Tuesday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time
Tuesday August 18, 2026
First Reading: Ezekiel 28:1-10
Responsorial Psalm: Deuteronomy 32
Gospel: Matthew 19:23-30
Key Theme: Trust beyond wealth
Focus: Humility
Summary: Pride and wealth cannot give lasting security. Jesus teaches that what seems impossible for us is possible with God.
Challenge: Do not rely on money, status, or your own strength alone. Trust God and be willing to let go of what blocks your faith.
Action Step: Give away or share something you value. Ask God to help you trust Him more.
Verse to Remember: “For God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26)
Trust When Wealth Fails
On Tuesday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time Year 2, we hear strong words about pride and power. We also hear about trust in God. These readings invite us to look at our lives with clear eyes. They ask simple questions. Who do we rely on? What do we think keeps us safe?
The message speaks to pride that grows when we feel in control. It also speaks to fear that comes when we feel weak. God shows that human strength does not last. Riches do not last. Positions do not last. But God stays near and guides those who listen.
On Tuesday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time Year 2, we see hope. We learn that God can do what we cannot do. He calls us to follow him with simple trust. When we let go of what holds us back, we find room for new life.
Daily Mass Readings for Tuesday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time Year 2
- 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.
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.
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.
Reflection 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.
Reflection Questions
- How can I recognize and address pride in my life?
- In what ways am I relying on my own strength instead of trusting in God?
- Are there material possessions or attachments that are keeping me from fully following God?
- How can I prioritize spiritual wealth over material wealth in my daily life?
Homilies and Commentaries for Tuesday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
- Depending Only on God (Order of Preachers)
- For God all things are possible (Pray as You Go)
- Our Real Worth (Jesuits)
- Enough Is a Spiritual Word (Catholic Women Reflect)
- When Money Becomes Too Important (The Word Among Us)
- More Homilies and Reflections for Tuesday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time Year 2
Depending Only on God
Sr. Barbara Schwarz asks us to look honestly at what we have and remember that none of it can earn us a place in God’s kingdom. Wealth, comfort, and generosity can become tied to self-interest if we are always asking what we will receive in return. She points instead to dependence on God’s mercy and a willingness to give without keeping score.
Tuesday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time becomes a call to humility. Sr. Schwarz sees deep faith and generosity in people who are poor, grieving, or far from home, and she invites us to learn from them. The Christian path is not about securing rewards, but about recognizing God in others and sharing what we have with love.
For God all things are possible
What changes when you remember that salvation is God’s gift, not something you can earn? Pray As You Go focuses on Matthew 19:23–30, where Jesus says that what seems impossible for us is possible for God. The prayer invites gratitude for God’s generosity and asks us to trust more deeply in what he gives.
Tuesday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time becomes a chance to examine how we think about success, status, and being first. The reflection points toward spiritual poverty, where we depend on God instead of our own efforts. It also asks whether we can accept that following Jesus may cost us something while still leading to far greater life with him.
Featured music: “Laetetur cor quaerentium” by the monks of Pluscarden Abbey
Our Real Worth
The challenge is to stop measuring our worth by what we own. David J. M. Herr, SJ, reflects on Matthew 19:23–30 and Jesus’ warning about wealth. Money and possessions can become dangerous when they take the place of people, creation, or our trust in God.
Herr reminds us that our real worth comes from being loved into existence by God and being able to love others. Letting go of possessions does not leave us empty. It can open us to the greater gifts God wants to give. Those who choose to follow Christ more freely often discover grace they could not have planned or bought.
Enough Is a Spiritual Word
Knowing when we have enough can bring real freedom. Julia looks to Matthew 19:23–30, where Jesus warns about the hold wealth can have on the heart, and to Ezekiel’s warning about pride and self-sufficiency. The question is not simply how much we own, but whether our possessions have begun to own us.
Julia encourages gratitude, generosity, and trust in God rather than endless pursuit of more. Enough does not mean rejecting comfort or ignoring real needs. It means recognizing when we have what we need and asking what we can share. With God’s help, fear can loosen its grip, and generosity can grow in its place.
