28th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C
Sunday October 12, 2025
Mass Readings for the 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C
- First Reading – 2 Kings 5:14-17: Naaman was healed of leprosy after obeying Elisha’s instruction. He acknowledged the God of Israel and vowed to worship only Him. Elisha refused Naaman’s gift.
- Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 98: The Lord has shown his saving power and justice to all nations. Sing a new song and praise him for his wonderful deeds and faithfulness.
- Second Reading – 2 Timothy 2:8-13: Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead. I suffer for the gospel, but God’s word is free. Endure for salvation in Christ. If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful.
- Gospel – Luke 17:11-19: Ten lepers asked Jesus for mercy. As they went to show themselves to the priests, they were healed. Only one, a Samaritan, returned to thank Jesus. Jesus praised his faith.
Upcoming dates: October 12, 2025, October 15, 2028, October 12, 2031
Ten were cleansed, were they not? Where are the other nine? Has none but this foreigner returned to give thanks to God?
Luke 17:17-18
Themes for the 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C
The readings for the 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C talk about healing, faith, and gratitude. They show how people respond to God’s help and how faith brings wholeness.
- Healing comes from God: Naaman is healed of leprosy after following God’s instruction. Jesus heals ten lepers, showing that God brings both physical and spiritual healing.
- Faith leads to healing: Naaman at first doubts but then obeys and is healed. The Samaritan leper trusts Jesus, returns to give thanks, and is told his faith has saved him.
- Gratitude is important: Naaman returns to thank Elisha after being healed. Only one of the ten lepers thanks Jesus, showing that many forget to be grateful.
- God’s mercy is for all: Naaman is not an Israelite, but God still heals him. The one grateful leper is a Samaritan, showing that God’s love is for everyone.
- Hardship and faith: Paul suffers for preaching about Jesus, but he stays faithful. He reminds others that suffering for Christ leads to glory with him.
- Jesus is always faithful: Paul says that even when people fail, Jesus remains true. Jesus heals even those who do not return to thank him.
The readings for the 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C teach about faith and gratitude. They remind people to trust in God and to give thanks for his blessings.
Resources for the 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C
Sunday October 12, 2025
Grateful
The Gospel for the 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C (Luke 17:11-19) tells the story of ten lepers who were healed by Jesus. Only one, a Samaritan, returned to thank Him. Jesus praised this man’s faith and gratitude. This passage teaches that recognizing and thanking God for His blessings is important.
The lesson on giving thanks connects to this message. It reminds us that gratitude should be a habit, not just an occasional response. Like the healed leper who returned, we should take time to thank God for what He has done. Gratitude strengthens faith because it helps us see God’s work in our lives. The Gospel challenges us to be like the one who returned, not like the nine who took their healing for granted.
Make a Gratitude List Every Day and Pray with It
The Gospel for the 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C (Luke 17:11-19) tells of ten lepers healed by Jesus, but only one returned to give thanks. Jesus praised this man’s faith. The First Reading (2 Kings 5:14-17) tells how Naaman was healed of leprosy after obeying Elisha’s instruction. He then acknowledged the God of Israel and showed gratitude by vowing to worship only Him. Both readings highlight the importance of recognizing God’s blessings and responding with thankfulness.
Practicing daily gratitude connects with these messages. It encourages people to reflect on their blessings and thank God for them. Like the healed leper and Naaman, we should not take God’s gifts for granted. Writing down what we are grateful for helps us see His presence in our lives. When we practice gratitude, our faith grows, and we become more aware of how much God cares for us.
Psalm 98: A Song of Joyful Praise
On the 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, Psalm 98 is a song of joy. It reminds us to praise God because He has done great things. The psalm speaks of His love, power, and justice. It tells how all nations can see His goodness. Even nature joins in praising Him. This message fits well with the other readings, which speak of God’s mercy and salvation for all people.
In the Gospel for this Sunday, Jesus heals ten lepers, but only one returns to give thanks. Like the psalm, this story teaches us to be grateful. God’s love is for everyone, but we must respond with praise and trust. Psalm 98 encourages us to sing to the Lord and rejoice in His faithfulness. It reminds us that He rules with justice and will set things right. This Sunday’s readings call us to recognize His goodness and thank Him with joy.
Background Material for the Gospel of Luke
The Gospel for the 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C (Luke 17:11-19) tells how Jesus healed ten lepers, but only one returned to thank Him. This shows the importance of gratitude and faith. The man who came back, a Samaritan, was not only healed physically but also received a deeper blessing because of his thankful heart.
The Gospel of Luke focuses on Jesus’ mercy, healing, and the call to faith. Luke often highlights how outsiders, like the Samaritan leper, respond to Jesus with gratitude and faith. This Gospel reminds us that salvation is for everyone, not just the chosen people of Israel. It also challenges us to recognize God’s blessings and respond with thanksgiving, just as the healed leper did.
