Tuesday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time (July 28, 2026)

• First Reading – Jeremiah 14:17-22: The people cry out to God for help, acknowledging their sins, seeking healing and mercy, and affirming that only God can provide what they need.
• Responsorial Psalm– Psalm 79: God, in your mercy, do not remember our past sins. Help us, forgive us, and save us. Hear the cries of prisoners and free those condemned to die.
• Gospel – Matthew 13:36-43: Jesus explains that the good seeds are the children of God, and the weeds are the children of the evil one. At the end of the age, angels will separate the evildoers from the righteous.

He who sows good seed is the Son of Man, the field is the world, the good seed the children of the kingdom.

Matthew 13:37

On Tuesday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, the readings focus on the themes of repentance, mercy, and final judgment. These themes remind us of our need for God’s help and the ultimate separation of good and evil.

• Cry for Mercy: The people acknowledge their sins and cry out to God for mercy. They know only God can heal and save them.
• Recognition of Sin: The people admit their wrongdoing. They seek forgiveness and understand their need for God’s help.
• God’s Healing Power: The people believe only God can heal their land and hearts. They trust in His power to make things right.
• Separation of Good and Evil: Jesus explains that at the end of the age, angels will separate the good from the bad. This teaches about final judgment.
• Children of God: The good seeds represent the children of God. These are the people who follow God’s ways.
• Children of Evil: The weeds represent the children of the evil one. These are the people who do not follow God.
• Final Judgment: At the end of the age, the righteous and evildoers will be separated. This shows that God will judge everyone.

These themes for Tuesday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 remind us of our need for repentance and God’s mercy. They also teach us about the final judgment and the importance of following God’s ways.

The readings for Tuesday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 focus on our relationship with God, our need for His mercy, and the final judgment. These themes invite us to reflect on our lives and our faith. By understanding these readings, we can grow closer to God and live more faithfully.

Cry for Mercy

In the first reading from Jeremiah, the people cry out to God for mercy. They know they have sinned and need God’s help. They acknowledge their faults and seek God’s forgiveness and healing.

This passage teaches us the importance of admitting our sins. We must recognize our need for God’s mercy and ask Him for help. Only by doing this can we hope to be healed and restored.

God’s mercy is always available to us. He is ready to forgive and heal us if we turn to Him. We must be honest with ourselves and with God, seeking His mercy with sincere hearts.

Trust in God’s Healing Power

The people in Jeremiah’s time believed that only God could heal them. They cried out to Him in their distress, knowing that no one else could save them. This shows their trust in God’s power to heal and restore.

We, too, must trust in God’s healing power. When we face difficulties and challenges, we should turn to God for help. He is always ready to listen and help us in our time of need.

Our faith in God should be strong and unwavering. By trusting in Him, we can find peace and healing. God is our true source of strength and comfort.

Separation of Good and Evil

In the Gospel reading from Matthew, Jesus explains the parable of the weeds. The good seeds are the children of God, and the weeds are the children of the evil one. At the end of the age, angels will separate the good from the bad.

This parable reminds us that there will be a final judgment. God will separate the righteous from the evildoers. We must strive to be among the good seeds by following God’s teachings.

This also means we must be patient and trust in God’s timing. He will judge fairly and justly. Our focus should be on living according to His will and not worrying about the final outcome.

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The readings for Tuesday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 remind us of our need for God’s mercy and our trust in His power. They also teach us about the final judgment and the importance of living according to God’s will. By reflecting on these themes, we can grow in faith and strengthen our relationship with God.

Prayer

Dear God, please help us to recognize our sins and seek Your mercy. Strengthen our faith in Your healing power. Guide us to live according to Your will, and prepare us for the final judgment. Amen.

USCCB Reflection: Nourishing the Wheat Within

In this USCCB reflection for Tuesday of the 17th week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, the parable of the wheat and the weeds from Matthew’s Gospel is explored. The reflection emphasizes the importance of nurturing the good wheat within ourselves and others while being aware of the weeds that also exist. Just as the landowner in the parable advises not to uproot the weeds immediately, we are encouraged to reflect on our actions and choices, making an effort to nourish the good within us and extend that nourishment to others, even in challenging situations.

What date is Tuesday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

The next date is Tuesday July 28, 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 17th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1.

What are the Mass readings for Tuesday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

The Mass readings for Tuesday July 28, 2026 are:
First Reading – Jeremiah 14:17-22: A Lament for the Daughter
Responsorial Psalm– Psalm 79: A Prayer for Deliverance
Gospel – Matthew 13:36-43: The Parable of the Weeds Explained

Why do the people cry out to God for help in the first reading for Tuesday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

The people cry out to God because they know they have sinned. They believe only God can heal them and forgive their sins.

What does Jeremiah 14:17-22 teach us about sin and repentance?

Jeremiah 14:17-22 teaches us to admit our sins and ask God for forgiveness. It shows that recognizing our faults is the first step to healing.

How can we apply the message of Jeremiah 14:17-22 to our lives?

We can apply this message by regularly examining our conscience. We should confess our sins and ask God for mercy.

Why is it important to trust in God’s healing power as shown in Jeremiah 14:17-22?

It is important because only God can truly heal and restore us. We must have faith in His power to help us in our struggles.

How can we show trust in God during difficult times?

We can show trust by praying and asking for His help. We should believe that He is always with us and ready to support us.

What is the main point of the parable of the weeds in the Gospel for Tuesday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

The main point is that at the end of the age, God will separate the good from the bad. The good seeds are the children of God, and the weeds are the children of the evil one.

How can we be like the good seeds in the parable?

We can be like the good seeds by following God’s teachings and living righteous lives. We should strive to do good and avoid evil.

What does the separation of good and evil at the end of the age mean for us?

It means that there will be a final judgment. God will reward the righteous and punish the evildoers.

What lesson can we learn from the final judgment mentioned in Matthew 13:36-43?

The lesson is to live our lives according to God’s will. We should always aim to be among the righteous, following God’s path.

How do the readings for Tuesday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 help us in our faith journey?

They remind us to seek God’s mercy, live righteously, and trust in His healing power. These readings guide us to deepen our relationship with God and prepare for the final judgment.