31st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C

• First Reading – Wisdom 11:22-12:2: God, who loves all creation, has mercy on everyone and corrects sinners gradually so they may repent and believe. Everything exists and is preserved by his will.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 145: I will praise and bless God every day. The Lord is kind, merciful, and compassionate. Let all creation thank him and speak of his glory. God supports and lifts up everyone.
• Second Reading – 2 Thessalonians 1:11-2:2: We pray for you to be worthy of God’s calling. Stay calm and do not be misled by claims about the Lord’s coming.
• Gospel – Luke 19:1-10: Zacchaeus, a wealthy tax collector, climbed a tree to see Jesus. Jesus visited his house, and Zacchaeus pledged to give to the poor and repay any cheating. Jesus declared salvation had come to Zacchaeus’s house.

Lectionary Reference: 153

Upcoming dates: November 5, 2028

The 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C reminds us of God’s mercy and love. The readings show that God cares for all people and wants everyone to turn to Him.

• God’s Mercy: God loves all people, even those who sin. The first reading says that He patiently waits for people to change.
• Calling Sinners: Jesus reaches out to those who are lost. In the Gospel, He calls Zacchaeus to turn away from sin and follow Him.
• God’s Power and Care: The first reading reminds us that God created everything and watches over it. He does not abandon what He has made.
• Faith in Difficult Times: The second reading encourages believers to stay strong. Even when things are hard, they should trust that God will help them.
• A Changed Life: Zacchaeus changes after meeting Jesus. He gives back what he took and lives in a new way.
• Seeking Jesus: Zacchaeus climbs a tree to see Jesus. This shows the effort needed to find Him and follow Him.

The 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C teaches that God calls people to turn to Him. He is patient, loving, and ready to welcome those who seek Him.

Psalm 145: God Sustains Us

Psalm 145 is the responsorial psalm for the 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C. It praises God for His kindness, mercy, and care for all creation. This connects with the first reading, which says that God loves everything He has made and patiently waits for sinners to turn back to Him. The psalm reminds us that God is always watching over us, offering His love and support.

The Gospel story of Zacchaeus also reflects the message of Psalm 145. Jesus reaches out to Zacchaeus, showing God’s kindness to those who seek Him. Zacchaeus responds with joy, just as the psalm calls all people to praise God. The 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C teaches that God welcomes everyone, no matter their past. Like Zacchaeus, we are invited to turn to God, trust in His mercy, and praise Him for His goodness.

See a contemporary prayer based on Psalm 145

You Have Been Loved Into Being

Bishop Robert Barron’s homily for the 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C focuses on God’s love for all creation. The first reading from the Book of Wisdom reminds us that everything exists because God wills it. He does not need the world, but He creates and sustains it out of love. This means that each person, no matter their past, is loved into being by God.

In the Gospel, Jesus calls Zacchaeus, a tax collector and sinner, showing that no one is beyond God’s mercy. Bishop Barron explains that even a small desire to seek Jesus is enough for His love to enter our lives. Jesus does not wait for people to be perfect before calling them. Instead, His love comes first, leading to change. The 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C reminds us that God seeks and saves the lost, offering them a new path.

Welcome Jesus with Joy Like Zacchaeus

Jeff Cavins’ commentary for the 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C focuses on God’s mercy and the joy of receiving Jesus. The first reading from the Book of Wisdom reminds us that God loves all He has made and shows mercy to everyone. Cavins explains that mercy is where God’s love meets human pain and suffering. In the Gospel, Zacchaeus welcomes Jesus with joy, showing how we should receive Him into our lives.

The 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C also connects to the Eucharist, where Jesus invites us to a meal. Cavins encourages us to approach Communion with joy and intention, not distracted by other thoughts. He explains that the name of Jesus is linked to salvation, meaning salvation truly comes to those who receive Him. When we open our hearts to Jesus in Scripture, the sacraments, and the Eucharist, we experience His joy, which strengthens us in our faith.

