Mass Readings for the 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C
- First Reading – Sirach 3:17-18, 20, 28-29: Be humble in all you do, and you will be loved. Seek wisdom, avoid what is beyond you, and give alms to atone for sins.
- Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 68: God provides for the poor and needy, giving them a home and bringing joy to the righteous. He protects orphans and widows, and revives the land for his people.
- Second Reading – Hebrews 12:18-19, 22-24A: You have come to the heavenly Jerusalem, where angels and the righteous gather, and Jesus mediates a new covenant with his powerful, redemptive blood.
- Gospel – Luke 14:1, 7-14: Jesus taught about humility, advising guests to take the lowest place and hosts to invite those who cannot repay. He promised that those who humble themselves will be exalted and will be rewarded at the resurrection.
Rather, when you hold a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind; blessed indeed will you be because of their inability to repay you.
Luke 14:13
Themes for the 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C
On the 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, the readings teach us about humility and generosity. These lessons are shown through simple actions and attitudes.
- Humility before God: Sirach advises humility, reminding us to be modest and not to seek praise. We should acknowledge our limitations and depend on God.
- Gentleness and wisdom: Being gentle and wise brings more respect than being proud and boastful. Gentleness leads to better relationships and more peace.
- Knowing our place: Recognizing our smallness helps us see the greatness of God. It reminds us to be humble and grateful.
- Generosity without reward: Jesus teaches to invite those who cannot repay us, showing true generosity. This selfless giving reflects God’s love.
- Serving others: Helping those in need without expecting anything in return reflects true Christian love. Service is a key aspect of living out our faith.
- Respect for all: Respect everyone, not just the wealthy or powerful, as everyone is valuable in God’s eyes. This shows that all people deserve love and kindness.
These themes for the 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C guide us to live humbly and serve others. They remind us that true greatness comes from being kind and humble.
See the Homilies and Reflections section and the More Thoughts section for further expansion on these readings and some reflection questions for the 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C.
Resources for the 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C
Sunday August 31, 2025
Litany of Humility
On the 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, the Litany of Humility helps us follow Jesus by letting go of selfish desires and fears. This prayer encourages us to seek humility, asking Jesus to free us from wanting personal praise and fearing being overlooked. True humility means thinking of ourselves less and focusing more on others’ needs and God’s will. By doing this, we live more generously and compassionately. The prayer leads us to deeper peace, as we stop striving for attention and start hoping for the good of others, finding the peace Jesus promised.
Humility Prayer
Humility is a theme for the 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C. This humility prayer asks God for the grace to let go of our need to be admired and the center of attention. It is hard to put God first when we are focused on ourselves. So this prayer asks for God to help us get rid of the self-centeredness which gets in the way of discipleship. By asking God to help us be humble, we can better follow Jesus and live more generously and compassionately.
The Book of Sirach
On the 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, the first reading is from Sirach 3:17-18, 20, 28-29. The Book of Sirach offers practical advice on living a virtuous life, focusing on ethics, wisdom, and morality. Its teachings guide individuals on personal conduct and community living. Written over two millennia ago, the wisdom in Sirach remains relevant today, offering ethical guidance and personal insights. This ancient text encourages humility, compassion, and respect in all aspects of life. Whether discussing leadership, relationships, or community responsibilities, Sirach provides a timeless roadmap for living a meaningful and virtuous life.
The Book of Hebrews
The second reading for the 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C is from Hebrews 12:18-19, 22-24A. Hebrews is a letter in the New Testament written to Jewish Christians struggling with their faith. The author encourages them to stay strong by explaining that Jesus is greater than the old ways of the Jewish faith. Jesus is higher than angels, greater than Moses, and our perfect high priest. Unlike the old priests who offered animal sacrifices, Jesus offered Himself for our sins. Hebrews also gives practical advice for Christian living, urging believers to love one another, show hospitality, and respect their leaders.
The Gospel of Luke
The Gospel of Luke, read on the 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, emphasizes humility and generosity in Luke 14:1, 7-14. Jesus teaches us to invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind to our gatherings, rather than seeking out those who can repay us. This lesson shows the importance of helping those who are often overlooked and marginalized. By doing so, we reflect God’s love and grace. Luke’s emphasis on social justice and compassion calls us to care for those in need and to live out the values of humility and generosity in our daily lives.