Homilies and Commentaries for the 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C
Sunday October 12, 2025
The Grateful Leper was Probably Grateful Before His Healing
Fr. Richard Rohr reflects on the 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C by focusing on gratitude and human nature. He points out that most people are quick to take offense, feel unappreciated, or believe they are not getting what they deserve. The Samaritan leper who returns to thank Jesus was likely a grateful person even before his healing. Gratitude is not just about one moment but a way of seeing life. In contrast, many live with negativity, always feeling they are owed more.
In the 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, Fr. Rohr challenges people to be like the one leper, not the nine. He notes that gratitude is often stronger in those who have less, while wealthier people tend to feel entitled. He also highlights how outsiders, like the Samaritan, sometimes show more grace and mercy than those inside the faith. True gratitude leads to kindness, forgiveness, and a deeper connection with God.
Returning Thanks
Scott Hahn reflects on the 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C by highlighting how faith, not nationality, brings salvation. In both the first reading and the Gospel, a foreigner is the one who returns to give thanks after being healed. Naaman, a Syrian, trusts in God’s word and is cleansed, just as the Samaritan leper returns to Jesus in gratitude. This shows that God’s salvation is for all people, not just Israel. Faith is the way to become part of God’s chosen people, the Church.
In the 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, Hahn connects this story to the Eucharist and the sacraments. Just as Naaman was cleansed, baptism washes away sin and confession brings mercy. The Samaritan’s thanksgiving points to the Eucharist, where believers glorify God and give thanks for salvation. Like Paul in the second reading, people are called to stay faithful so they may share in Christ’s glory.
Reflection for the 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C
The 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C focuses on faith, healing, and gratitude. The readings show how God’s mercy is for everyone, how faith is tested in suffering, and how gratitude is an important part of a faithful life. Naaman, the Samaritan leper, and Paul all teach different lessons about trusting in God and recognizing his blessings. These reflections will help explore these themes and how they apply to everyday life.
God’s Mercy is for Everyone
The 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C reminds people that God’s mercy is not limited to one group. In the first reading, Naaman is not an Israelite, yet God heals him. At first, he does not want to follow the prophet’s instructions, but when he obeys, he is cured. His healing shows that God’s love reaches beyond borders and nations.
In the Gospel, Jesus heals ten lepers, but the only one who returns to give thanks is a Samaritan. At that time, Jews and Samaritans did not mix, yet Jesus does not reject him. Instead, he praises the man for his faith. This shows that God’s mercy is not just for a chosen few—it is for anyone who believes and responds with gratitude.
People sometimes think they have to earn God’s love. But the 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C teaches that God’s mercy is freely given. It does not matter where someone comes from or what they have done. All are invited to receive healing and salvation.
Faith in Hard Times
The 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C reminds people that faith is tested in suffering. Paul speaks about his struggles, but he remains faithful. He knows that suffering for Jesus is not meaningless. Instead, it leads to something greater. He encourages others to stay strong, knowing that Jesus is always faithful.
Faith is easy when life is good. But real faith is shown when things are difficult. Naaman had to humble himself and follow a simple command to be healed. The lepers had to walk away in faith before they saw their healing. In both stories, people had to trust before they saw results.
Many people face challenges and wonder if God is with them. The 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C encourages them to keep going. Even when things do not make sense, God is working. Like Paul, they can hold on to the promise that faithfulness will lead to something greater.
A Life of Gratitude
The 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C teaches that faith should lead to gratitude. The lepers had faith to ask Jesus for healing, and all ten were cured. But only one returned to give thanks. The others were happy to be healed, but they did not recognize the gift they had received.
It is easy to take blessings for granted. People wake up, go to work, eat meals, and live their lives without always thinking about where these gifts come from. Cradle Catholics may attend Mass every week without truly appreciating what it means. Like the nine lepers, they receive from God but forget to say thank you.
Salvation is not something people earn. It is a gift. The 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C reminds everyone to be grateful for what God has done. Living with gratitude changes how people see the world. Instead of focusing on what they lack, they recognize how much they have received and look for ways to share those gifts with others.
The 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C reminds people to trust in God and give thanks for his blessings. Faith is not just about asking for help but also about recognizing what God has already given. These readings challenge everyone to see God’s mercy, remain faithful in struggles, and live with gratitude.
Prayer
Lord, thank you for your mercy and love. Help us to trust in you, even when things are difficult. Teach us to see your blessings in our lives and to be grateful for all that we receive. Strengthen our faith so that we can follow you with open hearts. Amen.
Reflection Questions for the 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C
- How does Naaman’s story show the importance of trust in God?
- Why do you think only one leper returned to thank Jesus?
- How can you practice gratitude in your daily life?
- What are some ways you have experienced God’s mercy?
- How can you stay faithful when life is difficult?
- Do you ever take God’s blessings for granted? Why or why not?
- How can suffering help deepen faith?
- What does it mean that salvation is a gift and not something earned?
- How can you share God’s love and mercy with others?
- What is one thing you can thank God for right now?
Quotes and Social Media Graphics for the 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C
Music Suggestions for the 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C
Sunday October 12, 2025
The music selections for the 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C focus on faith, gratitude, healing, and trust in God. Some songs celebrate God’s mercy, reminding people that his love is for everyone. Others focus on thanksgiving, calling people to recognize and appreciate the blessings they receive. Some reflect on suffering and hope, encouraging trust in God even in difficult times. There are also songs about renewal and rising to new life, which connect to the healing of Naaman and the ten lepers. Together, these songs help deepen the message of the readings and invite people to respond with faith and praise.
