Tuesday of the 16th Week in Ordinary Time

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.

• First Reading (Cycle 1) - Exodus 14:21-15:1: Moses, upon God's command, stretches out his hand over the sea, causing it to divide and enables the Israelites to cross safely on dry ground. As they complete their passage, Moses leads the people in a song of praise to God for their deliverance and victory over their pursuing Egyptian oppressors.
• First Reading (Cycle 2) - Micah 7:14-15, 18-20: God leads His people like a shepherd, guiding them through desolate lands and performing miraculous acts to bring about their redemption.Micah emphasizes God's compassionate nature, forgiving sins, and casting them into the depths of the sea, showing His unwavering love and faithfulness towards His people despite their transgressions.
• Responsorial Psalm (Cycle 1) - Exodus 15: Let us sing praises to the Lord, recognizing His glorious acts. May we also acknowledge His faithfulness in leading us to the place of His presence, where we find refuge and experience His sanctifying work.
• Responsorial Psalm (Cycle 2) - Psalm 85: With hearts filled with repentance and hope, let us acknowledge God's favor and forgiveness, seeking His restoration and deliverance from any displeasure or anger. May we humbly ask the Lord to bestow upon us the gift of life, bringing joy to His people, and earnestly pray for His kindness and salvation to be poured out upon us.
• Gospel - Matthew 12:46-50: Jesus's biological family seeks to speak with Him, but He emphasizes the importance of spiritual family, stating that whoever does the will of His heavenly Father is His brother, sister, and mother. This passage highlights the significance of a deeper spiritual bond and obedience to God as the defining factor of belonging to Jesus's family.

In the readings for Tuesday of the 16th Week in Ordinary Time Year 2, Jesus asks "Who are my mother and brothers?"

We are all born into biological families, but we form "intentional families" or "chosen families" also. These are people we choose to develop deep bonds with. They can serve as and extension of our family. Or if our relationship with our natural family is not all we hope for, then these relationships can fill a void in our lives.

After Jesus asks "Who are my mother and brothers?", he tells us who his chosen family is. The people who doing God's will are the people whom Jesus invites into his intentional family.

Prayer for Tuesday of the 16th Week in Ordinary Time

Lord, help me to form deep relationships with others who seek to do your will. Let us help each other become closer to you through our bonds with each other. Thank you for the faith filled people you have given to me to assist me on my earthly journey. Amen.

Word On Fire: Putting God First

From Bishop Robert Barron for Tuesday of the 16th Week in Ordinary Time. Over and again, the Bible places the goods of the world into question—even something as good as family relationships.Why? Because family isn’t God. It is not that which you should serve with your whole heart; it doesn’t belong in the center of your life.

Did Jesus Have Brothers and Sisters?

In the gospel for Tuesday of the 16th Week in Ordinary Time, when Jesus asks "Who are my mother and brothers?" it raises the question of whether Jesus had siblings or not. This article looks deeper into this question.

USCCB Reflection: Following God

A reflection for Tuesday of the 16th Week in Ordinary Time. Sometimes God's flock gets a little out of control. We need to learn God's way. We are all called to be part of God's family. We need to to ask God to show us how to follow him.