Homilies and Reflections for the 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C
Sunday August 31, 2025
To Go up Higher
In his reflection for the 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, Scott Hahn emphasizes humility and charity as the way to the heavenly banquet. Jesus’ teachings highlight that greatness comes from serving others. By living humbly and giving generously, we align with God’s kingdom values. The Eucharist reminds us of this path, where we share in God’s inheritance and anticipate eternal blessings.
It’s All a Gift
In his reflection on the Gospel for the 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, Fr. Richard Rohr contrasts two worldviews: capitalism and the gift economy. Capitalism operates on reward and punishment, while the gift economy, as Jesus teaches, is about giving without expecting anything in return. Rohr emphasizes that to live according to the Gospel, we must experience and practice unconditional love and mercy, recognizing that everything is a gift. By embracing this mindset, we align ourselves with God’s kingdom.
The Hopeful Vision of Mass
In his thomily for the 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, Bishop Robert Barron focuses on the second reading from Hebrews. He explains that the letter presents Jesus as the new and everlasting Temple and High Priest who reconciles humanity with God through his perfect sacrifice. This connection transforms the Mass into a sacred event that looks back to Sinai, represents Christ’s sacrifice on Calvary, and anticipates the heavenly banquet. Bishop Barron emphasizes that understanding this allows us to fully engage in the Mass, seeing it as the source and summit of Christian life.
The Trouble With Honor
In this homily for the 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, Bishop Robert Barron discusses the dangers of seeking honor. He explains how people often prioritize money, power, pleasure, and especially honor, making them idols. Bishop Barron emphasizes that true humility is essential, as taught by Jesus. Humility involves living close to reality and valuing simple, genuine acts over the fleeting approval of others. He urges us to avoid seeking the highest places and instead embrace humility to free ourselves from the addiction to honor and live in truth and substance.
More Thoughts for the 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C
On the 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, the readings focus on themes of humility, generosity, and the value of each person. These lessons teach us how to live according to God’s will. Reflecting on these readings helps us grow in our faith and love for others.
Humility Before God
In the first reading from Sirach, we learn about humility. Sirach advises us to be modest and not to seek praise. This teaches us to recognize our own limits and depend on God.
Humility helps us understand our place in the world. When we are humble, we see the greatness of God more clearly. We know that everything good comes from Him.
Being humble also improves our relationships. When we are not trying to be better than others, we can treat them with kindness and respect. Humility makes us better friends, family members, and neighbors.
Generosity Without Reward
In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus tells us to invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. He says that we should give without expecting anything in return. This is true generosity.
Helping those who cannot repay us reflects God’s love. God gives us many blessings freely. We are called to share these blessings with others.
When we help those in need, we live out our faith. Serving others shows that we understand Jesus’ teachings. It also brings us closer to God’s kingdom.
Respect for All
In the second reading for the 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C from Hebrews, we see the importance of respecting everyone. This reading reminds us that all people are valuable in God’s eyes. We should treat everyone with love and kindness.
Respecting others means seeing them as God sees them. Everyone has dignity and worth. When we respect others, we show that we understand this truth.
Respecting all people also helps create a better community. It brings peace and harmony. When we love our neighbors, we build a stronger, more united world.
Inclusive Banquet of Jesus
In Jesus’ day, a banquet was a way to show off wealth. Having a bounty of food for the guests showed that you were a person of means. They also displayed one’s social standing, especially since they were too large to hold indoors. Everyone could see who was in attendance. Important guests indicated that the host was also important. And these guests were given a good seat, so they could see and be seen.
In turn, it was expected that these important guests would return the favor and invite the hosts to their homes. In doing so, both host and guest would be honored again. And so the cycle continued.
The poor and disadvantaged had no place in this way of doing things. They would not bring status to the host who invited them. And they certainly couldn’t repay the favor. So those who had little were left on the outside of the banquet, looking in.
Jesus invites all of us to his banquet. In fact, he always seems to go out of his way to bring in those who are on the fringes of society. We are all important guests. In the same way, we must follow his example and reach out to those who seem to be left out or pushed aside, whether in our families, our communities, or our churches.
