Saturday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time

• First Reading – 1 Timothy 1:15-17: I was a sinner yet treated mercifully to serve as an example. Christ Jesus came to save sinners for everlasting life. Glory to the eternal, unseen God. Amen.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 113: Servants of the LORD, praise His name eternally. His name is exalted above all, and He lifts the poor from their lowly state.
• Gospel – Luke 6:43-49: Good and bad trees are known by their fruits, just like people are known by their actions. Listening to my words isn’t enough; act on them to build a strong foundation.

That one is like a man building a house, who dug deeply and laid the foundation on rock; when the flood came, the river burst against that house but could not shake it because it had been well built.

Luke 6:48

On Saturday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 1, the readings call us to focus on humility, building our lives on Jesus, and the importance of true conversion. These themes challenge us to examine our actions and hearts, living with God as the foundation of all we do.

• Christ’s Saving Mercy: Paul emphasizes that Christ came to save sinners. His mercy is open to all, showing that no one is beyond God’s reach and forgiveness.
• Foundation in Christ: Jesus speaks about building on a solid foundation. Living by His words gives our lives strength and security, even during hard times.
• Honesty with Ourselves: Jesus warns that good and bad fruit come from what is inside a person’s heart. We are called to look at our actions honestly and make changes where needed.
• True Repentance: Paul’s words remind us that he, though a sinner, was saved by Christ. This teaches us to turn away from sin sincerely and live a new life in God.
• Humility in Faith: Paul’s conversion reminds us that God works even through sinners and the weak. We should approach God humbly, acknowledging our need for Him.
• Acting on Jesus’ Words: Jesus says only those who put His words into action are like a house on solid rock. Following His teachings brings lasting strength and peace.

Reflecting on these themes for Saturday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, we see the importance of both faith and action. The readings remind us that our foundation in Christ shapes who we are and how we live.

On Saturday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 1, the readings focus on conversion, faith in action, and living with a heart aligned with God’s love. Paul’s story of transformation and Jesus’ words on building a strong foundation remind us that true faith requires humility and action. These reflections invite us to look inward, trusting that God’s strength is at work within us as we strive to follow Jesus.

God Works Through the Weak and Sinners

On Saturday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 1, Paul’s message shows us how God works through those who feel weak or unworthy. Paul openly shares his past mistakes, showing that God didn’t reject him because of them. Instead, God brought Paul to faith, using him to spread the Good News. This reminds us that God doesn’t only call those who seem perfect or strong; He also calls those who are still learning and growing.

We are all in the process of conversion. This means that we and others are constantly changing and turning closer to God. Sometimes we look at others and think they’re unworthy or too sinful, but Paul’s example challenges us to look deeper. Each person has their own journey of conversion, and God is working within each one, no matter where they are now.

When we see someone who struggles, it is not for us to judge them. Our role is to support and encourage one another, no matter what past mistakes we might have made. Welcoming others with kindness and understanding allows them to encounter God’s love. Paul’s story shows us that God can use anyone who is willing to open their heart.

Putting Faith into Action Brings Strength

On Saturday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 1, Jesus speaks of building a strong foundation by living out His teachings. He says that hearing His words without acting on them is like building a house on sand, which will collapse under pressure. This shows us that listening to Jesus isn’t enough; we need to apply His teachings to our lives for them to hold meaning. Following His teachings builds strength and peace that last.

When we act on Jesus’ words, we begin to see how His guidance changes us and gives us stability. Doing good, being honest, and treating others with respect are simple ways of putting Jesus’ words into action. Over time, these habits form a foundation that helps us face challenges with courage, knowing we are rooted in God’s love.

In our daily lives, building a strong foundation might look like being honest, helping a friend, or forgiving someone who hurt us. These actions don’t always feel easy, but they strengthen our faith and build a foundation we can rely on. With Jesus as our foundation, we are better prepared for life’s struggles and can face them with confidence.

Faith Begins in the Heart

On Saturday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 1, both Paul and Jesus remind us that true faith starts within our hearts. Paul shares how his conversion began with a change in his heart, accepting Jesus’ mercy and love. Jesus, on the other hand, speaks about trees bearing fruit, showing that good actions come from a good heart. Together, these messages tell us that our faith must start on the inside, where God’s love can grow.

