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 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.

See the Homilies and Reflections section and the More Thoughts section for further expansion on these readings and some reflection questions for the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C.

Background Information on the Book of Jeremiah

This article offers insight into the challenges faced by the prophet Jeremiah, who spoke God’s truth to a nation that often rejected his message. On the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, the first reading shows Jeremiah being persecuted for his warnings to Israel.

His story highlights the cost of speaking truth in a world that resists it, emphasizing the courage needed to follow God’s call.

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.

Eyes on Jesus

In his reflection for the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, Jeff Cavins compares life to a race where the goal is to see God face to face. He emphasizes three key points: we are not alone, as we are surrounded by the communion of saints; we must let go of sin and unnecessary burdens to run effectively; and we must keep our eyes fixed on Jesus to stay on course.

Cavins also highlights that whether we are struggling or running strong, our focus should always remain on Christ.

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.

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.

• 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?

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.

What date is the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C?

The next date is Sunday August 17, 2025.
For other years see the links below:
20th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A
20th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B

What are the Mass readings for the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C?

The Mass readings for Sunday August 17, 2025 are:
First Reading – Jeremiah 38:4-6, 8-10: Jeremiah in the Cistern
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 40: A Cry for Help
Second Reading – Hebrews 12:1-4: Running the Race of Faith
Gospel – Luke 12:49-53: Jesus Speaks of Division

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.