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3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B

Sunday January 24, 2027

Mass Readings for the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B

  • First ReadingJonah 3:1-5, 10: Jonah, obeying God, warned Nineveh of impending destruction. The city's inhabitants, from all ranks, sincerely repented, leading God to spare Nineveh from the foretold disaster.
  • Responsorial PsalmPsalm 25: I seek the Lord's guidance in His truths and paths. Remembering His mercy and love, I ask for His teaching, as He leads the humble in justice and righteousness.
  • Second Reading1 Corinthians 7:29-31: Live with the awareness that our earthly experiences, whether in marriage, sorrow, joy, or material dealings, are fleeting. The world's present form is passing, emphasizing a transient existence.
  • GospelMark 1:14-20: After John's arrest, Jesus went to Galilee, preaching God's imminent kingdom and urging repentance and belief in His message. By the Sea of Galilee, He called Simon and Andrew, fishermen, to follow Him and become 'fishers of men.' They promptly did. Next, Jesus summoned James and John, who also instantly left their father and work to follow Him, illustrating the compelling nature of Jesus' call and message.

After John had been arrested, Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the gospel of God: This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.

Mark 1:14-15

Themes for the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B

The readings for the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B invite us to be transformed by the call of Jesus. In the first reading, Jonah hears God’s call and sets off for Nineveh. The psalm asks God to show us the path he desires for us. The second reading tells us that the world as we know it is passing away. The Gospel recounts Jesus call for repentance and the call of Simon Peter and Andrew.

  • Call to Repentance and Conversion: Both Jonah's message to Nineveh and Jesus' proclamation in the Gospel emphasize the need for repentance. This theme invites the faithful to reflect on their own lives and the need for ongoing conversion.
  • Divine Mercy and Forgiveness: The story of Nineveh's redemption highlights God's mercy and readiness to forgive when people turn away from their wrongdoings and seek His forgiveness.
  • Guidance and Trust in God: Psalm 25 speaks to seeking and trusting in God's guidance, emphasizing the importance of humility and faith in God's paths and truths.
  • The Urgency of the Gospel Call: The immediacy with which the disciples respond to Jesus’ call in the Gospel of Mark reflects the urgent nature of embracing the Gospel and following Christ.
  • Transience of Worldly Life: In the second reading from 1 Corinthians, there is an emphasis on the fleeting nature of earthly experiences and the importance of focusing on eternal truths.
  • Vocation and Discipleship: The call of the first disciples illustrates the concept of vocation and the transformative journey of following Jesus, changing one's life direction to align with His mission.
  • God’s Kingdom is at Hand: Jesus’ proclamation that the kingdom of God is near invites reflection on the presence and reality of God’s kingdom in our lives and world.

These themes offer a rich tapestry for reflection, discussion, and application in various aspects of Christian living, teaching, and worship. See the Homilies and Reflections section and the More Thoughts section for further expansion on these readings and some reflection questions for the 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B.

Resources for the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B

Sunday January 24, 2027

Abandon Your Nets Lesson Plan
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Abandon Your Nets

The Gospel for the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B, featuring Jesus calling Simon and Andrew, inspires the "Abandon Your Nets" lesson plan. It prompts reflection on what hinders our spiritual journey, mirroring the disciples leaving their nets, symbolizing trust and commitment to Christ. This plan encourages identifying aspects of our lives that, like nets, trap both beneficial and detrimental things. It could be prioritizing personal ambitions over spiritual duties or engaging in harmful relationships. Abandoning these nets involves introspection, faith, and the support of the Christian community, guiding us towards a freer and more devoted following of Jesus.

Litany of the Call to Discipleship
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Litany of the Call to Discipleship

The "Litany of the Call to Discipleship," connecting to the theme of the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B, is a prayerful reflection on responding to Jesus' call. This litany, echoing the Gospel where Jesus calls His first disciples, invites us to seek the grace to answer Christ's call as key figures in the Gospels did. It emphasizes the transformative journey of becoming 'fishers of people,' reminiscent of the disciples who left everything to follow Christ. This prayer reinforces the message of discipleship and trust in the Lord, integral to the readings of the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B, encouraging a deeper commitment to living out our faith.

The Sacrament of Holy Orders
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The Sacrament of Holy Orders

The Sacrament of Holy Orders, particularly relevant on the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B, symbolizes a profound commitment to serving God and the community, akin to the disciples' call to discipleship in the Gospel. Just as Simon, Andrew, James, and John left their nets to follow Jesus, those ordained through Holy Orders dedicate their lives to serving in the image of Christ. The sacrament, involving a lifelong commitment and the conferral of the Holy Spirit, mirrors the disciples' transformative journey of faith and dedication. This parallel underscores the significance of service and commitment in the Christian journey, central to the message of the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B.

