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Gospel for the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

January 24, 2027 · Mark 1:14-20

Fishers of men

Jesus calls his first four disciples, who were fishermen. It is also the Sunday of the Word of God. Mark 1:14-20

Liturgical color: green

This Sunday’s Gospel, in everyday words

After John the Baptist had been put in prison, Jesus went to Galilee to proclaim the Gospel. Mark 1:14

He said that the time had come and the Kingdom of God was at hand. He called people to repent and believe in the Gospel. Mark 1:15

By the Sea of Galilee, Jesus saw Simon and his brother Andrew. They were fishermen, casting their nets. Mark 1:16

Jesus asked them to follow him: he would make them fishers of men. They left their nets and followed him. Mark 1:17-18

A little farther on, Jesus saw James and John, the sons of Zebedee. They were mending their nets in the boat. Mark 1:19

Jesus called them. They left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and went with Jesus. Mark 1:20

What the Bible says

Mark 1:14-20

14And after that John was delivered up, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, 15And saying: The time is accomplished, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent, and believe the gospel. 16And passing by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew his brother, casting nets into the sea (for they were fishermen). 17And Jesus said to them: Come after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men. 18And immediately leaving their nets, they followed him. 19And going on from thence a little farther, he saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were mending their nets in the ship: 20And forthwith he called them. And leaving their father Zebedee in the ship with his hired men, they followed him.

Douay-Rheims Bible (Challoner revision), public domain.

The other readings at Mass

First Reading

Jonah announces to Nineveh that it will be destroyed. The people believe God and change their lives, and God does not punish them. Jonah 3:1-5, 10

Responsorial Psalm

“Teach me your ways, O Lord.” Psalm 25:4-9

Second Reading

Paul reminds us that time is short. The world in its present form is passing away. 1 Corinthians 7:29-31

The full readings for this day, from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops: bible.usccb.org

What the Church teaches

The Sunday of the Word of God

Pope Francis asked that this Sunday be set aside every year to celebrate, read, and make known the Bible.

Francis, Apostolic Letter Aperuit illis 3 (September 30, 2019)

Conversion

Jesus calls us to conversion. Baptism is the main place of the first and most basic conversion.

Catechism 1427

Part of his life

From the beginning, Jesus made his disciples part of his life. He gave them a share in his mission, his joy, and his sufferings.

Catechism 787

To read with your children

Simon and Andrew were fishermen. Mark 1:16

Jesus asked them to follow him. Mark 1:17

They left their nets and went with him. Mark 1:18

James and John followed him too. Mark 1:19-20

What would you leave behind to be with Jesus?

To talk about as a family

  1. The fishermen left their nets. What things are hard for us to leave behind?
  2. Jonah spoke, and the people of Nineveh changed. What could we change at home this week?
  3. For the child: where is the Bible in your home? Shall we look for it together?

This week

For the Sunday of the Word, put the Bible somewhere easy to see in your home. Read a short passage from the Gospel of Mark together each day.

To pray

Lord Jesus, you called some fishermen and they followed you. Help us to listen to your Word and to follow you without fear. Amen.

Who is in it?