When Money Becomes Too Important
What do you turn to when you need comfort, hope, or peace? The Word Among Us focuses on Matthew 19:23–30 and Jesus’ warning about wealth. Money can serve good purposes, but it becomes a problem when we expect it to heal wounds, solve every need, or give us the security that only God can give.
Tuesday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time invites us to examine what we trust most. Wealth can tempt us to forget gratitude, depend only on ourselves, or place possessions ahead of Christ. The reflection encourages us to thank God for what we have, let go of anything that has become an idol, and trust that God can do what seems impossible.
More Homilies and Reflections for Tuesday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time Year 2
Dwelling in Possibility (Order of Preachers: Sr. Mary Ellen Green)
Who Can Be Saved? (Dynamic Catholic: Matthew Kelly)
True Detachment and the Kingdom of God (Word on Fire: Bishop Robert Barron)
Resources
The Book of Ezekiel: Pride Brought Low
In Ezekiel, God speaks to a people living with loss and exile, reminding them that he alone rules history. On Tuesday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time Year 2, this passage shows how the prophet exposes human arrogance. Even powerful rulers cannot claim God’s place or control their own fate.
The fall of the prince of Tyre fits the wider message of the book. God judges pride and injustice, yet he also works toward renewal. Ezekiel teaches that true wisdom comes from knowing our limits and trusting God’s authority rather than building our own glory.
The Book of Deuteronomy: The God Who Judges And Rescues
Deuteronomy looks back at God’s care for Israel and urges the people to remain faithful as they enter a new land. On Tuesday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time Year 2, this song reminds listeners that God gives life, corrects sin, and protects his people from those who would destroy them.
The canticle fits the book’s strong focus on covenant loyalty. God’s judgment is not cruel. It calls people back to trust and obedience. In the end, God shows mercy so that his name is honored and his people can live in hope rather than fear.
The Gospel of Matthew: The Cost And Promise Of Following
Matthew tells how Jesus proclaims the kingdom of heaven and forms disciples who live by new values. On Tuesday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time Year 2, Jesus warns that wealth can trap the heart, making it hard to rely on God instead of our own security.
This passage fits Matthew’s strong theme of reversal. Those who seem first may end up last. Those who surrender everything for Jesus find deeper life. God’s power makes what looks impossible possible, and disciples are invited to trust that obedience brings a lasting reward.
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Treasures That Cannot Last
This image for Tuesday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time Year 2 invites us to look at what we hold onto and why. Jesus warns that riches can close our hearts, yet God offers something greater.
Use this artwork in bulletins, newsletters, and youth ministry to spark reflection on trust, letting go, and following Christ with open hands.
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Questions and Answers 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.
God’s Call to Humility and Trust
Tuesday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 highlights the importance of humility, reliance on God, and the danger of wealth. In Ezekiel, we hear about the pride of the prince of Tyre, who thought himself as wise as God. His arrogance led to his downfall. This reminds us that pride separates us from God and blinds us to our weaknesses. True humility means recognizing our dependence on God for everything.
In the Gospel, Jesus teaches how difficult it is for the rich to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. He compares it to a camel passing through the eye of a needle. The disciples are surprised by this, but Jesus reminds them that with God, all things are possible. This shows us that trust in God is more important than relying on material possessions or personal achievements.
These readings encourage us to examine what we value most. Are we putting our trust in wealth or our abilities, or are we seeking God’s guidance and grace? They challenge us to let go of pride and material attachments so that we can focus on what truly matters: a life rooted in faith and humility.
Your Turn
The readings for Tuesday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 ask us to reflect on how we live out humility and trust. Take time to think about areas in your life where pride or attachment to material things may be holding you back. Pray for the strength to let go and rely more fully on God.
We encourage you to read and reflect on these passages and share your thoughts in the comments. How do they challenge or inspire you? Have you experienced moments when humility and trust brought you closer to God? Your insights can help others in their faith journey.
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