The Book of Jonah
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The Book of Jonah: The Depth of God's Mercy

In the first reading for the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B, Jonah 3:1-5, 10, Jonah, obeying God, warns Nineveh of impending doom. The Ninevites, across all social strata, earnestly repent, prompting God to relent and spare the city. This passage highlights two key themes: God's mercy and the universality of His love. Despite Jonah's initial resistance, God shows compassion, emphasizing His readiness to forgive those who repent. Additionally, the story illustrates God's love for all, transcending national or cultural boundaries, as He offers salvation even to Nineveh, an adversary of Israel, challenging us to overcome our prejudices.

Prayer for Guidance Psalm 25
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A Prayer for Guidance - Based on Psalm 25

The prayer for guidance is based on Psalm 25, the Responsorial Psalm for the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B. As this prayer expresses a heartfelt surrender to God's will and a request for guidance, it echoes the Gospel's call to discipleship, where the disciples trustingly follow Jesus' lead. The prayer's emphasis on God showing the way, forgiving missteps, and offering mercy parallels the journey of faith and obedience demonstrated in the Gospel. It encapsulates the essence of the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B, highlighting the importance of trusting in God's guidance in our spiritual journey.

the gospel of st mark
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Resources and Reflections for the Gospel of Mark

Exploring the Gospel of Mark, particularly relevant for the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B, we delve into key events shaping Jesus' ministry. Mark’s narrative begins with Jesus’ baptism and temptation, symbolizing His obedience and preparation for His divine mission. This Gospel uniquely portrays Jesus as both divine and human, highlighting His miraculous works alongside His human emotions. Central themes include discipleship, the call to carry one's cross, and the importance of repentance, forgiveness, and growing faith. Mark’s account, starting with the declaration of Jesus as God's Son, underscores the transformative power of His teachings and miracles, resonating deeply with the themes of the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B.

Homilies and Reflections for the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B

Sunday January 24, 2027

Going Fishing

In Jeff Cavins' reflection for the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B, he draws parallels between fishing for fish and being "fishers of men" as called by Jesus. Emphasizing the need for preparation, skill, and tenacity in evangelization, Cavins highlights the importance of knowing the message of the Gospel and understanding the nature of people. He recommends daily Lexio Divina and studying the Catechism for preparation. Additionally, he stresses the significance of being patient and persistent in evangelizing, mirroring the patience of fishermen. Cavins also reminds us of Paul's advice to not be overly attached to worldly things, reinforcing the focus on spiritual mission.

Accepting Our Mission from God

In Bishop Robert Barron's homily for the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B, he explores the book of Jonah, emphasizing its theme of mission and response to God's call. He highlights Jonah's initial refusal and subsequent compliance with God's command to preach repentance in Nineveh, an enemy city. Barron draws parallels between Jonah's experience and our own challenges in responding to God's will. He notes that Jonah's successful mission in Nineveh, despite his reluctance, demonstrates the transformative power of obedience to God. Barron encourages us to listen to God's voice above all others and to embrace our missions, however daunting they may seem.

Following Him

In Scott Hahn's reflection for the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B, he draws connections between the calling of the brothers in the Gospel and the commissioning of Elisha by Elijah. He relates Jesus' promise to make the brothers "fishers of men" to the hope of Israel's restoration, as prophesied by Jeremiah. Hahn interprets the apostles as the beginning of a new people of God, emphasizing that worldly concerns must be viewed through the lens of the Gospel. He points out that repentance is central to Jesus' message, offering hope for sinners and stressing the importance of continuously striving to live a life patterned after Jesus.

Radical Christianity

In Bishop Robert Barron's homily for the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B, he discusses the reduction of Christianity to rationalism in the 17th and 18th centuries, contrasting it with the transformative message of the New Testament. He emphasizes the radical change brought about by Jesus’ resurrection, as witnessed by Paul, and how this challenges the modern reductionist view of Christianity as merely a moral system. Barron highlights that Christianity offers a revolutionary new world, not dominated by death, urging a metanoia – a fundamental change in thinking and perceiving, aligning with Jesus' vision and the Gospel's transformative power.

More Thoughts for the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B

Embracing the Call to Conversion

The readings for the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B open with a powerful narrative from the book of Jonah. Jonah, initially reluctant, finally obeys God's command to go to Nineveh. His message is stark and uncompromising: the city faces destruction unless its people repent. Remarkably, from the greatest to the least, the inhabitants of Nineveh heed Jonah's warning, demonstrating a profound collective conversion.

This passage challenges us to reflect on our own response to God's call for repentance. In our lives, moments of grace often come disguised as challenges or calls to change our ways. The Ninevites' response is a testament to the power of genuine repentance and a reminder that no person or community is beyond the reach of God's transforming love.

