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Daily Mass Readings for Tuesday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
Tuesday August 18, 2026
- First Reading – Ezekiel 28:1-10: God tells the prince of Tyre that, because of his pride and thinking himself a god, he will be brought down by foreigners and die a violent death.
- Responsorial Psalm – Deuteronomy 32: The Lord controls life and death, judges justly, and shows mercy to his people, ensuring their enemies do not boast wrongly.
- Gospel – Matthew 19:23-30: Jesus says it is hard for the rich to enter heaven. But with God, all things are possible. Those who follow Jesus will be greatly rewarded.
Again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for one who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.
Matthew 19:24
Themes for the Readings for Tuesday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
On Tuesday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, the readings remind us of God’s wisdom and our need for humility. Ezekiel warns against pride, while Jesus teaches about the challenge of entering the Kingdom of Heaven.
- Pride and downfall: Ezekiel speaks about the pride of the prince of Tyre. He reminds us that pride leads to downfall and destruction.
- Humility before God: Jesus tells His disciples that it is hard for the rich to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. This teaches us to be humble and trust in God, not in wealth.
- Trust in God: Jesus says that with God, all things are possible. This shows that we need to rely on God’s help, not our own abilities.
- Worldly wealth’s danger: Jesus warns that riches can be a barrier to entering heaven. We must focus on spiritual wealth, not material possessions.
- Self-sacrifice: Jesus tells His disciples that those who give up everything for His sake will receive much more. This encourages us to be willing to sacrifice for our faith.
- God’s rewards: Jesus promises that those who leave everything for Him will inherit eternal life. This assures us that God rewards those who are faithful.
These themes guide us to reflect on our attitudes towards pride, humility, and trust in God. They remind us that true richness comes from following Jesus and seeking the Kingdom of Heaven.
Thoughts for Tuesday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
On Tuesday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, we reflect on themes of pride, reliance on God, and the dangers of wealth. Ezekiel warns against pride, while Jesus teaches about the difficulty of entering the Kingdom of Heaven when we cling to material wealth. These readings challenge us to trust in God and seek spiritual richness.
Pride Leads to Downfall
On Tuesday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, Ezekiel speaks about the pride of the prince of Tyre. The prince thought he was as wise as God. He became proud and trusted in his own wisdom and wealth. God warns him that this pride will lead to his destruction. This is a reminder that pride can be dangerous.
We often fall into the same trap as the prince of Tyre. We might think we are self-sufficient and do not need God. We rely on our abilities and resources, forgetting that everything comes from God. Pride can make us blind to our own faults and weaknesses. It can separate us from God and from others.
Humility is the antidote to pride. We need to recognize that we are not the source of our own success. Everything good in our lives is a gift from God. When we stay humble, we remain open to God’s guidance and help. Humility keeps us connected to God and to those around us.
The readings for Tuesday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 remind us to examine our hearts for pride. Are we relying on ourselves or on God? Do we acknowledge that we need God’s help every day? By staying humble, we can avoid the pitfalls of pride and live more fully in God’s grace.
With God, All Things Are Possible
On Tuesday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, Jesus tells His disciples that it is hard for the rich to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. The disciples are surprised and wonder who can be saved. Jesus replies, “With God all things are possible.” This teaches us to rely on God’s help.
Sometimes we face challenges that seem impossible. We might feel overwhelmed by difficulties in our lives. In these moments, we are tempted to rely on our own strength and abilities. But Jesus reminds us that God’s power is greater than our own. We need to trust that God can help us overcome any obstacle.
Trusting in God means letting go of our need to control everything. It means acknowledging that we cannot do it all on our own. When we rely on God, we open ourselves to His grace and assistance. God’s help can come in unexpected ways and through unexpected people. By trusting in God, we allow Him to work in our lives.
The readings for Tuesday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 encourage us to have faith in God’s power. We are not alone in our struggles. God is with us, and with His help, we can face any challenge. Let us remember that with God, all things are possible.
Focus on Spiritual Wealth
On Tuesday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, Jesus warns His disciples that riches can be a barrier to entering heaven. He says it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. This teaches us to focus on spiritual wealth, not material possessions.
Material wealth can give us a false sense of security. We might think that having more money and possessions will make us happy and safe. But Jesus warns that wealth can distract us from what truly matters. Riches can make it hard to trust in God and to seek His Kingdom first.
Spiritual wealth is different from material wealth. It comes from having a close relationship with God. Spiritual wealth includes love, faith, hope, and peace. These are the treasures that last forever and bring true joy and fulfillment. When we focus on spiritual wealth, we prioritize our relationship with God and with others.
The readings for Tuesday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 invite us to reflect on what we value most. Are we chasing after material wealth, or are we seeking spiritual riches? Jesus calls us to store up treasures in heaven, where they cannot be lost or destroyed. By focusing on spiritual wealth, we can live more meaningful and fulfilling lives.
Let us ask God to help us keep our hearts set on Him. May we seek His Kingdom above all else and trust in His promise of eternal life.
The reflections for Tuesday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 remind us of the importance of humility, trust, and focusing on spiritual wealth. By examining our hearts and actions, we can align ourselves more closely with God’s will. Let us seek to grow in faith and reliance on God’s grace.
