Tuesday July 21, 2026
Daily Mass Readings for Tuesday of the 16th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
- First Reading – Micah 7:14-15, 18-20: God leads his people, showing miracles as in the past. He forgives sins, delights in mercy, and remains loyal to his promises to Jacob and Abraham.
- Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 85: Lord, you have forgiven and restored us before. Please show us mercy and love again, ending your anger and granting us salvation, so we may rejoice in you.
- Gospel – Matthew 12:46-50: While Jesus was speaking, his mother and brothers wanted to talk to him. He explained that those who do God’s will are his true family.
Upcoming dates: July 21, 2026, July 23, 2030, July 20, 2032
Whoever does the will of my heavenly Father is my brother, and sister, and mother.
Matthew 12:50
Themes for the Readings for Tuesday of the 16th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
The readings for Tuesday of the 16th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 highlight God’s guidance and mercy. They also focus on what it means to be part of Jesus’ family.
- God’s Guidance: God leads His people, as He did in the past. He shows His power through miracles.
- Forgiveness of Sins: God forgives our sins. He does not stay angry forever but delights in mercy.
- Faithfulness to Promises: God keeps His promises to Jacob and Abraham. He shows loyalty to His covenant with His people.
- True Family: Jesus teaches that His true family are those who do God’s will. This means anyone who follows God’s commandments is close to Jesus.
- Doing God’s Will: Being part of Jesus’ family requires doing God’s will. This involves living according to His teachings and commands.
- Mercy and Compassion: God delights in showing mercy. He is compassionate and wants us to be merciful too.
These themes remind us of God’s enduring love and mercy. They also challenge us to live according to His will and become part of His true family.
Thoughts for Tuesday of the 16th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
The readings for Tuesday of the 16th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 offer deep insights into God’s guidance, mercy, and what it means to be part of Jesus’ family. As we meditate on these readings, let us open our hearts to God’s message.
God’s Guidance
In Micah 7:14-15, God leads His people with care, just as a shepherd leads his flock. This shows us that God is always guiding us. He wants to show us the right path and help us in our journey.
God’s miracles remind us of His power and love. Just as He did great things for His people in the past, He continues to work in our lives today. We can trust that God is always with us, guiding and protecting us.
We should look for God’s guidance in our daily lives. By reading the Bible, praying, and listening to His voice, we can find the direction we need. Trusting in God’s guidance helps us walk the right path.
God’s Mercy
Micah 7:18-20 speaks about God’s mercy and forgiveness. God does not hold onto anger. He loves to show mercy and forgive our sins.
This is a comforting thought. No matter what mistakes we have made, God is always ready to forgive us. His mercy is endless, and He wants to bring us back to Him.
We should also show mercy to others. Just as God forgives us, we should forgive those who hurt us. By being merciful, we follow God’s example and spread His love.
True Family
In Matthew 12:46-50, Jesus explains who His true family is. He says that anyone who does God’s will is His brother, sister, and mother. This means that by following God’s commandments, we become part of Jesus’ family.
Doing God’s will means living according to His teachings. It involves loving God and loving our neighbors. When we live this way, we are close to Jesus.
Being part of Jesus’ family is a great blessing. It brings us closer to Him and to each other. We should strive to do God’s will every day to stay connected to Jesus and His family.
The readings for Tuesday of the 16th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 remind us of God’s guidance, mercy, and the importance of doing His will. These reflections help us understand how to live according to God’s teachings. By trusting in God, showing mercy, and doing His will, we become part of Jesus’ family.
Prayer
Dear Lord, thank you for your guidance and mercy. Help us to follow your will and show mercy to others. Make us true members of your family. Amen.
Homilies and Reflections for Tuesday of the 16th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
USCCB Reflection: Family in Faith
In the USCCB video reflection for Tuesday of the 16th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, Jesus redefines family as those who do the will of God. When told his mother and brothers are outside, Jesus responds that his true family consists of those who follow God’s word. This isn’t about debating Mary’s perpetual virginity but about recognizing our spiritual kinship. The reflection challenges us to examine how we treat others, especially those in need. As followers of Christ, we are called to love one another genuinely, embodying the energy of love that unites us as God’s family.
Word on Fire: True Family in Christ
In Bishop Robert Barron’s reflection for Tuesday of the 16th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, Jesus redefines the concept of family. When told his mother and brothers are outside, Jesus points to his disciples and declares that his true family consists of those who do the will of God. While family relationships are important, they must not be our ultimate focus. The reflection challenges us to consider if our family obligations ever compete with following God’s will. True kinship in Christ is found in aligning our lives with the Father’s will, above all else.
Questions and Answers for Tuesday of the 16th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
What date is Tuesday of the 16th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?
The next date is Tuesday July 21, 2026.
Cycle 1 is used in odd numbered years and Cycle 2 is used in even numbered years. The gospel is the same for both years. For odd numbered years see Tuesday of the 16th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1.
What are the Mass readings for Tuesday of the 16th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?
The Mass readings for Tuesday July 21, 2026 are:
First Reading – Micah 7:14-15, 18-20: God’s Unending Mercy
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 85: A Plea for Mercy
Gospel – Matthew 12:46-50: True Family
What does it mean that God leads His people like a shepherd?
God leads His people with care and love, like a shepherd guides his flock. This shows that God is always guiding us and helping us find the right path.
How does God show His power in Micah 7:14-15?
God shows His power by performing miracles, as He did in the past. This reminds us that God is still active in our lives, guiding and protecting us.
Why is God’s forgiveness important in Micah 7:18-20?
God’s forgiveness is important because it shows His endless mercy. No matter what mistakes we make, God is ready to forgive us and bring us back to Him.
How can we show mercy like God does?
We can show mercy by forgiving others who have hurt us. By being merciful, we follow God’s example and spread His love.
What does Jesus mean by “those who do God’s will are His family”?
Jesus means that anyone who follows God’s commandments is part of His true family. Doing God’s will makes us close to Jesus.
How can we do God’s will in our daily lives?
We can do God’s will by living according to His teachings. This involves loving God and loving our neighbors.
Why is being part of Jesus’ family important?
Being part of Jesus’ family is important because it brings us closer to Him and to each other. It is a great blessing to be connected to Jesus and His family.
What lessons can we learn from the readings on Tuesday of the 16th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?
We learn about God’s guidance, mercy, and the importance of doing His will. These lessons help us live according to God’s teachings.
How can we trust in God’s guidance?
We can trust in God’s guidance by reading the Bible, praying, and listening to His voice. Trusting in God helps us find the right path.
How do the readings for Tuesday of the 16th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 help us in our faith?
The readings help us understand God’s love and mercy. They also teach us how to live according to His will and become part of Jesus’ family.
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