The readings for the 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C teach us valuable lessons. Humility, generosity, and respect for all are key themes. By reflecting on these readings, we can grow in our faith and live more like Christ.
Prayer
Lord, help us to be humble and recognize our need for You. Guide us to be generous without expecting anything in return. Teach us to respect and love everyone as You do. Amen.
Reflection Questions for the 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C
- How can I practice humility in my daily life?
- Why is it important to depend on God rather than seek praise from others?
- In what ways can I show generosity without expecting anything in return?
- How does serving others help me grow in my faith?
- What steps can I take to respect and value everyone I meet?
- How does Jesus’ example of inviting the marginalized challenge my current behavior?
- Why is it significant that Jesus includes everyone at His banquet?
- How can I reach out to those who are often left out in my community?
- What does true humility look like in my relationships with others?
- How can I create a more inclusive environment in my family, community, or church?
Quotes and Social Media Graphics for the 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C
Music Suggestions for the 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C
Sunday August 31, 2025
The music selections for the 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C focus on themes of humility, welcome, and service. Many of these songs encourage us to open our hearts to everyone, especially the poor and marginalized. They emphasize the importance of living simply and humbly, following Jesus’ example. The music also highlights our call to serve others and to gather as a community in God’s love. These themes align with the readings, which teach about the importance of humility, generosity, and respect for all people.
- A Place at Your Table
- All Are Welcome, All Belong
- Canticle of the Turning
- Gather Us In
- God Has Chosen Me
- Great Are You, Lord
- Here I Am, Lord
- Humble Thyself in the Sight of the Lord
- In the Day of the Lord
- Jesus Meek and Humble
- Lead Me Lord
- Like a Child Rests
- Love One Another
- O How Blessed
- Song of Hope
- Table of Plenty
- The Cry of the Poor
- The Road of Mercy
- Tis a Gift to Be Simple
- We Are the Light of the World
- We Fall Down
- You Are Welcome Here
Music directors and musicians are encouraged to try these selections and consider how they enhance the themes of humility and service in the readings. Feel free to share your own suggestions and experiences in the comments, fostering a collaborative and enriching worship environment.
Questions and Answers for the 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C
What date is the 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C?
The next date is Sunday August 31, 2025.
For other years see the links below:
22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A
22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B
What are the Mass readings for the 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C?
The Catholic Mass readings for Sunday August 31, 2025 are:
First Reading – Sirach 3:17-18, 20, 28-29: The Value of Humility
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 68: God’s Care for the Needy
Second Reading – Hebrews 12:18-19, 22-24A: The Heavenly Jerusalem
Gospel – Luke 14:1, 7-14: Humility and Generosity
What does Sirach mean by “conduct your affairs with humility” in the first reading for the 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C?
Sirach is telling us to be humble in everything we do. We should not seek praise or try to be better than others.
Why is humility important according to Sirach?
Humility helps us see our own limits and depend on God. It also makes us better friends and neighbors.
What does Sirach say about wisdom and gentleness?
Sirach says that being wise and gentle brings more respect than being proud. These qualities help us build better relationships.
How does the second reading from Hebrews relate to humility?
The second reading for the 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C reminds us that all people are valuable in God’s eyes. We should respect everyone and treat them with kindness.
What does Jesus teach about inviting guests in the Gospel for the 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C?
Jesus teaches us to invite those who cannot repay us. This shows true generosity and love.
Why does Jesus focus on the poor, crippled, lame, and blind?
Jesus focuses on those who are often left out. He wants us to include everyone and show God’s love to all.
What does it mean to invite someone to a banquet in Jesus’ time?
In Jesus’ time, inviting someone to a banquet showed wealth and social standing. Important guests were invited to show the host’s importance.
How can we apply the lesson of inviting the poor and disadvantaged to our lives?
We can look for ways to help those who are often left out. We can include them in our activities and offer help without expecting anything in return.
Why should we not seek to be better than others?
Seeking to be better than others leads to pride and arrogance. Humility helps us recognize our need for God and love others better.
How can we show respect for all people?
We can show respect by treating everyone with kindness and recognizing their value. This creates a better community and reflects God’s love.
Leave a Reply