24th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C

• First Reading – Exodus 32:7-11, 13-14: Moses persuades God to spare the Israelites, who’ve turned to idolatry, by invoking God’s covenant with their forefathers, prompting God to relent from His intended punishment on his people.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 51: A plea for forgiveness, spiritual cleansing, and God’s presence, coupled with a commitment to praise and humble contrition.
• Second Reading – 1 Timothy 1:12-17: A thankful acknowledgment of God’s mercy and grace, transforming a former persecutor into a dedicated servant, demonstrating Christ’s patience and His mission to save sinners.
• Gospel – Luke 15:1-32: Jesus tells three parables: the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the prodigal son. He emphasizes God’s joy when even one lost sinner repents and returns, illustrating the Father’s love and forgiveness. These parables highlight the importance of seeking the lost, celebrating their repentance, and extending grace to those who come back to God.

Lectionary Reference: 132

Upcoming dates: September 17, 2028

The 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C focuses on God’s mercy and forgiveness. The readings show how God patiently calls sinners back and welcomes them with love.

• God’s Mercy and Patience: God does not give up on sinners. He listens to Moses, spares the Israelites, and welcomes those who return to Him.
• Repentance and Forgiveness: The lost son, the lost sheep, and the lost coin show how important it is to turn back to God. He forgives and rejoices when sinners repent.
• God’s Faithfulness to His Promises: Moses reminds God of His promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. God remains faithful and does not abandon His people.
• Joy in the Return of Sinners: Jesus tells stories that show God’s happiness when sinners come back. He celebrates their return instead of punishing them.
• God’s Love for the Lost: Jesus teaches that God seeks out those who are far from Him. He wants everyone to come back and be close to Him.
• A Call to Show Mercy: Paul was once against Christ, but he received mercy. This shows that people should be patient and forgiving, just as God is.
• The Danger of Pride and Resentment: The older son in the parable of the prodigal son is angry at his father’s kindness. This reminds people not to be jealous when God forgives others.

These readings encourage people to trust in God’s mercy. They also remind them to be patient, forgiving, and welcoming to others.

A Tale of Two Sons – Lesson Plan on the Prodigal Son

This lesson plan guides youth to grasp the deeper perspective that followers of Jesus should have when considering concepts like freedom and duty. By examining the example of the generous father in the parable, young learners will discover how to live out these principles within the context of love. This lesson plan encourages a shift in mindset from the world’s viewpoint to a more Christ-centered approach, aligning with the themes of forgiveness, reconciliation, and the transformative power of God’s love found in the readings for the 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C.

God Is Crazy In Love With You

In this homily for the 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, Bishop Robert Barron reflects on Luke’s Gospel parables that reveal God’s radical love. He describes God as “crazy in love” with us, including the lost and prodigal. Barron emphasizes radical imitation of God’s love, challenging the idea of earning it through actions. God’s love surpasses logic and calculations. Through parables, like the lost sheep, coin, and prodigal son, God relentlessly seeks and rejoices over all, even the seemingly insignificant. God’s love encompasses all, without discrimination. The homily urges us to embrace and mirror God’s extravagant love in our lives.

Lost, Forgotten, Left Out, Alone

In this reflection on the 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, Jeff Cavins explores feeling forgotten or forsaken. He notes the paradox of social media in our hyperconnected world, where many still feel alone. Drawing from the readings, Cavins highlights redemption stories like the prodigal son, Moses, and Paul. These stories show God seeking out the lost, focusing on restoring the one in need. The prodigal son’s return depicts the father’s eagerness to reconcile. Cavins emphasizes God’s pursuit of each listener and encourages approaching confession to embrace it. There, God eagerly offers forgiveness and reconciliation. Cavins assures that despite past actions or shame, God’s relentless pursuit leads to a life as a beloved child.

Why God Loves You

Fr. Mike Schmitz shares a heartwarming story of his niece being comforted by her mother when sick. This highlights the impact of someone caring for us in times of need. He emphasizes that Jesus loves us because of our weaknesses and that God’s love is for sinners and broken individuals. Fr. Mike challenges the belief that one must be perfect to be chosen. He encourages listeners to embrace God’s redemption and love, not disqualifying themselves based on weaknesses. We are special because God chooses us, not our merits. This fits in with the themes for Sunday of the 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C.

Seeking the Lost

In this reflection for the 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, Scott Hahn discusses Israel’s original sin of worshipping the golden calf. This sin represents the sin of the world, including ours. Despite our rebellion, God remains faithful to His covenant through Jesus. Jesus came to save sinners, offering mercy even to blasphemers and persecutors. In the Gospel, we approach Him to listen and offer our contrite hearts as an acceptable sacrifice. In this Eucharist, we rejoice with angels and saints, knowing that our offenses are wiped out. We celebrate turning away from evil and embracing the life God intended for us. These are the happiest words the world has ever known.

