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Mass Readings for the 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C

  • First ReadingGenesis 18:20-32: God tells Abraham He will check on Sodom and Gomorrah’s sin. Abraham asks God to spare the city if ten innocent people are found, and God agrees.
  • Responsorial PsalmPsalm 138: I thank the Lord for hearing my prayers, giving me strength, and protecting me. His kindness lasts forever, and He will complete His work for me.
  • Second ReadingColossians 2:12-14: In baptism, you were buried and raised with Christ. God forgave your sins, canceled your debt, and made you alive with Christ.
  • GospelLuke 11:1-13: Jesus teaches His disciples how to pray and emphasizes persistence in prayer, assuring them that God will answer. He highlights God’s readiness to give the Holy Spirit to those who ask.

I tell you, ask and you will receive; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

Luke 11:9-10

Themes for the 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C

The 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C focuses on prayer, trust, and God’s care for us. The readings show how people turn to God with faith and hope, asking for help and guidance.

  • Persistence in prayer: Abraham and Jesus teach the importance of continuing to ask God for help. Both show that faith means trusting God will listen and respond.
  • God’s justice and mercy: Abraham asks God to spare the innocent when Sodom is judged. This reminds us that God is both fair and full of mercy.
  • Faith and forgiveness: Paul tells the Colossians that their sins are forgiven because of Jesus. This shows that faith brings new life and freedom from sin.
  • The gift of prayer: Jesus teaches his disciples how to pray, giving them the Lord’s Prayer. Prayer is a way to build a deeper relationship with God.
  • Trust in God’s care: Jesus says God gives good gifts to those who ask. This reminds us to trust in God, who loves and provides for us.
  • Interceding for others: Abraham’s prayer for Sodom shows the power of asking God to help others. Prayer is not just for ourselves but for those in need.

These themes help us reflect on how we pray and trust in God. They encourage us to turn to God with faith, knowing that He listens and cares for us.

See the Homilies and Reflections section and the More Thoughts section for further expansion on these readings and some reflection questions for the 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C.

Resources for the 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C

Sunday July 27, 2025

Keep Knocking: Lesson Plan on Persistence in Prayer

The “Keep Knocking” lesson plan from Young Catholics focuses on persistence in prayer, aligning with the Gospel reading for the 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C. In this passage, Jesus teaches the Lord’s Prayer and shares a parable about a man persistently asking his friend for bread at midnight, emphasizing the importance of steadfast prayer.

The lesson plan encourages young people to develop a regular prayer habit, trust in God’s timing, and understand that prayer is more than just asking for things—it’s about building a relationship with God. Through activities and discussions, it helps them see that God listens to every prayer and that persistence in prayer strengthens their faith and reliance on God’s love.

Learn a New Prayer

This article emphasizes the value of exploring different ways to pray, which connects closely with the Gospel for the 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C. In the Gospel, Jesus teaches His disciples how to pray, introducing the Lord’s Prayer as a model. Learning new prayers, as the article suggests, helps us grow in our relationship with God and approach Him in a more meaningful way.

The article encourages discovering forms of prayer that go beyond memorized words, such as meditative or reflective prayer. This ties to the Gospel’s message about making prayer a personal connection with God. By trying new ways to pray, we can better live out Jesus’ teaching to trust God, share our needs, and ask persistently for His guidance and care. This aligns with the call to deepen our prayer life and draw closer to God.

The Our Father

The Our Father, also known as the Lord’s Prayer, is central to the Gospel reading for the 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C. Jesus teaches this prayer to His disciples, inviting them to approach God with trust and sincerity. Each phrase of the prayer reflects a deep relationship with God, focusing on His holiness, His will, and our reliance on Him for daily needs, forgiveness, and guidance.

Praying the Lord’s Prayer thoughtfully can help us grow closer to God. Reflecting on each part of the prayer encourages us to align our lives with its meaning. This practice reminds us to trust in God’s care, seek His forgiveness, and strive to live according to His will, just as Jesus taught.

More Catholic Prayers

On the 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, the readings emphasize the importance of persistent prayer and trust in God. The Gospel recounts Jesus teaching the Lord’s Prayer, guiding us to approach God with our needs and desires.

