LiturgyTools.net: Hymns for the 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A (5 November 2023)

A selection of hymn and song suggestions, based on themes from the Roman Catholic lectionary for the thirty-first Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year A.

Most are free-to-use (ie public domain or copyright-free), so the words can be copied and sung to at least one tune with no concerns about copyright or performance licensing - sometimes in a limited setting. Many of these hymns are old / traditional - but where possible a variety of styles and genres are included.

A small selection of hymns that may still be copyright are also included, if these are particularly appropriate.

If All Saints Day (1 November) falls on a Sunday, then the 31st Sunday of Ordinary Time may be skipped and the calendar goes straight to the 32nd Sunday- eg in 2020.

31st Sunday of OT, Year C

30th Sunday of OT, Year A

32nd Sunday of OT, Year A

31st Sunday of OT, Year B

Readings

First: Malachi 1:14 - 2:8, 8-10 - The prophet convey's the Lord's warning about what will happen to leaders who cause people to stumble by their teaching. ... We have one Father - why then do we break faith with one another?

Psalm 130 - Keep my soul in peace before you, O God / O Lord my heart is not proud /Truly I have set my soul / O Israel, hope in the Lord.

Second: I Thessalonians 2:7-9, 13 - Paul reminisces about what is was like when he was preaching in Thessalonica, and how their whole lives were dedicated to the cause.

Gospel: Matthew 23:1-12 - listen to the Pharisees, but do not be like them - you have one father in heaven, and one Teacher, the Christ. Anyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and anyone who humbles himself will be exalted.

Themes

God's message for us. Eternal life. Humility. The responsibility placed on leaders - and the risk that they will not be faithful. Living in community, keeping faith with one another. Following Christ the ultimate Teacher - learning about him. Service - what it requires to be a servant.

Free-use artwork

See lectionary art for this Sunday for suggested pictures and art-works based on today's readings.

Free-use hymns

At that First Eucharist

Be Thou my Vision

Blest are the Pure in Heart

Forsake me not My God

How Shall I Sing that Majesty - Mason

In Christ there is no East or West

Jesu all Holy

Love the Lord Your God

O God Forsake Me Not

O Holy City Seen of John (copyright-free in the USA due to year of first publication)

Take my Life and Let it Be

Hymns which may still be copyright

Companions on the Journey- Landry

For the Healing of the Nations - Kaan

Give Thanks to God the Father - Quinn / ICEL

How Shall They Hear the Word of God - Perry

Humble Yourself - Hudson

Jesus Christ is Waiting - Bell

Lord Whose Love Through Humble Service - Bayley

My Soul is Longing for Your Peace (Psalm 130) - Deiss

O Lord all the World Belongs to You - Appleford

O Lord my Heart is not Proud - Rizza

Servant Song - Gillard

Servant Song - McGill

The Church of Christ in Every Age - Pratt-Green

The Summons - Bell

We are Your People - Wren

When People Learned of Jesus Christ - Keithahn