Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time

Today the Church celebrates the Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time. The assigned readings are Deuteronomy 6:2-6, Hebrews 7:23-28, and Mark 12:28-34. The Responsorial Psalm is Psalm 18 (Psalm 18:2-4, 47, 51).

For one version of the Responsorial Psalm set to music, please visit:

YouTube: Responsorial Psalm - Psalm 18 I love the Lord my strength

The Gospel reading is as follows:

One of the scribes came to Jesus and asked him, "Which is the first of all the commandments?"

Jesus replied, "The first is this: 'Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is Lord alone! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.' The second is this: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these."

The scribe said to him, "Well said, teacher. You are right in saying, 'He is One and there is no other than he.' And 'to love him with all your heart, with all your understanding, with all your strength,
and to love your neighbor as yourself' is worth more than all burnt offerings and sacrifices."

And when Jesus saw that he answered with understanding, he said to him, "You are not far from the kingdom of God." And no one dared to ask him any more questions.

Reflections on these readings:

Oblates of St. Francis de Sales: Salesian Sunday Reflections: Thirty-First Sunday in Ordinary (November 4, 2018)

Oblates of St. Francis de Sales: Sundays Salesian: Thirty-First Sunday in Ordinary (November 4, 2018)

Community in Mission: The Whole Law, Standing on One Foot - A Homily for the 31st Sunday of the Year (3 NOV 18)

The Sacred Page: Loving God: The 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time (2 NOV 18)

The Sacred Page: The Greatest Commandments (The Mass Readings Explained) (29 OCT 18)

St. Paul Center: The Law of Love: Scott Hahn Reflects on the Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time

Word on Fire: Hear, O Israel (Cycle B * Ordinary Time * Week 31)

Spirituality of the Readings: With All Your Heart (Thirty-First Sunday of Ordinary Time B)

In Exile: Honoring Talent And Grace (Thirty-First Sunday of Ordinary Time B)

The Word Encountered: Saints (Thirty-First Sunday of Ordinary Time B)

Historical Cultural Context: Love, Hate, and Group Attachment (Thirty-First Sunday of Ordinary Time B)

Thoughts from the Early Church: Commentary by Francis de Sales (Thirty-First Sunday of Ordinary Time B)