

In the Gospel reading for the 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, Jesus sends out seventy disciples in pairs to prepare the way for His coming. They are told to bring peace, rely on others for help, and trust in God’s care. If people reject their message, they are to move on, knowing they still brought the good news.

Matthew Kelly reflects on this mission and reminds us that we are also sent to help others open their hearts to God. This work can be hard or confusing, but we should not give up. Sometimes, the best thing we can do is pray for those who resist. Matthew encourages us to keep trying and to be faithful in sharing God’s love with others.

Our Ongoing Mission

The Gospel for the 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C tells how Jesus sends out seventy-two disciples to prepare the way for His visit. He gives them clear instructions, sends them in pairs, and tells them what to say and do. They are to bring peace, rely on others for help, and move on if not welcomed. The mission is simple but serious, and Jesus celebrates their success, saying He saw Satan fall like lightning.

Fr. Greg Friedman compares this mission to a well-planned military operation. He explains how Luke uses this story to show how the Holy Spirit continues to guide the Church in new times and places. Even now, the message is the same: the kingdom of God is near. Fr. Friedman reminds us that when we gather for Mass, we are preparing and refitting for our own mission to share peace and announce God’s kingdom in the world around us.

How Will You Evangelize Today?

Bishop Robert Barron reflects on the Gospel for the 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, highlighting the Church’s mission to share the Gospel with the world. He reminds us that all baptized Christians are sent out like the seventy-two disciples, called to spread the Good News with love, humility, and trust in God. The importance of teamwork, simplicity, and prayer is central to this mission.

In his homily, Bishop Barron also emphasizes healing and proclaiming the kingdom of God as key tasks of the Church. Jesus’ message calls us to bring peace, care for others, and live in a way that reflects God’s love and justice.

The Kingdom of God Is at Hand

Jeff Cavins reflects on the Gospel for the 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, focusing on Jesus sending out seventy disciples to share the message of the kingdom of God. He compares this to Moses appointing elders in the Old Testament, showing how Jesus fulfills and continues God’s plan. The disciples are called to proclaim that the kingdom is near, offering forgiveness, mercy, and healing to those they meet.

Cavins emphasizes that the true joy of discipleship comes not from power or success but from knowing our names are written in heaven. The mission is about bringing others into God’s kingdom and helping them experience His love and justice.

Harvest Time

Scott Hahn reflects on the Gospel for the 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, focusing on Jesus sending out seventy disciples as a sign of the Church’s ongoing mission. Through their preaching, the kingdom of God is proclaimed, bringing peace and mercy to those who believe. Rejecting this message, however, leads to judgment.

Hahn highlights how the Church, as the new family of faith, carries God’s blessings and protection. Empowered by Christ, she triumphs over the forces of evil and leads believers to salvation. This mission continues until all creation rejoices in the glory of God’s kingdom.

Reflection for the 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C

The 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C calls us to reflect on God’s care, the message of the Cross, and the call to discipleship. Through the readings, we see the joy of trusting in God, the importance of humility, and the hope found in sharing His love with others. These themes encourage us to rejoice in God’s blessings, rely on Jesus, and embrace the mission He has given us.

Rejoicing in God’s Care

The first reading for the 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C reminds us to rejoice in God’s care. Isaiah describes how God comforts His people, bringing joy and peace to their lives. This image of God’s care is like that of a loving mother who provides for her children with tenderness and compassion.

This message encourages us to trust in God, even in difficult moments. His care is constant, and His blessings are all around us. By recognizing His love in our lives, we can find strength and peace, no matter the challenges we face.

Rejoicing in God’s care also calls us to gratitude. We can look at the blessings in our lives and thank God for them. It helps us to see that even in times of struggle, God is present, guiding and helping us.

Glory in the Cross

In the second reading for the 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, Paul reminds us to glory only in the Cross of Christ. The Cross shows us how much God loves us and brings salvation to the world. It is not about worldly success or personal pride, but about what Christ has done for us.

This reflection on the Cross invites us to live humbly, trusting in God’s plan rather than our own achievements. Paul’s message shows us that our lives should center on Jesus and His sacrifice, not on seeking approval or power from others.

When we focus on the Cross, it changes how we see our lives. It helps us to embrace faith, hope, and love, even in the face of challenges. The Cross reminds us that Jesus is our greatest source of strength and that His love is always with us.

The Joy and Challenge of Discipleship

The Gospel for the 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C gives us a glimpse of life with Jesus and His disciples. The disciples are sent on a mission, preaching and healing in Jesus’ name. Their work brings joy, even though it involves hardship. They are learning and growing, becoming more like Jesus through their actions.

Discipleship brings both challenges and hope. The work of sharing God’s love is not always easy, but it is rewarding. We can find joy in following Jesus when we remember that He is with us and gives us the strength we need.

Jesus also gives clear guidance to His disciples. He tells them to travel in pairs, rely on God, and accept the hospitality of others. He reminds them to stay humble and to move on when rejected. These instructions show us how to live as disciples today, trusting in God and focusing on the mission of love and peace.


The 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C reminds us of God’s love and the joy of following Him. As we reflect on these messages, let us seek to grow as disciples, trusting in Him and sharing His peace and hope with others.