- All Shall Be Well (The Hand of God) by Roc O’Connor
- All the Ends of the Earth by Bob Dufford
- Be Glorified by Passion
- Be Lifted High by Bethel Music
- Be Not Afraid by Bob Dufford
- Be Still My Soul by Jean Sibelius
- Christ Be Our Light by Bernadette Farrell
- Christ in Me Arise by Trevor Thomson
- For the Beauty of the Earth
- Glorious Day by Passion
- Healing River of the Spirit by Ruth Duck
- Hosanna/Praise Is Rising by Paul Baloche
- I Will Rise by Chris Tomlin
- It Is Well with My Soul by Audrey Assad
- Keep in Mind by Lucien Deiss
- Lord, I Need You by Matt Maher
- Mighty to Save by Laura Story
- Miracle of Grace (Bread of Life) by Curtis Stephan
- Now We Remain by Romans
- Only in God by John Michael Talbot, Rick Modlin & Phil Perkins
- Our God Is Good by Josh Blakesley
- Our God Is Here by Chris Muglia
- Psalm 98: The Lord Has Revealed by Timothy R Smith
- Psalm 98: The Lord Has Revealed to the Nations by Bob Hurd
- Sing a New Song by Dan Schutte
- The Lord Has Revealed – Psalm 98 by Craig Colson & Kristen Colson
- We Will Rise by Bernadette Farrell
Music directors and musicians can use these selections to highlight the themes of the 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C. These songs can help the congregation reflect on God’s mercy, faithfulness, and the importance of gratitude. Try them in your liturgies and see how they support the message of the readings. If you have other song suggestions that fit these themes, share them in the comments.
Questions and Answers
What date is the 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C?
The next date is Sunday October 12, 2025.
For other years see the links below:
28th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A
28th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B
What are the Mass readings for the 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C?
The Mass readings for Sunday October 12, 2025 are:
First Reading – 2 Kings 5:14-17: Naaman’s Cleansing and Conversion
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 98: The Lord’s Saving Power
Second Reading – 2 Timothy 2:8-13: Faithful to Christ
Gospel – Luke 17:5-10: The Grateful Leper
Why did Naaman hesitate before washing in the river in the first reading for the 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C?
Naaman thought the river in Israel was not as good as the rivers in his own land. He expected a grand miracle, but God asked for simple obedience.
Why was Naaman healed after washing in the river?
Naaman was healed because he followed God’s instruction, even though he doubted at first. His healing showed that trusting God is more important than understanding everything.
What does the 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C say about suffering?
Paul reminds people that suffering for Jesus is not wasted. Those who stay faithful will share in his victory.
Why did only one leper return to thank Jesus in the Gospel for the 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C?
The other nine were happy to be healed, but they did not take the time to thank Jesus. The one who returned knew that his healing was a gift and wanted to show gratitude.
Why did Jesus say the grateful leper’s faith saved him?
The grateful leper was not only healed on the outside but also on the inside. His faith in Jesus brought him closer to God.
What does the story of the ten lepers teach about God’s mercy?
God heals all ten lepers, even though only one returns to thank him. This shows that God’s mercy is given freely, even to those who do not always appreciate it.
What does the 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C teach about gratitude?
It teaches that people should thank God for the good things in their lives. Naaman and the Samaritan leper show that thanking God is the right response to his blessings.
What does the 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C say about faith?
Faith is shown by trust in God, even when things do not happen as expected. Naaman and the grateful leper were both healed, but the one who returned to Jesus also received spiritual healing.
How can people apply the message of the 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C to their lives?
People can trust God even when things do not make sense. They should also take time to be grateful for what they have received.
What is the main lesson from the readings for the 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C?
Faith and gratitude go together. Trusting God brings healing, and giving thanks brings people closer to him.
Faith and Gratitude Matter
The 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C focuses on faith, healing, and gratitude. In the first reading, Naaman, a foreigner, is healed of leprosy after obeying God’s command. At first, he doubts, but when he listens, he is cured and returns to give thanks. His story shows that faith requires trust, even when things do not happen as expected.
In the Gospel, Jesus heals ten lepers, but only one comes back to thank him. This man is a Samaritan, an outsider, yet he receives more than just healing—Jesus tells him his faith has saved him. The story reminds people that many receive blessings but forget to show gratitude. True faith leads not just to healing but to a deeper relationship with God.
Paul’s letter encourages people to stay faithful even in suffering. He reminds them that Jesus is always faithful, even when people fail. The readings for the 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C call people to trust in God, give thanks, and stay strong in faith.
Your Turn
The 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C teaches about faith and gratitude. It invites people to trust God, even when things seem unclear. It also reminds them to be thankful for his blessings.
Take a moment to think about these readings. Have you ever struggled to trust God? Have you ever received something good but forgot to give thanks? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments.
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