A Coin, A Sheep, A Son

In this homily for the 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, Bishop Robert Barron reflects on the three parables in today’s Gospel that emphasize the central idea of God actively seeking us. He questions why God would concern Himself with a single soul. The answer lies in God’s nature and purpose. Recovering a lost soul brings Him joy, as demonstrated through the parables of the lost coin, the lost sheep, and the prodigal son. God’s relentless pursuit and rejoicing over a lost soul reveal His boundless love and compassion. These parables invite us to recognize the profound value God places on each individual and remind us that we are never beyond His reach or His mercy.

The 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C is a reminder of God’s mercy and love. The readings show that He never gives up on those who are lost. Whether it is the shepherd searching for his sheep, the woman looking for her coin, or the father welcoming back his son, each story teaches that God values every person. He rejoices when even one sinner returns to Him. These reflections explore the meaning of these parables and how they challenge us to live with mercy and compassion.

A Shepherd’s Joy in Finding the Lost

The 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C begins with Jesus telling a story about a shepherd and his lost sheep. A shepherd’s job is hard. He must watch over the flock, protect them, and make sure none go missing. If one sheep wanders away, it is his responsibility to find it. This is not an easy task, especially in rough and dangerous places. But the shepherd does not give up.

Jesus’ audience would have understood the difficulty of searching for a lost sheep. They could picture the long hours spent walking through rocky hills, calling out for the missing animal. They knew the frustration of chasing after a sheep that does not want to be found. Yet Jesus’ parable takes an unexpected turn. Instead of being angry, the shepherd rejoices when he finds the lost sheep.

This parable shows how God sees us. When we stray, He does not abandon us. He seeks us out, no matter how far we have gone. And when He finds us, He is filled with joy. He does not focus on our mistakes. Instead, He welcomes us back with love.

The 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C reminds us that God’s love is not based on what we do. He values each person, no matter how lost they may be. Just like the shepherd in the parable, He never stops looking for us. And when we return, He celebrates.

This is also a challenge for us. If God shows such patience and love, we should do the same for others. Instead of judging those who have wandered, we should rejoice when they come back. God does not give up on people, and neither should we.

The Worth of One Lost Soul

The 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C also includes Jesus’ parable of a woman who loses a coin. In those days, a silver coin was valuable. Losing even one would have been a serious problem. The woman does not ignore the loss. She searches carefully, sweeping every corner of her home until she finds it. And when she does, she is so happy that she calls her friends to celebrate.

This story is about more than a lost coin. It shows how much God values each person. No one is unimportant to Him. He searches for those who are lost, no matter how small or insignificant they may seem to others. When He finds them, He rejoices.

Many people feel unworthy of God’s love. They may think their sins are too great or that they do not matter to Him. But this parable reminds us that every soul is precious to God. He does not give up on anyone. He is always searching, always calling, always ready to welcome us back.

The 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C challenges us to see people as God sees them. It is easy to overlook those who are struggling or feel lost. But God never forgets them, and neither should we. If He rejoices over one soul returning to Him, so should we.

This also means taking action. If someone is lost, we should help bring them back. A kind word, a patient heart, and a willingness to forgive can make a difference. Just as God searches for the lost, we should reach out to those who need His love.

The Danger of Resentment and Pride

The 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C ends with one of Jesus’ most well-known parables. A younger son takes his inheritance, wastes it, and returns home in shame. Instead of punishment, his father welcomes him with open arms. But not everyone is happy. The older son is angry. He has worked hard and stayed loyal, yet his father is throwing a feast for his irresponsible brother.

The older son’s reaction is understandable. He sees his brother as unworthy of such kindness. He believes that good behavior should be rewarded and bad behavior punished. But his father reminds him that love is not about fairness. It is about mercy.

This parable warns against pride and resentment. Sometimes people struggle when they see God’s mercy given to those they think do not deserve it. They forget that they, too, have received mercy. The older son was faithful, but he was also blind to his father’s generosity. Instead of celebrating his brother’s return, he let bitterness take over.

The 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C teaches that mercy is not earned. It is a gift. No one deserves it more than another. Everyone needs it, and God gives it freely. Those who have stayed faithful should rejoice when others return, not feel jealous or superior.

This is a reminder to look at our own hearts. Do we celebrate when someone finds their way back to God? Or do we hold onto resentment? God calls everyone to mercy, not just in receiving it, but in giving it. When we let go of pride, we can truly share in the joy of God’s love.

The 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C calls people to trust in God’s love and extend that love to others. It is easy to focus on who deserves forgiveness, but God’s mercy is for everyone. These parables show that no one is beyond His reach. They also remind people not to be jealous of God’s kindness but to share in His joy.

Prayer

Lord, you never stop seeking those who are lost. Thank you for your mercy and patience. Help me to trust in your love and show the same love to others. Keep me from pride and resentment, and teach me to rejoice when others return to you. May I always follow your example of kindness and forgiveness. Amen.

