Sunday September 28, 2025
Mass Readings for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C
- First Reading – Amos 6:1A, 4-7: God condemns those living in luxury and indifference in Zion, foretelling their exile and the end of their extravagant celebrations.
- Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 146: God brings justice, feeds the hungry, frees prisoners, heals the blind, and supports the downtrodden, orphan, and widow, reigning eternally over all generations.
- Second Reading – 1 Timothy 6:11-16: A man of God is urged to pursue virtues and hold onto eternal life, keeping commandments until Christ’s return, honoring the immortal, unseen Sovereign.
- Gospel – Luke 16:19-31: Jesus narrated a parable contrasting a rich man’s luxurious life with Lazarus, a destitute man. After death, Lazarus found comfort with Abraham, while the rich man suffered. The rich man’s plea for relief and a warning for his brothers was denied, emphasizing the sufficiency of Moses and the prophets’ teachings.
If they will not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded if someone should rise from the dead.
Luke 16:31
Themes for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C
The readings for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C call us to care about others. In the first reading we are warned against being complacent while others suffer. The psalm praises the justice of God. In the second reading Paul reminds us to pursue virtues. In the gospel Jesus tells the parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus, where a wealthy man ignored the needs of a poor man every day.
The readings for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C focus on themes of wealth, responsibility, and the afterlife. They challenge us to reflect on our own lives in light of eternal values.
- Wealth and Complacency: The reading from Amos criticizes those who are comfortable and indifferent to the suffering around them. It shows that God sees and judges our indifference, especially when we ignore others’ needs while living in luxury.
- Moral Integrity: Paul urges Timothy to pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, and gentleness. This theme tells us that living a good life involves more than avoiding bad actions; it also requires actively cultivating virtues.
- Eternal Consequences: The Gospel parable about Lazarus and the rich man illustrates that our actions have consequences beyond this life. It teaches us that how we treat others, especially those in need, influences our eternal destiny.
- The Role of Scripture: The rich man learns that Moses and the prophets’ teachings are enough to guide us to live rightly. This emphasizes the importance of paying attention to Scripture as a guide for our lives.
- Justice for the Poor: Both Amos and the Gospel highlight God’s concern for the poor and suffering. It reminds us that our faith calls us to help those who are less fortunate.
- Ultimate Authority of God: Paul describes God as the only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords. This reaffirms that all power and authority ultimately belong to God, and we are to live in a way that honors Him.
These themes from the readings of the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C invite us to examine our lives and align our actions with God’s expectations. They call us to live not just for today, but with an eye toward eternity.
See the Homilies and Reflections section and the More Thoughts section for further expansion on these readings and some reflection questions for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C.
Resources for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C
Sunday September 28, 2025
Invisible – A Lesson Plan on Seeing Others
This lesson plan is a great tool for understanding the Gospel for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C. This lesson plan helps teach about the importance of noticing and caring for those who are often overlooked, much like the rich man overlooked Lazarus in the Gospel. It offers activities and discussions that encourage seeing and helping others, reflecting the Gospel’s call to love and serve the needy.
Psalm 146: Unlock the Power of Trusting God
Psalm 146 is the responsorial psalm for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C. It emphasizes trust in God’s everlasting kindness and care, particularly towards the oppressed and needy. It is a helpful guide for deepening understanding and devotion, echoing a message of hope and faith in God’s faithful support.
Do One of the Corporal Works of Mercy
The Corporal Works of Mercy are relevant to the Gospel for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C. This Gospel tells the story of Lazarus and the rich man, emphasizing the necessity of caring for those in need, as Lazarus was neglected. The resource encourages engaging in the Corporal Works of Mercy, such as feeding the hungry or sheltering the homeless, which aligns with the Gospel’s call to actively support and serve the less fortunate in our communities.
Homilies and Reflections for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C
Sunday September 28, 2025
Both: Praying and Doing
Father Richard Rohr discusses the Gospel for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, highlighting the parable of Lazarus and the rich man. He critiques the modern cynical view that diminishes hope and purpose, contrasting it with Shane Claiborne’s approach, which combines action and contemplation. Claiborne’s work with The Simple Way and new monastic communities shows that living out the Gospel creates real community and change. Rohr emphasizes that, unlike the isolated rich man, engaging with the suffering transforms us, advocating for breaking down barriers to connect with those in need.
A Great Chasm
Scott Hahn reflects on the readings for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, emphasizing the themes of wealth, responsibility, and eternal consequences. He discusses the failures of the rich and powerful, not for their wealth itself, but for their indifference and refusal to share with those in need. Hahn connects the rich man’s neglect to Israel’s failure to keep the Old Covenant and heed the prophets. The reflection warns of the spiritual exile that awaits those who ignore God’s commandment of love. Hahn calls for repentance and a commitment to righteousness, highlighting the promise of eternal life and divine justice celebrated in the Eucharist.
Rich Man, Poor Man
In his homily for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, Bishop Robert Barron shares a personal encounter with a homeless man in Chicago, which he connects to the parable of Lazarus and the rich man. He reflects on the discomfort this man causes him, similar to the discomfort intended by Jesus’s parable. Bishop Barron explains that wealth can isolate us and lead to a lack of compassion, a theme both present in the Gospel and his personal experience. He emphasizes that true wealth should serve God’s purpose, highlighting the Catholic teaching that we are stewards of God’s creation, not its owners.
The homily challenges listeners to use their wealth for the common good and to see encounters with the needy as opportunities to serve and connect with God.
More Thoughts for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C
The readings for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C present a striking message about the reversal of fortunes. This theme underscores a core teaching of the Bible: our current status, whether of wealth or poverty, is not permanent and can change dramatically. The prophet Amos and Jesus, through his parable, remind us that earthly riches and comfort should never blind us to the needs of others. Those who have much are warned of the dangers of ignoring those who have little.
