20th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C
Sunday August 20, 2028
Jesus Brings Fire and Division
The readings for the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C are not easy to hear. Jesus speaks clearly. He says He did not come to bring peace, but fire. He warns that even families will be divided because of Him. His words are bold and direct. This may be hard to accept, but it is true.
Jeremiah lived this out. In the first reading, he is thrown into a cistern for speaking the truth. People wanted him gone. But God sends someone to help him. Jeremiah did not stop trusting God, even in the mud.
The second reading from Hebrews reminds us to keep going. We must stay strong. We should look to Jesus, who faced the cross. He did not give up. Neither should we.
The 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C asks us to be honest. Are we ready to follow Jesus, even when it brings trouble? Are we willing to stand with Him, even when others turn away? This Sunday helps us look at our own faith with clear eyes.
Mass Readings for the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C
- First Reading – Jeremiah 38:4-6, 8-10: The princes accused Jeremiah of demoralizing the people and threw him into a muddy cistern. Ebed-melech convinced the king to rescue Jeremiah before he died of starvation.
- Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 40: I waited for the LORD, and He saved me. He set my feet on a rock, gave me a new song, and is my help and deliverer.
- Second Reading – Hebrews 12:1-4: We must cast off sin and run our race with endurance, focusing on Jesus who endured the cross and opposition, so we do not lose heart.
- Gospel – Luke 12:49-53: Jesus tells His disciples that He came to bring fire and division, not peace. Families will be divided because of Him, with conflicts even among close relatives.
The readings above are for lectionary cycle C. For other years see the links below:
20th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A
20th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B
I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing!
Luke 12:49
Themes for the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C
The readings for the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C highlight the challenges of living out the faith. They show how faith can bring division, suffering, and the need for perseverance.
- Faith and Conflict: Jesus speaks of bringing division, not peace. Faith can lead to disagreements and even conflict within families and communities.
- Perseverance in Suffering: Jeremiah suffers for speaking God’s truth. The reading from Hebrews calls us to persevere like Jesus, who endured the cross.
- The Cost of Discipleship: Following Jesus is not easy. It may mean facing opposition, even from those closest to us.
- The Role of Prophets: Jeremiah was persecuted for his message. Prophets often face rejection because they speak difficult truths.
- Endurance in the Race: The reading from Hebrews encourages us to run the race with endurance. We are called to keep our eyes on Jesus and not give up, even when it is hard.
- Fire of the Gospel: Jesus says He came to bring fire on the earth. The Gospel challenges us and calls for a passionate response.
These themes from the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C remind us that following Jesus requires courage and endurance. The readings encourage us to stay faithful, even when it is difficult.
Resources for the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C
Lesson Plan on Peer Pressure and Faith
This lesson plan on peer pressure is based on the Gospel for the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C (Luke 12:49-53). Jesus says His message will cause division, even in families. This can be difficult to hear, but it reminds us that following Him is not always easy. Youth will explore how peer pressure can challenge their faith and how they can stay strong in their beliefs.
This lesson helps young people understand that they are not alone in their struggles. They will learn how the Holy Spirit gives courage to make the right choices, even when others pressure them to do wrong. Through discussion and reflection, they will see that faith is worth standing up for. With God’s help, they can choose to follow Jesus, even when it is difficult.
The Book of Jeremiah: A Prophet’s Suffering and God’s Justice
Jeremiah’s suffering in this passage shows how God’s messengers often face rejection. The princes accuse him of weakening the people’s resolve, reflecting the tension between truth and human pride. Throughout Jeremiah, God’s justice and faithfulness stand firm, even when His prophets are mistreated. This fits the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C as a call to endure hardship for God’s truth.
Ebed-melech’s courage to act shows God’s care working through ordinary people. Jeremiah’s rescue reflects the larger theme of God protecting His servants, even in times of great danger. In the book of Jeremiah, God continually calls His people back to covenant faithfulness, often through the suffering of His prophet.
Psalm 40: Trusting God in Trial
This psalm praises God’s help in times of suffering. The psalmist’s waiting and rescue fit the message of the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, which calls believers to remain faithful even when facing opposition. Throughout Psalm 40, trust in God’s saving action is the foundation of hope and strength.
The song of praise and thanksgiving shows that God is both rescuer and guide. By setting the psalmist’s feet on solid rock, God restores stability and life. This reflects the psalm’s larger theme of moving from despair to confidence in God’s plan.
The Letter to the Hebrews: Endurance Through Faith
This passage urges believers to run the race of faith with perseverance, fitting the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C focus on steadfastness. Hebrews often speaks of faith as active endurance, rooted in trust in God’s promises. Jesus, who endured the cross, is the perfect example of this faithful endurance.