Engaging in traditional Catholic prayers, such as the Angelus, Hail Mary, and the Act of Love, can deepen our relationship with God. These prayers help us express our faith and align our hearts with God’s will. By incorporating these prayers into our daily routine, we follow Jesus’ teaching to pray consistently and with trust.

Psalm 138: Wondrous Praise and Trust in God

Psalm 138 is a song of praise and thanks to God. The psalmist expresses gratitude for God’s love and faithfulness. He acknowledges that when he called for help, God answered him. This reflects the theme of persistence in prayer found in the readings for the 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C. In the Gospel, Jesus teaches about the importance of asking, seeking, and knocking in prayer. Psalm 138 reinforces this by showing that God listens and responds to our prayers.

The psalm also highlights trust in God’s protection. The psalmist believes that God will continue to guide and support him, even in times of trouble. This aligns with the message in the first reading, where Abraham intercedes persistently for Sodom and Gomorrah, trusting in God’s justice and mercy. Both the psalm and the readings encourage believers to maintain a strong prayer life, trusting that God hears and answers those who call upon Him.

See a prayer of of Praise and Trust based on Psalm 138

The Gospel of Luke

The Gospel of Luke emphasizes Jesus’ compassion and outreach to all people, especially those marginalized by society. This theme is evident in the parables unique to Luke, such as the Good Samaritan and the Prodigal Son, which highlight mercy and forgiveness. Luke’s narrative underscores that Jesus’ message is universal, offering salvation to everyone, regardless of their background or status.

On the 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, the Gospel reading from Luke includes Jesus teaching the Lord’s Prayer. This prayer reflects the themes of Luke’s Gospel by addressing God as “Father,” indicating a personal and intimate relationship. It also emphasizes the coming of God’s kingdom, daily sustenance, forgiveness, and deliverance from temptation, aligning with Luke’s focus on compassion, forgiveness, and reliance on God.

Homilies and Commentaries for the 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C

Sunday July 27, 2025

What Is the Lord’s Prayer About?

Bishop Robert Barron reflects on the Lord’s Prayer for the 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, showing its deep connection to Jesus’ own prayer life. Jesus teaches us to call God “Father,” sharing in His unique intimacy with God. Each phrase of the prayer invites us to trust God fully, seek His will, and rely on Him for everything we need, including forgiveness and strength in trials.

The Lord’s Prayer also challenges us to align our values with God’s Kingdom and to forgive others as we are forgiven. Bishop Barron encourages us to pray it slowly, meditating on its meaning and letting it guide us into a closer relationship with God.

Abraham’s Request

Jeff Cavins reflects on the readings for the 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, highlighting the importance of persistence in prayer. He shares how Abraham’s persistence in pleading for Sodom shows the value of intercession, even when the results seem uncertain. In the Gospel, Jesus teaches the Lord’s Prayer and encourages tenacity in prayer, using the example of a friend persistently asking for bread. Cavins reminds us that prayer is not just about asking but about trusting and continuing to turn to God with faith.

Cavins also emphasizes that persistence in prayer strengthens our relationship with God and helps us grow spiritually. He encourages practical steps like praying novenas, saying the rosary, and following the liturgical calendar. Drawing inspiration from St. Monica’s unrelenting prayers for her son, Cavins urges believers to pray consistently and never give up, trusting in God’s presence and guidance.

Asked and Answered

Scott Hahn reflects on the 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, focusing on the gift of prayer and our relationship with God as His children. Abraham’s bold intercession for Sodom in the First Reading shows us how to persist in prayer, trusting in God’s mercy. Through Jesus, we have an even closer relationship with God, made possible by the Holy Spirit given to us in Baptism. We can call God “Father,” confident that He listens and answers our prayers.

Hahn explains that Jesus, the just Man, bore our guilt on the Cross, freeing us from sin and death. Because of this, we pray with gratitude, especially in the Eucharist, which means thanksgiving. The Psalm reminds us to worship in God’s presence, hallowing His name. Through prayer, we ask for God to complete His work in us, raising us to eternal life and sharing in His glory forever.