Lover of Souls

Scott Hahn’s commentary for the 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C highlights God’s love and mercy. The first reading shows that He is patient, giving people time to repent. In the Gospel, Zacchaeus, a tax collector and sinner, humbles himself to see Jesus. Unlike other rich men in Scripture, he repents and promises to give to the poor. His faith brings salvation, and Jesus welcomes him.

The 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C reminds us to seek Jesus with humble and repentant hearts. Zacchaeus’ story teaches that no one is beyond God’s mercy. Jesus calls all people, even those rejected by others. Scott Hahn encourages us to follow Zacchaeus’ example, turning away from sin and welcoming Jesus into our lives. Like Paul in the second reading, we should pray that our lives bring glory to Jesus’ name.

The 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C reminds us of God’s patience, mercy, and love. The readings show that He does not give up on anyone, no matter how far they have strayed. Jesus’ encounter with Zacchaeus teaches that no one is beyond hope. When people seek Him, He responds with kindness and an invitation to change. These reflections help us understand how God watches over His creation, reaches out to those who are rejected, and offers mercy to all.

God Watches Over His Creation

The first reading for the 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C tells us that God created everything and cares for it. He does not abandon what He has made. This includes not only the world but also each person. He is patient and gives people time to turn back to Him.

This reading shows that God does not act with quick judgment. Instead, He waits, hoping that people will choose what is right. He does not want to destroy but to save. His care is not only for those who already follow Him but for everyone, even those who are far from Him.

Knowing that God watches over His creation should give us hope. When we feel lost or unworthy, He is still there. He has not given up on us. His patience is a sign of His love, not weakness.

The 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C reminds us to trust in God’s care. If He does not give up on us, we should not give up on ourselves or others. We should be patient with those who struggle and encourage them to turn back to God.

Jesus Reaches Out to the Outcast

Tax collectors were hated in Jesus’ time. They worked for the Roman occupiers and often took extra money for themselves. Most people wanted nothing to do with them. But Jesus saw them differently. He knew they were sinners, but He also saw their need for mercy.

In the Gospel for the 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, Jesus meets Zacchaeus, a tax collector. Instead of rejecting him, Jesus speaks to him and even goes to his house. This shocks the crowd, but Jesus is not afraid to be seen with sinners. He knows that love and kindness can change a person’s heart.

Jesus’ actions show that no one is beyond hope. The world may reject certain people, but He invites them back. He does not focus only on their past sins. Instead, He offers them a new way forward.

The 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C teaches us to follow Jesus’ example. We should not be afraid to reach out to those who are struggling. Instead of judging, we should offer kindness and an invitation to change.

The Power of God’s Mercy

The readings for the 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C show that God is patient and merciful. He does not rush to punish sinners. Instead, He waits for them to turn back to Him. His love gives people the chance to change.

Zacchaeus is an example of this mercy. He was a sinner, but when he met Jesus, everything changed. He realized he had been living the wrong way and decided to make things right. He gave back what he had taken and chose to follow Jesus.

God’s mercy is not just for Zacchaeus. It is for everyone. No matter how far someone has fallen, there is always a way back. But change starts with knowing that we are loved. Once we understand that, we can let go of sin and follow God’s path.

The 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C reminds us to accept God’s mercy and share it with others. We should never think someone is too lost to change. Instead, we should help them see that God’s love is always waiting.

The 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C calls us to trust in God’s love and share it with others. Just as He is patient with us, we should be patient with those who struggle. Jesus did not avoid sinners but welcomed them and helped them change. We are called to do the same. May we open our hearts to God’s mercy and invite others to experience it.

Prayer

Lord, You never turn away from those who seek You. You watch over all You have made and patiently call us back when we stray. Help us to follow Your example of love and mercy. Give us the courage to reach out to those in need. May we always trust in Your care. Amen.

• How does knowing that God watches over His creation bring you comfort?
• When have you experienced God’s patience in your own life?
• How does Jesus’ treatment of Zacchaeus challenge the way you view others?
• Are there people in your life whom you struggle to accept? How can you show them kindness?
• Why do you think Zacchaeus was willing to change after meeting Jesus?
• How can you be more open to sharing God’s mercy with others?
• What does the story of Zacchaeus teach about the power of second chances?
• How can you follow Jesus’ example in reaching out to those who feel rejected?
• What is one way you can show patience with someone who is struggling?
• How can you grow in trust that God’s love is always present in your life?

