On the Ninth Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year C, the Gospel gives the healing of the centurion's servant. In The Mass Readings Explained, Dr. Brant Pitre walks through this Sunday's readings and explores the remarkable faith of a Gentile officer—and the place of the nations in God's plan of salvation.
In Luke 7:1–10, the centurion sends word, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof… but say the word,” and Jesus marvels at faith he has not found in Israel. The first reading gives Solomon's prayer that even the foreigner may be heard (1 Kings 8), Psalm 117 calls all nations to praise, and in Galatians 1 St. Paul defends the one true gospel he received.
GOSPEL, FIRST READING & PSALM TRANSCRIPT (Subscribe or Login for Full Transcript):
The 9th Sunday in Ordinary Time continues the Church's journey through the third gospel, the Gospel of St. Luke, also known as the most beautiful book ever written. We continue to see the beauty of the Gospel in this text by looking at Luke 7:1-10, the very well-known story of Jesus and the centurion, from the healing of the centurion's servant. So let's see what the Church gives us for today. Then we'll go back and look at the Old Testament and the Psalm and see how all of it comes together to proclaim a beautiful and very important gospel about the role of Gentiles in God's plan of salvation.
SECOND READING TRANSCRIPT (SubscribeorLoginfor Full Transcript):
The 9th Sunday in Ordinary Time for Year C begins the Church's journey through one of the most explosive letters of the Apostle Paul in the entire canon of Scripture, and that is his brief but powerful letter to the Galatians. So much could be said about the letter to the Galatians. It might be helpful just to kind of think of it in these terms: if Romans is the most theologically sophisticated, the most elevated of the letters of Paul, and if 2 Corinthians is the most heartfelt and personal of Paul's letters, Galatians is the angriest. It's the most polemical, you could say, because Paul is clearly upset about some false teachings that have worked their way into the churches at Galatia that he played a role in founding.
The Readings for the Ninth Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year C
First Reading: 1 Kings 8:41–43
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 117:1–2
Second Reading: Galatians 1:1–2, 6–10
Gospel: Luke 7:1–10
Key passages & sources examined: The centurion's humility and faith; “Lord, I am not worthy” at Mass; the Gentile foreigner in Solomon's prayer; the opening of Paul's letter to the Galatians; the role of the nations in salvation.
What are the Mass readings for the Ninth Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year C? 1 Kings 8:41–43; Psalm 117:1–2; Galatians 1:1–2, 6–10; and the Gospel, Luke 7:1–10.
Who is the centurion in Luke 7? A Roman officer whose faith in Jesus' power to heal at a distance amazes Jesus, who says he has found no such faith even in Israel.
Why do we say “Lord, I am not worthy” at Mass? The words are drawn from the centurion's humble request before Jesus heals his servant in Luke 7.
How do the first reading and psalm connect? Solomon's prayer that the foreigner be heard (1 Kings 8) and Psalm 117's call to all nations point to the Gentiles' place in God's plan.
Want every Sunday and feast explained like this?
Get Dr. Brant Pitre’s complete Mass Readings Explained — a new study for every Sunday and holy day.
I told him I do not know what I would do without all the knowledge I have gained from this program. Period. Dr. Grant Pitre is phenomenal and an excellent teacher.
This video series helped me to more deeply enter into Mass. Understanding the biblical and historical context brings me attention back to the altar, even when the kiddos are at their most distracting!
This supported by doctrine study illuminates a personal struggle and provides the necessary coping mechanisms to overcome adversity. Doctor Brant has an exquisite methodology of presenting the material in an informative manner that keeps you engaged in the discussion.
Love this subscription. Dr Pitre’s explanations are so understandable and helpful. Michael in customer service is always available and quickly answers any questions I might have.
I told him I do not know what I would do without all the knowledge I have gained from this program. Period. Dr. Grant Pitre is phenomenal and an excellent teacher.
This video series helped me to more deeply enter into Mass. Understanding the biblical and historical context brings me attention back to the altar, even when the kiddos are at their most distracting!
This supported by doctrine study illuminates a personal struggle and provides the necessary coping mechanisms to overcome adversity. Doctor Brant has an exquisite methodology of presenting the material in an informative manner that keeps you engaged in the discussion.
Love this subscription. Dr Pitre’s explanations are so understandable and helpful. Michael in customer service is always available and quickly answers any questions I might have.
