SUNDAY HOMILIES

⬅️ ➡️

2023

Introduction & Table of Contents

FEATUREDBishop GolkaJeff CavinsCardinal TagleCatholic WomenSOLT Prep

Liturgy of
the Word

31st Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year A)

CALENDAR

2023 – NOV 5
2020 – ALL SOULS
2017 – NOV 4
2014 – ALL SOULS
2011 – OCT 30
2008 – ALL SOULS
2005 – OCT 30
2002 – NOV 3
1999 – OCT 31

FUTURE YEARS

2026 – ALL SAINTS
2029 – NOV 4

SECTIONSINDEX

LECTORS

COMMENTARY

BIBLE STUDY

HOMILIES

PAPAL HOMILIES

CATECHISM

CONNECTIONS

CHILDREN

COMMENTARY

Brant Pitre – Mass Readings Explained
Michal E. Hunt – Agape Bible Study
Fr. George Corrigan, OFM
Fr. Kieran O’Mahony, OSA – Hearers of the Word
Fr. Francis Martin
Navarre Bible Commentary
Wikipedia
Non-Catholic Sources

CONNECTIONS

Fr. A Paul – Apply, Learn & Live
Christopher West – Theology of the Body
Life Recover Bible NLT Notes
Scriptures & Art
Frank Pavone – Preaching on Abortion
Catholic Climate Covenant
Justice Themes
Conflict Themes
Catechism Themes / References
Catholic Answers
Fr. Vincent Hawkswell
Kevin Aldrich – Doctrinal Homily Outlines
Fr. Clement D. Thibodeau – Catholic Pastoral Practices
Larry Broding – Word Sunday
Fr. Daniel Mahan, STL – A Tour of the Catechism
Fr. Mike Schmitz – The Catechism in a Year
Three-Minute Catechism
Fr. Eamon Tobin – Catholic Catechism Topics

BIBLE STUDY

Fr. Bird, Frank
Contreras, Vince
LarryBoding, Larry – Word Sunday
Ezel, Edrianne – Our Sunday Readings
Fr. Galetto, Paul – Sunday Scriptures in Context
Murdy, Kay – Together with God’s Word
Fr. Kujawą, Bryan
Fr. O’Mahony, Kieran – Hearers of the Word
Osdieck, Anne
Fr. Plant, Geoffrey
Fr. Thibodeau, Clement
Fr. Tobin, Eamon
Zemanek, Matt – Parish Bible Study

PODCASTS

Bp. Barron, Robert – Word on Fire
Catholic Answers – Sunday Catholic Word
Catholic Women Preach
Enkindle – Family Scripture Reflections
Fr. Galea, Rob – Catholic Influencers
Institute of Catholic Culture – Gospel Reflections
Men Meet Jesus
Nester, Keith – Unpacking the Mass
O’Mahony OSA, Kieran – Hearers of the Word
Fr. Ricci, Andrew – Three Great Things

SECTIONSINDEX

Homilies

Papal Homilies

Fr. Tony's Homily

TOP-RATED HOMILIES

Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
Disaster for the Clergy
Dominican Blackfriars
Fr. Tony’s Homilies
Homiletic & Pastoral Review Magazine

POPES

Pope Francis
Pope Benedict XVI

BISHOPS

Bp. Barron, Robert
Bp. Louis, John
Bp. Schuster, Frank
Bp. Taylor, Anthony

PRIESTS

Fr. Bloom, Phil
Fr. Chua, Michael
Fr. Corrigan, George
Fr. Cummins, Michael
Fr. Ekpunobi, Anthony
Fr. Fleming, Austin
Fr. Hahn, Peter
Fr. Hawkswell, Vincent
Msgr. Irvin, Charles E.
Fr. Jagodensky, Joe
Fr. Kavanaugh, John
Fr. Langeh, Jude Thaddeus
Fr. Lane, Tommy
Fr. Lynch, Tom
Msgr. Pellegrino, Joseph
Msgr. Pope, Charles
Fr. Smiga, George

SECTIONSINDEX

Children

Stories for Kids

Teens

CHILDREN

52 Sundays – Archdiocese of Detroit
Adorers of the Blood of Christ (PDF – Sunday Readings)
Big Al
Catholic Sunday School
Diocese of Auckland – Resource Packet
Little Liturgies – Father Glenn
Heidi Witte
Holy Heroes
Loyola Press – Sunday Connection
Mary Jo Cole
Mass Box
Ministry to Children
Sermon Writer – Children Sermons

HANDOUTS

Catechist Magazine – The Kid’s Calendar
Jesus without Language
Kid’s Bulletin
SDC – Sunday Liturgy Worksheets
Sermons4Kids – Crossword Puzzle, Coloring Activity, Group Activities

STORIES

Larry Broding – Word Sunday
Markkula Center – Build, Plant, Grow
Terrence Nollen – Children’s Literature Bookshelf