Jonah's experience also speaks to us about obedience and trust in God's plan. Often, we might feel reluctant or unqualified to undertake the tasks God sets before us. Jonah's journey reminds us that our willingness to listen and respond to God, even amidst fear and hesitation, can lead to incredible outcomes beyond our imagination.

The Transience of Earthly Life

In his first letter to the Corinthians, Paul urges the community to adopt a perspective that transcends the immediacy of their current situation. He emphasizes the transient nature of worldly experiences, urging believers to not be overly engrossed in the affairs of this life. This message is particularly poignant in our contemporary context, where material pursuits and temporal concerns often overshadow spiritual growth and eternal values. Paul’s words invite us to re-evaluate our priorities, reminding us that our ultimate destiny lies beyond the scope of this world.

This perspective in the second reading for the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B does not diminish the importance of our earthly lives but rather reframes them. It encourages us to live fully in the present moment while holding in tension the reality of our eternal destiny. This understanding allows us to engage with the world with a sense of purpose and detachment, investing in relationships and activities that foster growth, love, and service, which are lasting and bear eternal significance.

The Compelling Nature of Jesus’ Call

The Gospel for the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B introduces us to the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry. Following John's arrest, Jesus proclaims the good news of God's kingdom, calling people to repentance and belief in the Gospel. The immediacy with which Simon, Andrew, James, and John respond to Jesus' call is striking. They leave their nets, their father, and their livelihoods to follow Him. This scene captures the compelling nature of Jesus’ invitation, an invitation extended to each of us today.

Jesus' call to become "fishers of men" is not just an invitation to discipleship but a radical reorientation of life's purpose. For the disciples, it meant abandoning their careers and family ties to embark on an uncertain journey. For us, it might mean different sacrifices or changes – perhaps a change in lifestyle, priorities, or attitudes. The call to follow Jesus is both personal and transformative, demanding a response that is as immediate and decisive as that of the first disciples.

This Gospel passage also speaks to us about the nature of Christian vocation. Each call is unique and tailored to the individual’s life and circumstances. The immediacy of the disciples' response underscores the urgency and relevance of the Gospel in our lives. It invites us to discern how Jesus is calling us in our current situations and to respond with openness and trust.

Fishing with Jesus

In the Gospel for the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B, we see Jesus initiating His mission by calling fishermen to be His first disciples. Why fishermen? This choice is significant and symbolic. Fishermen, in their profession, embody qualities essential not only for their trade but also for the spiritual journey Jesus invites them to undertake.

Firstly, fishermen are accustomed to hard work. Their trade is physically demanding, requiring strength and endurance. This physical resilience parallels the spiritual resilience needed in the mission of evangelization. Just as fishermen labor tirelessly for their catch, so too must disciples labor in spreading the Gospel, often in the face of challenges and setbacks.

Moreover, fishermen possess a practical intelligence. They are adept at navigating the seas, reading weather patterns, and managing their business affairs. This combination of skills indicates a capacity for critical thinking and adaptability - qualities essential in understanding and responding to the varied contexts in which the Gospel message must be shared.

In choosing fishermen as His first disciples, Jesus was not just gathering helpers; He was selecting individuals who embodied the virtues necessary for the daunting task of spreading the Gospel. Their profession was a metaphor for the mission they were to undertake. As modern-day disciples, reflecting on these qualities can inspire us in our own journey of faith and evangelization. In our efforts to 'fish for people,' let us learn from the first disciples, embracing patience, adaptability, intelligence, and courage in our mission to share the good news of Jesus Christ.

The readings for the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B collectively draw us into a deeper reflection on our spiritual journey. They challenge us to embrace a life of continual conversion, to maintain an eternal perspective amidst our daily lives, and to respond wholeheartedly to the personal call of discipleship that Jesus extends to each of us.

As we ponder these scriptures, let us ask for the grace to be like the Ninevites in their repentance, like Paul in his heavenly perspective, and like the first disciples in their immediate and wholehearted response to Jesus' call. In doing so, we align ourselves more closely with God’s will and purpose for our lives, participating more fully in the unfolding of His kingdom on earth.

Reflection Questions for the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B

  • In what areas of my life is God calling me to conversion and repentance, and how can I be more open to change?
  • How have I experienced God's mercy and forgiveness in my life, and in what ways can I extend that same mercy and forgiveness to others?
  • When have I sought and found guidance from God like the psalmist in Psalm 25, and what steps can I take to deepen my trust in God’s path?
  • Reflecting on the immediacy of the disciples' response to Jesus, how can I be more responsive to God's call in my daily life, and what might be holding me back from fully embracing the Gospel message?
  • How can I balance my engagement with the world and my spiritual life, in light of the transience of earthly matters, and what worldly attachments might I need to reassess or let go of?
  • In what ways am I responding to my own vocation and call to discipleship, and how can I make my daily work and interactions more reflective of my following of Jesus?
  • How do I perceive the presence of God’s kingdom in my life and around me, and what actions can I take to contribute to its realization on Earth?
  • Which qualities of a fisherman (patience, perseverance, flexibility, intelligence, courage) do I find most challenging in my spiritual journey, and how can I apply these traits to my evangelizing efforts?