The call to lay aside sin fits Hebrews’ theme of remaining faithful in the face of trials. The entire book encourages Christians to remain strong, remembering Christ’s ultimate sacrifice. Hope comes from fixing our eyes on Him, the source of salvation. Explore more in this study of the Letter to the Hebrews.
The Gospel of Luke: Division for the Sake of Truth
Jesus’ words about fire and division highlight the cost of discipleship. In the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, this reminds us that following Him may bring conflict, even within families. Luke’s Gospel often shows how choosing Jesus means putting God’s kingdom first, above comfort or human approval.
This passage fits Luke’s larger theme of decision and urgency. Jesus calls people to a choice that may divide but leads to true life. His mission demands courage, as God’s kingdom overturns worldly values.
Homilies and Commentaries for the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C
- Ordinary People (Fr. Mike Schmitz)
- Christ Came to Cast Fire Upon the Earth (Bishop Robert Barron)
- Uneasy Lies the Head That Wears a Crown (Order of Preachers)
- Heal Your Division (Dynamic Catholic)
- Comfort and Division (USCCB)
- Let Christ Light a Fire in You (Bishop Robert Barron)
- Eyes on Jesus (Jeff Cavins)
- Consuming Fire (Scott Hahn)
Ordinary People
The homily for the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C speaks about how ordinary people can become either saints or sinners through the choices they make. Fr. Mike Schmitz explains that we are not surrounded by villains but by ordinary people, and yet those choices can lead someone down a dark path, like the story of Walter White in Breaking Bad. He reminds us that Jesus himself warned about division, even within families, when people choose to follow him.
Fr. Mike Schmitz also shares that this division is painful, especially when it happens among loved ones. He points out that even those who seem far from God can still turn back, like a man he knew who returned to confession after fifty years. Our stories are not finished yet. Both saints and sinners come from ordinary people, and God continues to work in our lives, offering hope and mercy.
Christ Came to Cast Fire Upon the Earth
The homily for the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C reminds us that Jesus did not come to bring comfort but to set the world on fire. Bishop Barron explains that this fire is not a cozy campfire but something fierce and demanding. Jesus himself said he brings division, even within families, because his light exposes what is wrong and challenges people to change. For some, his presence feels like freedom, but for others it feels painful, like being dragged out of darkness into blinding light.
Bishop Barron points to Jeremiah, who preached a message people hated and was thrown into a cistern for it. He also recalls the Letter to the Hebrews, urging us to persevere and run the race of faith. God’s fire burns away sin so we can live as we are meant to. The Gospel is good news, but it often feels harsh before it heals.
Uneasy Lies the Head That Wears a Crown
On the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, Fr. Bede Mullens reflects on how leaders and ordinary people can be pressured into acting against their conscience. Using the example of King Zedekiah and the prophet Jeremiah, he shows how fear, outside influence, and self-interest can distort decision-making. True conscience requires freedom, courage, and a willingness to rise above personal desires.
Fr. Mullens points to saints and martyrs like St. Thomas More, who chose loyalty to God over fear or compromise. Authentic conscience is a place where we hear God’s voice, calling us to love good and reject evil. This inner law, written by God, demands both self-denial and self-discovery. By following it, even in the face of division and suffering, we open ourselves to God’s purifying fire, which strengthens us to remain faithful and hopeful in the promise of eternal life.
Heal Your Division
On the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, Allen Hunt reflects on Jesus’ words about bringing division rather than peace. This division happens when people choose to follow God or turn away from Him. In families and communities, disagreements can test love and patience. But they can also invite growth in virtue and deeper love. Hunt reminds us that unity with God brings integrity and authenticity, while separation from Him leads to brokenness.
Allen Hunt encourages looking within to find where our hearts and actions are divided. Some parts of our lives may be for God, while others resist Him. Healing begins by letting Jesus into every part of our lives. Sometimes this means having a difficult conversation or stepping in as a peacemaker. By addressing the divisions inside us, we can bring more of God’s love into our relationships and become the best version of ourselves.
Comfort and Division
The Gospel for the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C shows us that Jesus did not promise peace without struggle. Instead, he warned that following him would bring division, even within families. Like the prophet Jeremiah, who faced rejection and danger for speaking God’s truth, disciples of Jesus often find that faith leads to conflict. The letter to the Hebrews encourages believers to look to Jesus, who endured opposition, so they do not lose heart.
Fr. Greg Friedman explains that Luke’s community also faced these painful divisions. Many expected a smooth path, but instead they found that living the Christian mission demanded courage and clear priorities. Luke highlights even households divided, showing that women played key roles in the mission of the Church. Fr. Friedman reminds us that the heart of discipleship is still the same: to hear God’s word and put it into action, no matter the cost.