Prayer

Lord, help us to trust in your care and follow your path with joy. Teach us to rely on the Cross and share your love with others. Fill us with peace as we face challenges, and guide us to grow as your disciples. May we always walk with you. Amen.

Reflection Questions for the 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C

  • How does the image of God’s care in the first reading encourage you to trust Him?
  • What are some blessings in your life that bring you joy?
  • How does focusing on the Cross help you face challenges?
  • What does it mean to glory in the Cross in your daily life?
  • How can you bring peace to others as Jesus taught in the Gospel?
  • What steps can you take to grow as a disciple of Jesus?
  • How do you respond when others reject your faith or beliefs?
  • What can you learn from the instructions Jesus gave to His disciples?
  • How do you experience joy in sharing God’s love with others?
  • In what ways can you trust God more fully in your life?

Quotes, Social Media Graphics, and Bulletin Images for the 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C

River of Comfort

Let “River of Comfort” bring the peace of Isaiah 66 into your space. Available as a poster, card, canvas print, home décor, and digital download. Ideal for those seeking God’s healing presence and promise of new life. Add it to your prayer corner or gift it with love.

Click on the image for more information on how to get the full sized artwork.

Paid subscribers may download a large version this digital artwork (without watermarks) free of charge by clicking here. You must be logged in as a paid subscriber to access the file.

Sent Into the Light

Celebrate the beauty of mission with “Sent into the Light.” Available as a poster, card, canvas print, home décor, and digital download. Whether for your home, church, or a meaningful gift, this image is a reminder to walk with Christ and carry peace wherever you go.

Click on the image for more information on how to get the full sized artwork.

Paid subscribers may download a large version this digital artwork (without watermarks) free of charge by clicking here. You must be logged in as a paid subscriber to access the file.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen.

Music Suggestions for the 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C

Sunday July 9, 2028

These music selections focus on themes of mission, trust in God, and sharing the Gospel. They celebrate the call to discipleship, the joy of being sent out to proclaim God’s kingdom, and the importance of community in doing His work. Some songs are uplifting and encourage action, while others inspire reflection and prayer. Together, they highlight the mission of the Church as described in the readings for the 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C.

Music directors and musicians are encouraged to explore these selections and consider how they fit with the themes of the liturgy. Share your thoughts and suggest your favorite songs for this Sunday in the comments!

Questions and Answers for 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C

What date is the 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C?

The next date is Sunday July 9, 2028.
For other years see the links below:
14th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A
14th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B

What does it mean to rejoice in the Lord as mentioned in the first reading for the 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C?

The first reading calls God’s people to rejoice because of His blessings and care. We can apply this by thanking God for His goodness and trusting that He will always take care of us.

How can we trust God’s care in hard times?

The first reading compares God’s care to a mother’s love for her child. This reminds us to have faith that God is always with us and will comfort us when we face challenges.

Why does Paul talk about boasting in the Cross in the second reading for the 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C?

Paul says we should only glory in the Cross. This means we should trust in Jesus’ sacrifice, which brings us salvation, instead of focusing on earthly success or pride.

Why does Jesus send out His followers in pairs in the Gospel for the 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C?

Jesus sends His followers in pairs so they can support and encourage one another. This reminds us that working together is important when we try to share God’s love with others.

Why is peace so important in the Gospel reading?

Jesus tells His disciples to share peace with others. This teaches us that peace is a gift we should share through kind words, forgiveness, and helping others feel loved.

What does it mean to have names written in heaven?

Jesus tells His disciples to rejoice because their names are written in heaven. This means that those who follow God and live as His disciples are promised eternal life with Him.

What does it mean to share the Good News?

The Gospel for the 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C shows the disciples sharing God’s message with others. This teaches us to share our faith by being kind, patient, and showing God’s love in our actions.

Why does Jesus warn about some people not accepting His message?

Jesus tells His disciples that some will not welcome them. This teaches us to stay strong in our faith even when others reject it and to keep sharing God’s love with kindness.

How can we bring peace to others?

The Gospel encourages us to bring peace to others by showing love, listening, and being kind. We can also pray for peace in our homes, communities, and the world.

What does it mean to trust in God’s blessings?

The readings for the 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C remind us that God cares for us and provides what we need. This teaches us to focus on His goodness and to be thankful instead of worrying.

Rejoice and Share the Peace of God

The 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C reminds us to rejoice in God’s blessings and share His peace with others. In the first reading, Isaiah paints a picture of God caring for His people like a loving mother. This shows us that God’s care is personal and comforting, and we can trust Him in all things.

The second reading from Galatians teaches us to focus on the Cross of Christ. Paul explains that the Cross is what truly matters because it brings new life in God. This reminds us to avoid being proud of worldly success and to rely on Christ alone for our hope.

In the Gospel, Jesus sends out His disciples to share the Good News. He tells them to bring peace wherever they go and to trust God to provide for them. Even when people do not accept the message, Jesus encourages them to stay strong in faith and remember the greater joy of having their names written in heaven.

This Sunday’s readings call us to rejoice, trust in God, and share His peace. They remind us of the blessings we receive and the mission we have to live and spread our faith.

Your Turn

Take time to reflect on the readings for the 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C. How do they encourage you to trust in God and share peace with others?

We invite you to share your thoughts in the comments. Let us know how you see God’s blessings in your life or how you feel called to spread His peace to those around you.

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