What Should We Talk to God About? Everything.

Fr. Mike Schmitz emphasizes the importance of mental prayer as a conversation with God. He explains that prayer is not about informing God of something He doesn’t already know but about giving Him access to our hearts and lives. Fr. Mike encourages us to share everything with God, even the small details of our day, because God desires a relationship with us and values our openness.

Fr. Mike reminds us that God, who has made Himself completely accessible to us, longs for us to give Him access to the deepest part of ourselves. This act of sharing our thoughts, feelings, and desires allows God to work in our lives. Through mental prayer, we honor God by inviting Him into our hearts, trusting that He cares about every aspect of our lives, no matter how big or small.

Reflection for the 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C

The 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C invites us to reflect on the gift of prayer and our relationship with God. Through the readings, we learn how to speak with God, trust Him in all circumstances, and remain persistent in prayer. These reflections help us deepen our faith and open our hearts to God’s care and mercy.

Prayer Is Sharing with God

St. Therese of Lisieux described prayer as a surge of the heart. Prayer is more than saying words; it is opening ourselves to God. We share our joys, struggles, and hopes with the One who knows us best. This is the kind of prayer Jesus teaches in the Gospel for the 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C.

Jesus calls us to address God as Father, a close and loving term. We acknowledge God’s holiness and ask for his will to be done. Jesus reminds us that we can bring our needs to God, asking for our daily bread, mercy, and strength in hard times.

This prayer shows us that God cares about every part of our lives. It encourages us to trust that we can speak openly to God, just as we would to a parent or close friend. Through prayer, we learn to depend on God and to stay close to him in every situation.

The Power of Persistent Prayer

In the Gospel for the 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, Jesus urges his disciples to be persistent in prayer. He tells them to keep asking, seeking, and knocking. This persistence is not about changing God’s mind but about building a deeper connection with Him.

When we don’t give up on prayer, we keep the line of communication open. This allows God to guide us, soften our hearts, or help us see things in a new way. Prayer shapes us, teaching us patience and trust in God’s timing.

Through persistent prayer, we open ourselves to God’s presence in our lives. Even when answers don’t come quickly, continuing to pray reminds us to trust God. This kind of prayer builds our faith and strengthens our relationship with Him.

Trusting God’s Mercy and Care

The readings for the 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C highlight God’s mercy and care for His people. In the first reading, Abraham intercedes for the people of Sodom, trusting in God’s justice and compassion. In the Gospel, Jesus shows that we can ask God for what we need, confident in His love for us.

Abraham’s boldness in speaking to God shows that we, too, can approach Him with our worries and hopes. God listens when we pray for others and seeks to help us in ways we may not always see. This reminds us to care deeply for others and to trust in God’s kindness.

Jesus teaches that God provides good things to His children. Just as a parent meets the needs of their family, God hears our prayers and responds. This does not mean we always get what we ask for, but we can trust that God knows what is best for us.

Both readings remind us to trust in God’s love and mercy, even in difficult times. They encourage us to pray with faith, knowing that God listens and cares deeply for us and for those we bring to Him in prayer.


As we reflect on these themes, we are reminded of the importance of prayer in every part of our lives. The 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C encourages us to trust God more fully, pray more sincerely, and rely on His love for guidance and strength.

Prayer

Loving Father, we come to You in faith, knowing that You hear us. Teach us to pray with trust and to seek Your will in all things. Help us to bring our needs and the needs of others to You with open hearts. Guide us and fill us with Your love. Amen.

Reflection Questions for the 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C

  • How can I make my prayers more open and honest with God?
  • What does calling God “Father” mean to me in my prayer life?
  • How do I bring my needs and the needs of others to God?
  • When have I experienced persistence in prayer making a difference in my life?
  • How do I trust in God when my prayers are not answered right away?
  • What can I learn from Abraham’s boldness in asking God for mercy?
  • How do I experience God’s care and guidance in my life?
  • In what ways can prayer change how I see a situation?
  • How does the Lord’s Prayer shape my relationship with God?
  • What steps can I take to deepen my trust in God through prayer?