Let Christ Light a Fire in You
In his homily for the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, Bishop Robert Barron explains that in a world gone wrong, those who speak and live out God’s truth, like Jeremiah and Jesus, will face strong opposition. He highlights that authentic religious figures often cause disruption because they challenge the status quo.
Bishop Barron emphasizes that Jesus’ message is not always peaceful but can divide families and communities as it burns away sin and falsehoods to make way for God’s kingdom. The homily encourages courage in embracing this challenging truth.
Consuming Fire
In his reflection for the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, Scott Hahn explains that Jesus uses the image of fire to illustrate the demands of true discipleship. The fire represents God’s love and the Holy Spirit, ignited in us through Baptism and strengthened by Christ’s sacrifice. True discipleship involves a deep commitment to holiness, which may lead to division and hardship, even among family.
Hahn emphasizes that following Christ means embracing this fire, enduring suffering, and trusting in God’s deliverance, just as Jeremiah was rescued from the pit.
Reflection for the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C
The readings for the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C challenge us to think deeply about the cost of following Jesus. Through the stories of Jeremiah and the words of Jesus, we see the difficulties that come with living out our faith. These reflections explore themes of staying faithful in hard times, the transforming fire of God’s love, and facing the challenges that arise when we stand firm in our beliefs.
Staying Faithful in Hard Times
The first reading for the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C tells the story of Jeremiah. He speaks the truth that God has given him, but this truth is not what people want to hear. Because of this, Jeremiah is thrown into a pit and left to die. Yet, even in this suffering, Jeremiah remains faithful to God.
This reading reminds us that following God’s will can be difficult. Like Jeremiah, we may face situations where telling the truth or doing what is right leads to suffering. It can be tempting to avoid these challenges, but Jeremiah’s example shows us that faithfulness to God is more important than avoiding hardship.
In our lives, we might encounter moments where standing up for what we believe in makes us unpopular or even puts us in danger. The 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C encourages us to stay strong in these moments. We are called to follow God’s truth, no matter the cost, knowing that He is with us even in the most difficult times.
The Fire That Changes Us
The Gospel for the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C speaks of fire, which often represents God. Throughout the Bible, fire shows God’s presence, like the burning bush or the pillar of fire that guided the Israelites. In our worship, fire is also important. The Easter candle and baptismal candles remind us of the light of Christ.
Fire has the power to change things. It melts wax, purifies metals, and cooks food, making it safe to eat. But fire can also destroy if we do not respect it. Fire can shake things up, burning away what is harmful and leaving only what is good.
This is how the fire of God works in our lives. The 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C invites us to let the fire of Christ take hold of us. This fire can change us in ways we might not expect. It can challenge our old habits and ways of thinking. Though it might be uncomfortable, this change is necessary for us to grow closer to God. The fire of God’s love warms and lights our path, guiding us to be the people He calls us to be.
Facing Challenges for Faith
The readings for the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C highlight the reality that following Jesus is not always easy. Jesus Himself warns that being His disciple can lead to challenges, even rejection from those closest to us. This is a difficult truth, but it is one that we must be ready to face as followers of Christ.
Being a Christian means that we may sometimes feel out of place in the world. Our beliefs and values might clash with those of others, leading to tension or even conflict. This can be especially hard when it involves family or friends. However, Jesus reminds us that these struggles are part of the journey of faith.
The 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C calls us to be courageous in the face of these challenges. We are encouraged to stand firm in our faith, even when it is difficult. Jesus promises to be with us in these struggles, giving us the strength to endure and the courage to continue following Him.
The 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C reminds us that following Jesus is a journey that requires courage, commitment, and endurance. Whether we are called to speak the truth like Jeremiah, allow God’s fire to change us, or face challenges in our faith, we are never alone. God’s presence and strength guide us every step of the way.
Prayer
Lord, help us to stay faithful to You, even when it is hard. Give us the courage to face challenges with trust in Your guidance. May Your love burn within us, changing us into the people You call us to be. Amen.
Reflection Questions for the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C
- What does Jeremiah’s story teach you about speaking the truth, even when it is difficult?
- How have you experienced challenges in living out your faith?
- In what ways can the fire of God’s love change your life?
- Why is it important to remain faithful to God, even when it leads to suffering?
- How can you let go of old habits that keep you from fully following Jesus?
- What does it mean to you to stand firm in your faith, even when others disagree?
- How does the fire of the Holy Spirit guide and protect you?
- What steps can you take to be more active in living out your faith daily?
- How can you support others who are facing challenges in their faith?
- In what areas of your life do you need to invite God’s fire to bring change?
