Gospel for the Fifth Sunday of Lent
March 14, 2027 · John 12:20-33
The grain of wheat
Holy Week is near. Jesus announces his death with the image of the grain of wheat that dies and bears fruit. John 12:20-33
Liturgical color: violet
This Sunday’s Gospel, in everyday words
Some people who were not Jews had come to the feast to worship God. They came to Philip and asked to see Jesus. John 12:20-21
Philip told Andrew, and the two of them told Jesus. John 12:22
Jesus said that his hour had come. If a grain of wheat does not die, it bears no fruit; if it dies, it bears much fruit. John 12:23-24
He asked whoever wanted to serve him to follow him. Where he was, his servant would be too. John 12:26
Jesus said that his soul was troubled. He asked the Father to glorify his name, and a voice was heard from heaven. John 12:27-28
He said that when he was lifted up, he would draw everyone to himself. In this way he showed how he was going to die. John 12:32-33
What the Bible says
John 12:20-33
20Now there were certain Gentiles among them, who came up to adore on the festival day. 21These therefore came to Philip, who was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and desired him, saying: Sir, we would see Jesus. 22Philip cometh, and telleth Andrew. Again Andrew and Philip told Jesus. 23But Jesus answered them, saying: The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified. 24Amen, amen I say to you, unless the grain of wheat falling into the ground die, 25Itself remaineth alone. But if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world, keepeth it unto life eternal. 26If any man minister to me, let him follow me; and where I am, there also shall my minister be. If any man minister to me, him will my Father honour. 27Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour. But for this cause I came unto this hour. 28Father, glorify thy name. A voice therefore came from heaven: I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again. 29The multitude therefore that stood and heard, said that it thundered. Others said: An angel spoke to him. 30Jesus answered, and said: This voice came not because of me, but for your sakes. 31Now is the judgment of the world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out. 32And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all things to myself. 33(Now this he said, signifying what death he should die.)
Douay-Rheims Bible (Challoner revision), public domain.
The other readings at Mass
First Reading
God announces a new covenant. He will write his law on the hearts of his people. Jeremiah 31:31-34
Responsorial Psalm
“Create a clean heart in me, O God.” Psalm 51:3-4, 12-15
Second Reading
Christ prayed with loud cries and tears, and he learned obedience through suffering. He is the source of salvation for all who obey him. Hebrews 5:7-9
The full readings for this day, from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops: bible.usccb.org
What the Church teaches
The new covenant
The Catechism quotes Jeremiah’s announcement of a new covenant when it speaks about the New Law of Christ.
Catechism 1965
An everlasting covenant
The prophets announced a new and everlasting covenant. Jesus established it.
Catechism 762
The color violet
We are still in Lent: the priest wears violet.
General Instruction of the Roman Missal 346
To read with your children
Some people wanted to see Jesus. John 12:21
Jesus talked about a grain of wheat. John 12:24
When the grain is planted, it bears much fruit. John 12:24
A voice was heard from heaven. John 12:28
Would you like to plant a seed and watch it grow?
To talk about as a family
- They said to Philip, “We would like to see Jesus.” How do others see him in us?
- The grain bears fruit when it gives itself. What can we give for others this week?
- For the child: what does a seed need to grow?
This week
Plant a seed together in a pot. While it grows, remember what Jesus said about the grain of wheat.
To pray
Lord Jesus, you gave yourself like the grain of wheat. Draw us to you and give us a new heart. Amen.