Amos’s Warning
Amos’s message is particularly harsh for those at ease in Zion. He warns of an impending exile for those who indulge in luxury while ignoring the plight of the afflicted. This serves as a wake-up call to all who are comfortable: comfort should not lead to complacency. The prophet challenges us to reflect on how our lifestyle might be contributing to the suffering of others.
The Message of Jesus
Jesus’s parable of Lazarus and the rich man is a clear and compelling illustration of how easily we can be distracted by wealth and comfort. The rich man, enjoying his life of luxury, fails to see Lazarus suffering at his gate. This negligence leads to his downfall. Here, Jesus reiterates a theme that appears throughout his teachings: the spiritual risk associated with wealth when it becomes an obstacle to seeing and serving the needs of others.
Paul’s Advice to Timothy
In the second reading for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, Paul advises Timothy to pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, and gentleness. These virtues are foundational for a life oriented towards God and others, contrasting sharply with the self-serving indifference of the rich man in the Gospel. Pursuing these virtues helps us prepare for the life to come and keeps us focused on what truly matters.
To live the message of the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C means to actively detach from our possessions and comforts to serve God fully. When we prioritize our own comfort, we serve ourselves, not God or our neighbors. Jesus calls us to a mission of mercy, to reach out to those who suffer and to share in the joy that comes from doing the Father’s will. This call to action is not just about helping others—it’s about transforming our own lives by aligning more closely with God’s will.
The readings for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C challenge us to examine our lives and ask whether we are like the rich man, insulated from the needs of others by our own comfort. They invite us to consider a life where our greatest joy comes not from what we have, but from what we give. This transformation is what God seeks for us, a life where we are truly rich in mercy and compassion.
Prayer
Lord, help us to see beyond our comforts and to respond to those in need with a generous heart. Teach us to treasure mercy and compassion over wealth, so that we may truly participate in Your work and know the joy of Your Kingdom.
Reflection Questions for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C
- How does the story of Lazarus and the rich man challenge my view of wealth and comfort?
- In what ways can I become more detached from my possessions in order to better serve those around me?
- How can I incorporate acts of mercy and compassion into my daily life to live out the call of Jesus?
- What specific actions can I take to ensure I am not ignoring those who are less fortunate around me?
- How do Amos’s warnings about luxury and complacency apply to my own life and community today?
- Reflecting on Paul’s advice to Timothy, which virtues do I find most challenging to embody, and why?
- How can reflecting on the eternal consequences depicted in the Gospel influence my daily decisions and interactions with others?
- In what ways can I use my resources to benefit others rather than just enhancing my own comfort?
- What steps can I take this week to better listen to and act upon the teachings of Moses and the prophets, as mentioned in the Gospel?
Quotes and Social Media Graphics for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C
Music Suggestions for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C
Sunday September 28, 2025
rooted in the readings of the day, emphasizing service, mercy, and divine calling. These songs reflect on God’s care for the poor, our duty to serve and include everyone, and the transformative power of God’s grace and mercy. The tunes range from reflective hymns that call us to service, to joyful praises that celebrate the inclusiveness and love of God. They encourage congregations to reflect on their responsibilities towards others, especially the less fortunate, and the assurance of God’s immense grace and mercy in their lives.
- Anthem
- Bread for the World
- City of God
- Gift of Finest Wheat
- God Has Chosen Me
- Here I Am Lord
- Hosanna, Praise Is Rising
- I Will Exalt You
- In Christ There Is No East or West
- Jesus, Messiah
- Just Like You
- Praise the Lord, My Soul
- Put on Christ
- Table of Plenty
- The Cry of the Poor
- The Summons
- There’s a Wideness In God’s Mercy
- This Is Amazing Grace
- Whatsoever You Do
- You Are the Light
Music directors and musicians are encouraged to explore these selections and see how they complement the themes of the readings. Try incorporating these songs into your services and feel free to share your experiences or suggest other music in the comments. Your insights can help enrich the worship experience and deepen the connection between scripture and song in our communities.
Questions and Answers for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C
What date is the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C?
The next date is Sunday September 28, 2025.
For other years see the links below:
26th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A
26th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B
What are the Mass readings for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C?
The Catholic Mass readings for Sunday September 28, 2025 are:
First Reading – Amos 6:1A, 4-7: Luxury Leads to Exile
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 146: God’s Enduring Justice
Second Reading – 1 Timothy 6:11-16: Call to Righteousness and Faith
Gospel – Luke 16:19-31: Parable of Rich Man and Lazarus
What is the main message of Amos 6:1A, 4-7?
Amos warns the people who live in luxury and ignore the needy. God is not pleased with this and promises consequences.
How can we apply the message of Amos to our lives today?
We can look around to see if there are people in need and find ways to help them. It’s important not to be indifferent.
Why does Paul tell Timothy to pursue virtues in 1 Timothy 6:11-16?
Living a virtuous life helps us stay true to God’s ways. It prepares us for eternal life with God.
How can I pursue the virtues mentioned in the second reading from the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C?
Start by practicing small acts of kindness, honesty, and faith every day. Praying and reading the Bible can also help us grow in these virtues.
What is the lesson of the parable of Lazarus and the rich man?
The story teaches us that ignoring the poor and suffering can lead to suffering after death. It shows the importance of caring for others.
How does the Gospel of Luke relate to the other readings on the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C?
Like Amos, the Gospel warns against ignoring the poor. Both readings stress that our actions toward others matter to God.
What does it mean that Moses and the prophets are enough for guidance, as stated in the Gospel for 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C?
Jesus explains that the teachings from the Old Testament are sufficient to guide us to live righteously. We should study and follow them.
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