Fifth Sunday of Lent (Passiontide begins)
The Common Worship lectionary readings for Fifth Sunday of Lent (Passiontide begins) in Year B, the liturgical colour, and what changes in the order of service.
Year BLentpurple
The readings
- First reading
- Jeremiah 31:31-34
- Psalm
- Psalm 51:1-12 or Psalm 119:9-16
- Second reading
- Hebrews 5:5-10
- Gospel
- John 12:20-33
Citations follow the Revised Common Lectionary as used in the Church of England's Common Worship principal service lectionary. Verse numbering can differ very slightly between Bible translations.
The liturgical colour
Purple marks the two preparatory seasons, Advent and Lent: penitence, restraint, waiting. On this Sunday the colour is purple.
What changes in the service
The Gloria is omitted and a Tract replaces the Alleluia acclamation before the Gospel.
In SundayHQ this is the lent template shape. You set your order of service once; when the season turns, one click applies the seasonal change and leaves the rest of your parish's own wording alone.
Hymns that fit these readings
Suggestions matched to the readings above, each with the reason it was chosen:
- Opening — Forty days and forty nights The Lent hymn; states the season plainly
- Gradual — Now the green blade riseth 'Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies'
- Offertory — Praise to the holiest in the height Substantial enough to cover the preparation
- Communion — When I survey the wondrous cross Rockingham; the Lenten communion hymn
- Final — Take up thy cross, the Saviour said Sends them out under the season's demand
When it next falls
| Date | Liturgical year |
|---|---|
| 14 March 2027 | Year B |
| 7 April 2030 | Year B |
| 3 April 2033 | Year B |
| 30 March 2036 | Year B |
Year B comes round every three years. The date moves because the whole calendar hangs off Easter.
The same Sunday in the other years
Questions
What are the readings for Fifth Sunday of Lent (Passiontide begins) in Year B?
First reading Jeremiah 31:31-34; Psalm 51:1-12 or 119:9-16; second reading Hebrews 5:5-10; Gospel John 12:20-33.
What colour is worn on Fifth Sunday of Lent (Passiontide begins)?
Purple. Purple marks the two preparatory seasons, Advent and Lent: penitence, restraint, waiting.
Which season is Fifth Sunday of Lent (Passiontide begins) in?
Lent. Forty days of preparation for Easter. Purple, no Gloria, and a Tract in place of the Alleluia.