Social Media Graphics and Bulletin Artwork for the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C
Fire and Water Surround the Earth
Explore this bold image inspired by the words of Christ. Available as posters, cards, canvas prints, home décor, and more. You can also purchase it as a digital download. Add a spark of Scripture and color to your home, parish, or classroom today.
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Only current paid subscribers have the rights to use the artwork.
Music Suggestions for the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C
The music selections here capture the themes of faith, endurance, and the fire of God’s love that are found in the readings for the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C. Many of these songs emphasize the need to stay faithful in difficult times, calling on God for strength and guidance. Others reflect the power of God’s presence, which can challenge and change us, leading us closer to Him. The mix of traditional hymns and contemporary worship songs offers a balance of reflection and energy, helping the congregation connect deeply with the message of the day.
- Be Thou my Vision by Audrey Assad
- Build Your Kingdom Here by Rend Collective
- Come Thou Fount by David Crowder Band
- God, We Praise You by Christopher Idle
- Higher Praise by Craig Colson
- Holy God, We Praise Thy Name by Michael Card
- Holy Is the Lord by Chris Tomlin
- Hope Sets the World Afire by John Angotti
- It Is Well by Bethel Music
- Lord, I Need You by Matt Maher
- O God our Help in Ages Past by William Croft and Isaac Watts
- Oh Praise Him by David Crowder Band
- Psalm 40: Lord, Come to My Aid
- Send Your Glory Down by Trevor Thomson and Tom Booth
- Set a Fire by Will Reagan and United Pursuit
- The Church’s One Foundation by Samuel Wesley and Samuel Stone
- What Wondrous Love is This by Fernando Ortega
- Within our Darkest Night by Taizé
- We Gather Together by Edward Kremser and Robert Kreutz
- What a Beautiful Name by Brooke Ligertwood
Music directors and musicians are encouraged to explore these selections and consider how they might enhance the worship experience. Try incorporating some of these pieces into your liturgy and see how they resonate with your congregation. Feel free to suggest your own music ideas in the comments, sharing what has worked well in your community.
Questions and Answers for the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C
What does the suffering of Jeremiah in the first reading for the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C teach us?
Jeremiah shows that speaking the truth can lead to suffering. We are called to stay faithful, even when it is hard.
What can we learn from the endurance mentioned in the second reading for the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C?
Endurance means not giving up when things get tough. We are encouraged to keep going, trusting that Jesus is with us in our struggles.
How can we endure like Jesus, as mentioned in the second reading for the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C?
We can endure by keeping our focus on Jesus. When life is difficult, we can remember how Jesus endured the cross for us.
Why does Jesus talk about division in the Gospel for the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C?
Jesus explains that following Him can lead to disagreements. Living the faith may cause tension, even among family members.
Why is there a focus on the cost of discipleship in the readings for the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C?
The readings remind us that following Jesus is not easy. We might face challenges or even rejection because of our faith.
How does the theme of fire in the Gospel for the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C relate to our lives?
The fire represents the energy and passion needed to live the Gospel. Jesus calls us to be fully committed and active in our faith.
How can we apply the message of the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C to our everyday lives?
We can apply the message by standing firm in our faith, even when it causes difficulty. The readings encourage us to stay committed to Jesus, no matter what we face.
Staying Strong in Faith and Facing Challenges
The readings for the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C remind us that following Jesus requires strength and courage. The stories of Jeremiah and Jesus show that standing for truth is not always easy. Sometimes, it can bring opposition and struggle. Yet, God calls us to remain faithful, even when times are hard.
In the first reading, Jeremiah speaks God’s truth and suffers because of it. He is thrown into a pit because people do not want to hear his message. But God does not abandon him. This story reminds us that faithfulness to God may bring hardship, but He is always with us. When we face challenges for doing what is right, we can trust that God will help us.
The Gospel for the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C speaks about the fire of God. Jesus tells His followers that His presence will bring division. His message will challenge people and force them to make choices. This fire represents the change that happens when we follow Jesus. It is not always comfortable, but it leads us closer to God.
The readings also highlight the cost of being a disciple. Jesus warns that His followers may face opposition, even from their own families. This can be difficult, but He assures us that staying faithful is worth it. The 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C encourages us to stand firm in our beliefs and trust that Jesus will guide us.
The 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C challenges us to live boldly in our faith. It reminds us that struggle is part of the journey, but God’s love gives us strength. As we reflect on these readings, we can ask ourselves how we can stay faithful, even in difficult moments.
Your Turn
The readings for the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C encourage us to reflect on our commitment to God. Have there been times when you felt challenged for your faith? How did you respond? These stories remind us that faith takes courage, but God is always with us.
Take time to reflect on how you can stay strong in your faith. Share your thoughts in the comments. How do you face challenges in living out your beliefs? What helps you remain faithful? Let’s support one another in our journey with Christ.
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