TEENS

Catechist Magazine
Featured Videos
Life Teen – Mark Hart
OSV Lifelong Catechesis
Religion Teacher – Jared Dees
Young Catholics

SECTIONSINDEX

Lectors

Musicians

DEACONS

Bartels, Frederick
Fournier, Keith
Deacon Magazine
Kandra, Greg
Simon’s, Eric
Newsome, Matthew
Prayers of the Faithful
Singing Mass Parts

LECTORS

Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
Bellecci St. Romain – Lector Tips
Miller, George – Lector Bullets
Warnusz – Lector’s Notes & Community Leadership
SDC – Sunday Liturgy Worksheets
Sermons4Kids – Crossword Puzzle, Coloring Activity, Group Activities

MUSICIANS

Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
CanticaNova Publications – Traditional Music
LaRosa, Francesca
GIA Music
Guimont, Michel
Music Ministry 101
OCP Music
Pineda, Andrew
Psalm Melodies
Romea, Anna
Willow Music
Worship Now – Modern Psalms

Joan
DeMerchant

Mary M.
McGlone

SHOW/HIDE MORE SYNOPSES

Today’s readings are about abuse of power among those who profess to teach or lead others. These roles are especially open to scrutiny because of the power inherent in them.

We could extend this idea to anyone in a position of authority, but our focus here is on the faith community. Those in leadership roles in the church are reminded of their responsibility, and we are encouraged to hold them accountable and to pray for them.

We are all called to be responsible in one way or another.

-Joan DeMerchant

A FEW EXCERPTS

1 - Today’s Gospel brings us into the core of Jesus’ moral teaching. What Jesus demands of the people of the covenant is integrity, being who you say you are, making all your behavior an expression of your beliefs, no matter the cost.

2 - So, back to us in the pews. What did Jesus want the ordinary folk in his audience to hear when he went after the scribes and Pharisees? He made one thing crystal clear: “Do not follow their example.” He went on to tell them, call no one your teacher, father or master, but look for the ones who serve. They are the ones showing the way to God.

3 - There are many kinds of service today, but one we may be short on is the service of being willing to talk about the core questions of life. Polite people have been taught to avoid conversations about religion and politics because some people don’t want to be confrontational. Talk about your football team, the weather, even the hierarchy, but don’t risk being offensive by saying what you really believe is right or meaningful. Keep your integrity hidden under a bushel basket.

-Mary M. McGlone

The following is a summary of FR. MICK'S COLUMN which appeared in Celebration 2017 edition. Click on the link and scroll to the section which has the title "Planning: 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time.

God: God is portrayed as chastising the priests of Israel for turning away from the way and causing others to falter with their instruction. This suggests that God values authenticity and fulfillment of one's own expectations.

Jesus: Jesus warns against imitating the Pharisees who preach but do not practice. He criticizes them for burdening others without lifting a finger to help. This indicates that Jesus values sincerity and genuine actions.

Liturgy Planners: The liturgy planners are described as being occupied with other details during worship, which distracts them from praying and celebrating. It is suggested that they may forget to pray themselves due to focusing too much on whether everything is going well. This implies that liturgy planners should prioritize prayer and worship over logistical concerns.

Choir Members, Musicians, Lectors, Eucharistic Ministers, Ushers, Servers: These various liturgical ministers are mentioned as potentially allowing the demands of their roles to interfere with their own worship. It is suggested that they should remember their primary identity as members of the assembly and actively participate in prayers and songs alongside their specific tasks. This highlights the importance of active engagement in worship for all liturgical ministers.

SOURCE: National Catholic Reporter: Cycle A Sunday Resources feature series. View the full series.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION:

The expectations placed upon the religious leadership are vast and taxing. Could be some leniency or understanding towards them given their unique situations and pressures?

How do the people in the pews perceive religious leaders when they falter at practicing what they preach? Does it dilute their faith or determination?

[contentcards url=”https://www.ncronline.org/nov-5-2023-thirty-first-sunday-ordinary-time”%5D

Mary M. McGlone’s reflection explores St. Paul’s portrayal of ministry in feminine terms, emphasizing gentleness and affection. It discusses his approach to evangelization, drawing parallels between his ministry and a nursing mother.

Word on Fire

[contentcards url=”https://www.wordonfire.org/videos/sermons/classic-sunday-sermon-your-life-is-not-about-you/”%5D

[contentcards url=”https://www.wordonfire.org/videos/sermons/the-trouble-with-religion”%5D

[contentcards url=”https://www.wordonfire.org/videos/sermons/woe-to-you-pharisees”%5D

[contentcards url=”https://www.wordonfire.org/videos/sermons/a-challenge-to-the-sons-of-levi/”%5D

31st Sunday of Year A

[contentcards url=”https://www.english.op.org/torch/shouldering-responsibility/”%5D