Sunday Readings Guide · Year A

Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Themes: talents, faithfulness, readiness, work, children of light

Year A Ordinary TimeGreen

The message of this Sunday

God entrusts each of us with gifts and expects us to use them well, not to bury them out of fear. The capable wife of Proverbs and the faithful servants show diligent, generous lives. As children of the light, we live ready for the Lord's return.

talentsfaithfulnessreadinessworkchildren of light

The readings

First Reading

Prov 31:10-13, 19-20, 30-31

The book of Proverbs praises a capable wife, more precious than jewels, whose husband trusts her completely. She works with willing hands, reaches out to the poor and needy, and is praised not for charm or beauty but because she fears the Lord.

Responsorial Psalm

Ps 128:1-2, 3, 4-5

Blessed are those who fear the Lord and walk in his ways. They will enjoy the fruit of their work, their household will be blessed with a fruitful wife and children like olive shoots, and the psalm prays for blessing from Zion.

Second Reading

1 Thess 5:1-6

Paul tells the Thessalonians that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night, when people are saying all is peace and security. But they are children of the light and of the day, so they must stay awake and sober.

Gospel Acclamation

John 15:4a+5b

Gospel

Matt 25:14-30 or 25:14-15, 19-21

Jesus tells of a man who entrusts his property to three servants, giving five talents, two and one, according to their abilities. The first two trade and double their money and are praised, but the third buries his talent out of fear and is condemned, for those who have will be given more.

References follow the Lectionary for Mass; links open the full text in the New Revised Standard Version, Catholic Edition. Parishes in Uganda may use a different approved translation, and where readings offer a choice the first option is linked. Always check the Uganda Episcopal Conference Ordo for local celebrations.

Music ideas

Psalm 128 is the psalm. Songs about using our gifts for God and being faithful servants suit the preparation of the gifts, and a song about walking as children of light fits the recessional.

In Ordinary Time the Gloria is sung on Sundays, and the readings themselves are the best guide for choosing songs.

From our music library