Quotes and Social Media Graphics for the 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C

Ask and you will receive; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.
Our Father, Who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer
17th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C

Music Suggestions for the 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C

Sunday July 27, 2025

These music selections reflect the themes of prayer, trust, and persistence found in the readings for the 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C. Many of these songs focus on calling out to God, seeking His guidance, and trusting in His mercy. Others highlight the importance of lifting our hearts in prayer, asking for God’s kingdom to come, and expressing gratitude for His faithfulness. The range of styles and lyrics encourages a deeper connection to the message of the day, drawing us into prayer and reflection.

Consider exploring these selections to enhance your liturgy or personal prayer. Music directors and musicians are encouraged to try these songs and share their experiences. If you have other suggestions that align with the themes of the day, add them in the comments to help others in their planning and worship.

Questions and Answers for the 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C

What date is the 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C?

The next date is Sunday July 27, 2025.
For other years see the links below:
Corpus Christi Year A
Corpus Christi Year B

What are the Mass readings for the 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C?

These are the Mass readings for Sunday July 27, 2025:
First Reading – Genesis 18:20-32: Abraham Pleads for Sodom
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 138: Thanking the Lord for His Help
Second Reading – Colossians 2:12-14: New Life in Christ
Gospel – Luke 11:1-13: Jesus Instructs on Prayer

What does the first reading teach us about prayer in the first reading for the 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C?

The first reading shows Abraham asking God to help spare the innocent in Sodom. It teaches us that we can talk to God honestly and ask for help, especially when we care about others.

Why does Abraham keep asking God to lower the number of innocent people needed to save the city?

Abraham keeps asking because he trusts God to listen and care about his concerns. It shows us that we can keep praying even if we feel unsure or have big requests.

What does the second reading mean when it talks about being buried and raised with Christ?

This means that through baptism, we leave behind our old life of sin and are given new life in Christ. It reminds us to live in the freedom and hope that God gives us.

How does the second reading for the 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C relate to forgiveness?

The second reading says that God has forgiven our sins and made us new. This helps us see that no matter what we have done, God wants to help us start fresh.

Why does Jesus teach the Lord’s Prayer in the Gospel for the 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C?

Jesus teaches the Lord’s Prayer to help his followers know how to pray. It gives us a simple way to turn to God and trust in His care for us.

What does Jesus mean when he says to ask, seek, and knock?

Jesus is saying that we should pray with faith and not give up. God will always listen and respond in a way that is good for us.

How does the Gospel for the 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C show that God cares about us?

The Gospel explains that just as a parent gives good things to their children, God will give us what we need. This reminds us to trust in God’s love and care.

What can we learn from Abraham’s prayer for Sodom?

Abraham’s prayer shows the importance of praying for others, especially those in difficult situations. It encourages us to care for others and ask God to help them.

How can we apply the readings for the 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C to our own prayer life?

The readings remind us to pray with trust and to be persistent. We can talk to God about anything, knowing He listens and cares about what we need.

Why is persistence in prayer important?

Persistence in prayer shows that we trust God and believe He will act. It helps us grow closer to God and rely on Him in every part of our lives.

Praying with Trust and Persistence

The 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C focuses on prayer and trusting in God. The first reading shows Abraham speaking with God about Sodom. He asks God to save the city if innocent people are there. This teaches us that we can pray honestly and ask God for help.

The second reading reminds us of forgiveness through Jesus. Paul explains that we are given new life in Christ. Through baptism, we are set free from sin and brought closer to God. This shows us that God wants us to live in hope and freedom.

In the Gospel for the 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, Jesus teaches his disciples how to pray. He shares the Lord’s Prayer as a guide for turning to God. Jesus also encourages persistence, saying that God listens when we ask, seek, and knock. The readings together remind us that prayer builds our trust in God and strengthens our faith.

Your Turn

Take time this week to think about the message of the 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C. How do these readings inspire you to pray and trust more?

We invite you to share your thoughts in the comments. Let us know how these readings speak to your life and how you connect with their message.

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