Quotes and Social Media Graphics for the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B

If you use the images below in any form, you must provide attribution to young-catholics.com. See details.

fishers of men
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As he passed by the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting their nets into the sea; they were fishermen. Jesus said to them, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Then they abandoned their nets and followed him.
3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B
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The 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B - Fishing with Jesus

Music Suggestions for the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B

Sunday January 24, 2027

For the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B, music selections should reflect the themes of call and conversion, mercy, and the transformative power of Christ's message. Consider incorporating songs that evoke a sense of repentance and readiness to follow God's call, mirroring Jonah's mission and the disciples' immediate response to Jesus. Hymns that emphasize trust in God's guidance, as in Psalm 25, and the transient nature of earthly life, aligning with 1 Corinthians, would be fitting. The music should ideally create an atmosphere that encourages reflection on personal spiritual journeys and the readiness to embrace Jesus' call, just as the first disciples did by the Sea of Galilee.

Frequently Asked Questions for the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B

What date is the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B?

The next date is Sunday January 24, 2027.
For other years see the links below:
3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A: Sunday January 25, 2026
3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C: Sunday January 26, 2025

What are the Mass readings for the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B?

The Mass readings for Sunday January 24, 2027 are:
First Reading – Jonah 3:1-5, 10: Nineveh Heeds Jonah's Warning
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 25: Guidance in God's Ways
Second Reading – 1 Corinthians 7:29-31: Transient Nature of the World
Gospel – Mark 1:14-20: Calling the First Disciples

What are the main themes of the readings for the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B?

The readings for the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B focus on themes such as the call to repentance and conversion (Jonah 3:1-5, 10), the transience of worldly life (1 Corinthians 7:29-31), the urgency and compelling nature of Jesus’ call (Mark 1:14-20), and seeking divine guidance and trust in God (Psalm 25).

Why are fishermen significant in the Gospel reading for the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B?

In Mark 1:14-20, Jesus calls fishermen as His first disciples. Fishermen symbolize qualities like hard work, intelligence, patience, perseverance, and courage, which are vital for the mission of evangelizing and following Jesus.

How can the story of Jonah, featured in the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B, apply to modern life?

Jonah's story of obedience to God and the resulting repentance of Nineveh serves as a reminder of the power of repentance and God’s mercy. The first reading for the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B encourages us to heed God’s calls in our lives and to trust in His plans, even when they challenge us.

What does the second reading for the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B teach about our earthly lives?

Paul's letter to the Corinthians (1 Corinthians 7:29-31) teaches that our earthly experiences and possessions are transient. Tthe second reading for the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B encourages a focus on spiritual values and eternal truths, reminding us to live with an awareness of the passing nature of worldly life.

How can I reflect more deeply on the readings for the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B?

Reflect on how you are responding to God’s call in your life, the ways you seek God’s guidance, and your approach to balancing earthly commitments with spiritual growth. Consider the qualities of the first disciples and how you can embody these in your own journey of faith.

What can we learn from the Responsorial Psalm of the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B?

Psalm 25 teaches us about the importance of seeking God's guidance, remembering His mercy and love, and the virtues of humility and righteousness. It encourages us to trust in God's paths and truth.

How can the themes of the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B be applied in a homily or reflection?

These themes can be used to discuss the importance of responding to God’s call, understanding the temporary nature of life, and living a life oriented towards God's kingdom. They can also inspire discussions about personal transformation and discipleship.

What is the significance of Jesus preaching about the Kingdom of God in the Gospel for the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B?

Jesus’ proclamation of the Kingdom of God as being at hand (Mark 1:14-20) signifies the commencement of a new era in salvation history. It invites believers to reorient their lives in light of this reality, emphasizing the need for repentance and belief in the Gospel.

Can families and children engage with the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B readings, and if so, how?

Yes, families and children can engage with these readings for the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B through activities like family prayer focused on the themes of the readings, discussions about following Jesus in everyday life, and creative projects like drawing or acting out the Gospel story.

How can the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B readings inspire social action and community involvement?

The call to discipleship and the message of divine mercy and forgiveness can inspire acts of social justice, community service, and outreach. The 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B readings encourage believers to actively engage in their communities, showing compassion and love in line with the teachings of Jesus.

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One response to “3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B”

  1. Julien Avatar
    Julien

    Inspiring reflections

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