Prayer
Lord, help us to stay humble and trust in You. Teach us to seek spiritual wealth over material possessions. Guide our hearts to rely on Your strength in all things. Amen.
Homilies and Reflections for Tuesday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
Word on Fire: True Detachment and the Kingdom of God
In Bishop Robert Barron’s reflection for Tuesday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, he explains that the difficulty for the rich in entering heaven is not about wealth itself, but a mindset focused on filling the ego. Jesus teaches that those who give up worldly attachments for His sake will receive much more in return, including eternal life. Barron emphasizes that this isn’t about material gain, but about detaching from possessions. When we let go and stop trying to control the world, we can see things as God intended—beautiful in themselves, not objects to manipulate or possess.
USCCB Reflection: Learning to Love God First
In a USCCB video reflection for Tuesday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, the speaker reflects on Jesus’ teaching that it is harder for a rich person to enter heaven than for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle. This challenges the apostles’ belief that wealth signifies God’s favor. Jesus emphasizes humility, urging us to let go of worldly attachments and love God first. By loving God, we learn to love others more deeply and selflessly. True love, guided by God, opens our hearts to serve others with kindness and generosity.
Dynamic Catholic: How to Enter the Eye of a Needle
In his reflection for Tuesday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, Matthew Kelly focuses on Jesus’ teaching that it is hard for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Kelly reflects on the “hundredfold return” Jesus promises, emphasizing that to enter the Kingdom, we must humble ourselves, pray, and let go of the “baggage” we carry. The disciples’ response—”Who can be saved?”—reveals that everyone has some form of wealth, not just material riches, that could hinder their journey. Kelly encourages us to reflect on what we need to release to follow Jesus more fully.
Order of Preachers: Dwelling in Possibility
In Sr. Mary Ellen Green’s reflection for Tuesday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, she shares that following Jesus is an “all or nothing” decision, much like her own experience in religious life. She reflects on how God makes all things possible, even the difficult task of letting go of material possessions to enter the Kingdom. Through faith and trust in God’s goodness, we are given countless opportunities for growth, service, and community. Letting go of the world’s attachments leads to a life filled with God’s abundant grace and endless possibilities.
Word On Fire: Relying on God’s Possibilities
In this Gospel reflection for Tuesday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time, Bishop Robert Barron discusses Jesus’ teaching that it’s hard for the rich to enter the Kingdom of heaven, emphasizing that with God, all things are possible. Barron reminds us that when we fail in our spiritual journey, we must become beggars, relying on God rather than ourselves. He shares Thérèse of Lisieux’s imagery of being a helpless child, needing to be carried by the heavenly Father. This reflection conveys the message that human efforts alone are not enough, but with God’s grace, even the making of saints becomes possible.
USCCB Reflection: What’s in Your Wallet?
This reflection for Tuesday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time focuses on what truly drives our lives, drawing an analogy to the contents of our wallets. It starts with the observation that one in ten verses in the gospel is about the just use of money. While people may not be addicted to money itself, they might be addicted to what money can buy, like popularity or athleticism. Jesus asks us to consider what’s at the heart of our desires. The message emphasizes that with love of God and neighbor at the center of our lives, all things are possible.
Questions and Answers for Tuesday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
What date is Tuesday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?
The next date is Tuesday August 18, 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 20th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1.
What are the Mass readings for Tuesday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?
The Mass readings for Tuesday August 18, 2026 are:
First Reading – Ezekiel 28:1-10: Prophecy against the King of Tyre
Responsorial Psalm – Deuteronomy 32: The Song of Moses
Gospel – Matthew 19:23-30: The Challenge of Wealth
FAQ for Tuesday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
What is the main message in the first reading for Tuesday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?
The main message is a warning against pride. God tells the prince of Tyre that his pride will lead to his downfall.
What can we learn from Ezekiel 28:1-10 about pride?
We learn that pride leads to destruction. God wants us to be humble and recognize our need for Him.
What does Ezekiel 28:1-10 teach us about humility?
It teaches us that humility is important to God. We should avoid being proud and remember our dependence on Him.
How can we avoid the trap of pride as warned in Ezekiel 28:1-10?
We can stay humble by remembering that everything comes from God. We should always be thankful and not boastful.
Why does Jesus say it is hard for the rich to enter the Kingdom of Heaven in the Gospel for Tuesday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?
Jesus says this to show that relying on wealth can make it hard to trust in God. Riches can become a barrier to faith.
What does Jesus mean when He says, “With God all things are possible”?
Jesus means that we should trust in God’s power. Even difficult things can happen with God’s help.
How should we understand the idea of giving up everything for Jesus in Matthew 19:29?
Jesus asks us to be willing to sacrifice for our faith. He promises that those who do will receive greater rewards.
How can we apply the teachings of Matthew 19:23-30 in our lives?
We can focus on trusting God and not on wealth. We should be ready to give up things for our faith.
Why does Jesus promise rewards to those who leave everything for Him in Matthew 19:29?
Jesus wants to encourage us to put Him first. He assures us that sacrifices made for Him will be rewarded.
What does Tuesday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 teach us about true riches?
It teaches us that true riches are spiritual, not material. Following Jesus and seeking His Kingdom is the greatest wealth.
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