The music selections for the 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C reflect themes of mercy, salvation, and praise. Some songs focus on God’s kindness and patience, reminding us that He waits for sinners to turn back to Him. Others celebrate the joy of encountering Jesus, just as Zacchaeus rejoiced when Jesus came into his home. Many selections are hymns of praise, lifting up God’s greatness and care for all creation. There are also songs about trust and surrender, echoing the second reading’s call to live in a way that brings glory to Jesus.

• All Creatures of Our God and King by Passion and David Crowder
• Amazing Grace / My Chains Are Gone by Chris Tomlin
• Be Lifted High by Josh Blakesley
• Christ In Me Arise by Trevor Thomson
• Holy God, We Praise Thy Name by Catholic Music Initiative
• Holy, Holy, Holy by Audrey Assad
• Holy is the Lord by Chris Tomlin
• Hosanna/Praise Is Rising by Paul Baloche
• How Beautiful by Twila Paris
• How Can I Keep from Singing by Chris Tomlin
• How He Loves by David Crowder Band
• I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say by The Hillbilly Thomists
• I Sing the Mighty Power of God by Isaac Watts, Robert E. Kreutz, William H. Monk & Randall Debruyn
• It is Well with My Soul by Chris Rice
• Lord, I Need You by Matt Maher
• Mercy by Lorraine Hess
• Mighty to Save by Hillsong
• Miracle of Grace/Bread of Life by Curtis Stephan
• Psalm 145: I Will Praise Your Name by Scott Soper
• Psalm 145: I Will Praise Your Name Forever by Bob Hurd
• There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy by Fredrick William Faber
• There’s A Wideness In God’s Mercy/Be Merciful by Ed Bolduc
• We Gather Together by Edward Kremser & Robert E. Kreutz

Music directors and musicians can use these selections to enhance worship and highlight the message of God’s love and mercy. Whether leading traditional hymns or contemporary praise songs, they can help the congregation connect with the readings. Try these selections and share your own recommendations in the comments. Let’s build a music list that helps others reflect on God’s mercy and grace.

What date is the 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C?

The next date is Sunday November 5, 2028.
For other years see the links below:
31st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A
31st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B

What are the Mass readings for the 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C?

The Catholic Mass readings for Sunday November 5, 2028 are:
First Reading – Wisdom 11:22-12:2: God’s Mercy and Patience
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 145: Praise to God Our King
Second Reading – 2 Thessalonians 1:11-2:2: Pray and Stay Steadfast
Gospel – Luke 19:1-10: Jesus and Zacchaeus

Why does the first reading say that God overlooks people’s sins?

God is patient and wants people to turn away from sin. He does not punish right away but gives time for change.

What does the first reading teach about God’s care for the world?

It says that God made everything and watches over it. He does not destroy what He has created.

How does the second reading encourage believers?

It reminds them that God gives strength in difficult times. It says to stay faithful and trust in His help.

Why is Zacchaeus important in the Gospel?

He was a tax collector, which meant people saw him as a sinner. But Jesus still called him and changed his life.

Why did Zacchaeus climb a tree?

He was short and wanted to see Jesus. This shows that he was eager to find Jesus.

What does the Gospel say about how Jesus treats sinners?

Jesus does not avoid sinners. He reaches out to them and invites them to change.

What can we learn from Zacchaeus?

He was willing to change after meeting Jesus. He gave back what he took and lived in a better way.

How does the 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C show God’s mercy?

The readings say that God is patient with sinners. He gives people chances to turn back to Him.

What does the 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C teach about seeking Jesus?

The Gospel shows that Zacchaeus made an effort to see Jesus. This reminds us that we must also make an effort to follow Him.

How does the 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C help us in daily life?

It reminds us that no one is too lost to change. God always gives people the chance to start again.