• Have you ever felt lost and then found your way back to God?
• How does the parable of the lost sheep help you understand God’s love?
• Why do you think the woman in the second parable celebrates finding her coin?
• Have you ever struggled with jealousy when someone else received mercy?
• What does the father’s reaction in the prodigal son story teach about forgiveness?
• How can you show patience and kindness to those who are struggling?
• What does it mean to truly rejoice when a sinner returns to God?
• How can you be an instrument of mercy in your daily life?
• What are some ways to help bring back those who have drifted from their faith?
• How does the 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C challenge you to grow spiritually?

The music selections for the 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C reflect themes of mercy, forgiveness, and God’s love for those who return to Him. Some songs focus on repentance and the desire to turn back to God, just like the prodigal son in the Gospel. Others express trust in God’s endless mercy and His joy when sinners return. There are also songs that celebrate God as a loving shepherd who seeks out the lost. The music choices include both traditional hymns and contemporary songs, offering different styles for worship. Each selection helps people reflect on God’s kindness and the call to extend that same mercy to others.

• Abide With Me by Matt Maher
• Alive Again by Matt Maher
• Amazing Grace by John Newton, Cleveland, J. Jefferson & Austin Lovelace
• Be Merciful, O Lord by Steve Angrisano
• Come To Jesus by Josh Blakesley & Sarah Hart
• Gather Us In by Marty Haugen
• Hosea by Gregory Norbert
• How He Loves by John Mark McMillan
• I Am Free by Josh Blakesley
• I Cannot Tell by Keswick
• I Have Loved You by Michael Joncas
• I Will Rise and Go to My Father (Psalm 51)
• If Today You Hear His Voice by Jesse Manibusan
• Lead Me Home by Matt Maher
• Lord, I Need You by Matt Maher
• Mercy by Lorraine Hess
• Restless by Audrey Assad & Matt Maher
• See, I Make All Things New by Sean Holmes & Ken Canedo
• Sing of the Lord’s Goodness
• The King of Love my Shepherd Is by Henry W. Baker
• There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy by Fredrick William Faber
• What Wondrous Love by Connie Campbell Hart & Randall Debruyn

Music directors and musicians can use these selections to lead people in prayer and reflection. These songs connect well with the message of the readings. Consider trying some of them in your parish. If you have other song suggestions, share them in the comments!

What date is the 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C?

The next date is Sunday September 17, 2028.
For other years see the links below:
24th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A
24th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B

What are the Mass readings for the 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C?

The Mass readings for Sunday September 17, 2028 are:
First Reading – Exodus 32:7-11, 13-14: Moses Intercedes for the People
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 51: A Plea for Mercy and Renewal
Second Reading – 1 Timothy 1:12-17: A Testimony of Grace and Mercy
Gospel – Luke 15:1-32: The Parables of the Lost Sheep, Lost Coin, and Prodigal Son

What is the main message of the parable of the lost sheep?

The parable of the lost sheep teaches that God cares for each person individually. He seeks out those who are lost and rejoices when they return to Him.

Why does the shepherd leave the ninety-nine sheep to find the one?

The shepherd knows that every sheep is important. He is willing to go after the one that is lost because no one is forgotten or left behind.

What does the woman’s lost coin represent in the second parable?

The lost coin represents a person who has drifted away from God. The woman’s search shows how much God values each soul and how He never stops calling people back.

Why does the woman celebrate after finding the lost coin?

She celebrates because something valuable was lost and has been found. This shows how much joy there is in heaven when even one sinner turns back to God.

What is the lesson of the parable of the prodigal son?

The parable teaches about mercy and forgiveness. It shows that God welcomes sinners with love, no matter how far they have gone.

Why is the older son upset in the story of the prodigal son?

The older son is upset because he thinks it is unfair that his brother is welcomed back after wasting everything. His reaction warns against jealousy and reminds people to be happy when others receive mercy.

How does the 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C show God’s patience?

The readings show that God does not give up on people, even when they turn away. He waits for them to return and is ready to welcome them with joy.

What does the father’s reaction in the prodigal son story teach us?

The father’s reaction teaches that love is greater than punishment. He does not dwell on his son’s mistakes but celebrates his return.

Why do the readings for the 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C focus on lost things?

The readings use lost sheep, a lost coin, and a lost son to show how much God values every person. They remind us that no one is too far gone to return to Him.

How can we apply the 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C to our lives?

We can trust in God’s mercy, knowing that He welcomes us back when we fail. We should also be patient and forgiving with others, just as He is with us.

What should we learn from the older son’s attitude?

The older son’s attitude warns against pride and resentment. It teaches us to be happy when others receive kindness and not to compare ourselves to them.

How can we help bring back those who have strayed from God?

We can reach out with kindness, patience, and understanding. Encouraging words and actions can help others see that God is always ready to welcome them back.