Having a heart in line with God changes how we treat others and how we live. If we fill our hearts with love, patience, and kindness, then our actions will naturally reflect those values. But if we allow anger, pride, or selfishness to remain, then our actions will show those as well. Paul and Jesus both show us that having a faithful heart is the first step to living a life that honors God.

Our hearts, then, become a foundation for everything we do. We don’t just act kindly or humbly because it’s the right thing, but because it flows from a heart that loves God. When we let God work within us, He shapes our hearts and helps us bear good fruit, allowing us to live in ways that are pleasing to Him and helpful to others.

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The readings for Saturday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 1, call us to build our lives on a foundation of faith and love. Whether we are just beginning our journey or have been following Christ for many years, these messages encourage us to live with purpose, letting our hearts and actions reflect God’s mercy and truth.

Prayer

Lord, help us grow in faith and love. Teach us to build our lives on Your words and to welcome others with kindness. Give us strength to live out Your teachings, and fill our hearts with love so that we may bear good fruit. Amen.

Reflection Questions

• Where have I seen God work through my own weaknesses or those of others?
• What are some actions I can take to put Jesus’ teachings into practice each day?
• How can I make my heart more open to God’s love and guidance?
• What areas of my life need a stronger foundation in faith?

Word on Fire: Building on a Strong Foundation

In his reflection for Saturday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 1, Bishop Robert Barron explains that a life grounded in God is unshakeable, like a house with a solid foundation on rock. Jesus teaches that those who listen to His words and act on them can withstand any trial. However, a life built on wealth, power, or fame has no true foundation and will collapse when hardship comes. Bishop Barron challenges us to examine our lives by asking: Are we truly rooted in God, or are we building on a weak foundation that cannot last?

USCCB Reflection: Rooted in Faith, Bearing Good Fruit

In the USCCB video reflection for Saturday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 1, Fr. Nicholas Vaskov explains Jesus’ images of a tree and a house. A strong foundation in faith, like good roots for a tree or solid materials for a house, keeps us grounded when challenges arise. He reminds us that while faith is our foundation, we must also nourish our hearts and minds with God’s word and good influences. This daily effort to focus on God shapes us to bear good fruit and become strong dwelling places for God’s love.

What date is Saturday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

The next date is Saturday September 13, 2025.

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 even numbered years see Saturday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2.

What are the Mass readings for Saturday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

The Mass readings for Saturday September 13, 2025 are:
First Reading – 1 Timothy 1:15-17: Paul’s Testimony
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 113: Praise the Lord
Gospel – Luke 6:43-49: Lessons on Integrity

What does Paul mean when he says Jesus came to save sinners in the first reading for Saturday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

Paul shares his own story as a sinner who was saved by Christ. He shows us that no one is beyond God’s forgiveness and that Jesus’ love is for everyone, no matter their past.

How does the story of Paul’s conversion relate to me?

Paul’s conversion is a reminder that anyone can change with God’s help. Even if we have made mistakes, God is ready to help us turn back to Him and start a new life.

What is the importance of humility in Paul’s message?

Paul speaks humbly about his own sins to show that all of us need God’s help. This calls us to approach God with humility, recognizing our need for His mercy.

Why does Jesus talk about good and bad trees in the Gospel for Saturday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

Jesus uses trees as symbols of our inner lives. A good heart leads to good actions, and we are called to nurture our hearts with faith and love so that our actions reflect God.

How can I build my life on a strong foundation?

Building a strong foundation means listening to Jesus and following His teachings. When we put His words into action, we create a stable life that can withstand challenges.

What does it mean to act on Jesus’ words?

Acting on Jesus’ words means living out His teachings in our choices and actions. It’s not enough to listen; we need to show our faith through what we do.

How can I examine my own heart?

Jesus teaches that our actions reveal what is in our hearts. We can look at our choices, attitudes, and how we treat others to see if our hearts are in line with His love.

How does following Jesus’ teachings give me strength?

Following Jesus’ teachings builds us up, like a house on rock. When challenges come, our faith keeps us steady because it’s rooted in Him.

What does it mean to bear good fruit in the Gospel for Saturday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

Bearing good fruit means letting our faith show in our actions. When we live as Jesus teaches, our actions naturally reflect love, kindness, and truth.