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Thursday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time

Thursday August 22, 2024

Daily Mass Readings for Thursday of the 20th 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) - Judges 11:29-39a: Jephthah makes a vow to the Lord, promising to offer as a sacrifice the first thing that comes out of his house if he is victorious in battle. Tragically, his only daughter is the first to greet him, leading to her untimely death as Jephthah fulfills his vow.
  • First Reading (Cycle 2) - Ezekiel 36:23-28: God declares His intention to vindicate the holiness of His name among the nations by restoring His people and cleansing them from their impurities. He promises to give them a new heart, infuse them with His Spirit, and enable them to walk in His ways, manifesting His glory to the world.
  • Responsorial Psalm (Cycle 1) - Psalm 40: Blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD and avoids idolatry and falsehood. With a willing heart, they come to do God's will, finding delight in obedience and proclaiming His justice without restraint.
  • Responsorial Psalm (Cycle 2) - Psalm 51: God promises to cleanse and forgive His people, pouring clean water to wash away their sins. They seek a renewed spirit, asking for the joy of salvation and expressing a willingness to teach others and offer a contrite heart as their true sacrifice.
  • Gospel - Matthew 22:1-14: Jesus tells a parable about a king who invites guests to his son's wedding feast, but they refuse to come. The king then invites others, both good and bad, to fill the banquet hall, emphasizing the importance of responding to God's invitation and being prepared for His kingdom.

Reflection for Thursday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time

In the gospel for Thursday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time, Jesus tells a parable about a wedding banquet. First nobody responds. Then one man who arrives is not respectful. Showing up to the feast is not enough.

This makes me consider if I am doing the bare minimum (or less) in my faith life. Am I just showing up at Mass? Am I evangelizing throughout the day? Do I remember to speak to and listen to God before making a decision? Or am I just going through the motions?

Prayer for Thursday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time

Father, help me remember what a privilege it is to be invited by you. Give me the courage to respond with my whole being. Amen.

Word On Fire: Many Are Called But Few Are Chosen

From Bishop Robert Barron for Thursday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time. In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells the parable that compares the kingdom of heaven to a king who gave a wedding feast for his son. The guests invited to the feast refuse to come. There are a number of sayings and parables of Christ that emphasize the difficulty in attaining the kingdom of heaven.

USCCB Reflection: Tasting Heaven

For Thursday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time. All were invited to the wedding feast. Why didn't they come? Our relationship with Jesus Christ should take priority in our lives. Just showing up is not enough.

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