Monday of the 32nd 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) - Wisdom 1:1-7: He who seeks the Lord sincerely will find Him; wisdom does not dwell with evil or foolishness, for the Spirit of the Lord knows all and fills the world.
• First Reading (Cycle 2) - Titus 1:1-9: Paul writes to Titus, left in Crete to appoint virtuous leaders for the church, emphasizing a life of goodness, self-control, and adherence to the truth.
• Responsorial Psalm (Cycle 1) - Psalm 139: The Lord is all-knowing, present in every moment and place, guiding and knowing us completely.
• Responsorial Psalm (Cycle 2) - Psalm 24: The Lord owns all, and only the pure can seek Him and receive His blessings.
• Gospel - Luke 17:1-6: Jesus warns about the severity of causing others to sin and emphasizes the necessity of vigilance. He instructs his disciples to rebuke sinners and offer forgiveness repeatedly, suggesting that even a small amount of faith can lead to remarkable outcomes.

If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you would say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and planted in the sea,' and it would obey you.

Luke 17:6

• Responsibility to Avoid Causing Others to Sin: The text starts by warning against leading others into sin. This theme highlights the importance of being mindful of one’s actions and their impact on the spiritual well-being of others.
• Necessity of Forgiveness: Jesus speaks about the requirement to forgive those who sin against us. This theme underscores the recurring need for forgiveness in human relationships and its significance in spiritual life.
• Consequences of Sin: There is a mention of severe consequences for those who cause others to stumble. It conveys the gravity of sin and the responsibility individuals have to not lead others astray.
• Faith’s Power: The apostles ask for increased faith, and Jesus describes faith's power, even as small as a mustard seed, to do the seemingly impossible. This suggests that faith is not necessarily about quantity but about the sincerity and quality of trust in God.
• Obedience and Duty: The passage implies that faith leads to obedience, as seen in the metaphor of the servant who does his duty without seeking extra praise. It teaches that fulfilling one's obligations is a fundamental aspect of faith practice.

Thoughts for Monday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time

In the gospel for Monday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time, Luke 17:1-6, Jesus emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and faith, two concepts He consistently brought to the forefront during His teachings. These ideas are central not only to Christian doctrine but also to a harmonious life within any community. Forgiveness is presented as an obligation, not a choice, and it's required even when offenses are repeated. This standard challenges us, highlighting a disparity between human inclination and divine expectation.

Reflecting on Jesus' words, one must consider if personal priorities align with His. In a society that often values individual success and self-reliance, the call to forgive unceasingly may seem countercultural. It provokes introspection about our values and whether they mirror those Jesus held dear. Are we driven by status and material success, or by the cultivation of relationships and a forgiving spirit?

Maintaining right relationships involves effort and humility, asking oneself if there's a consistent practice of mending ties and offering forgiveness to those who err against us. It's about assessing our actions in the context of Jesus' teachings. Are we quick to judge and slow to pardon, or do we seek reconciliation, striving to understand and forgive? This self-evaluation can reveal much about our commitment to living out the values of forgiveness.

Lastly, Jesus' reference to faith, even as small as a mustard seed, being enough to do the unimaginable, raises the question of one's faith journey. It’s about trust in something greater than ourselves and our circumstances. Walking in the realm of faith means making conscious choices that reflect trust in divine providence, even when it’s not the easiest path. Do we carry a faith that transforms daily life, or do we neglect its potential, thus hindering our ability to truly live in accordance with Jesus' teachings?

Prayer

Jesus, increase my faith! I put my trust in myself to often. Teach me to trust in you instead. Amen.

Word on Fire: Growth from Small Beginnings

In this reflection for Monday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time, Bishop Barron reflects on the Gospel's comparison of God's kingdom to a mustard seed, emphasizing the value of small beginnings in spiritual growth. He explains that God delights in our participation in cultivating these 'seeds' of goodness. This approach allows for gradual development and resilience, while also providing opportunities for personal trials and growth.

USCCB Reflection: Small Acts, Big Impact

This USCCB video reflection for Monday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time highlights the value of small things and their potential for significant impact, contrasting with the common belief that 'more is always better'. An example is a pizzeria that became famous for their sauce with just a bit of anchovy paste. This idea is further explored through the metaphor of the mustard seed, indicating that even the smallest acts of faith or kindness can lead to great things. The narrative challenges the idea of ignoring the 'small stuff', instead suggesting that attention to the minor aspects of life can lead to a greater experience of God's work and the building of His kingdom through everyday acts of mercy and kindness.

What date is Monday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time?

The next date is Monday November 11, 2024.

What are the Mass readings for Monday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

The Mass readings for Monday November 10, 2025 are:
First Reading (Cycle 1) - Wisdom 1:1-7: Seek Wisdom Sincerely
Responsorial Psalm (Cycle 1) - Psalm 139: God's Omnipresence
Gospel - Luke 17:1-6: Faith and Forgiveness

What are the Mass readings for Monday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

The Mass readings for Monday November 11, 2024 are:
First Reading (Cycle 2) - Titus 1:1-9: Paul's Charge to Titus
Responsorial Psalm (Cycle 2) - Psalm 24: God's Sovereignty and Holiness
Gospel - Luke 17:1-6: Faith and Forgiveness

What does Jesus teach in the gospel for Monday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time?

In Luke 17:1-6, Jesus teaches about the inevitability of temptations to sin, the importance of forgiveness, and the power of faith. He warns of the serious consequences for those who cause others to sin, emphasizes the need to forgive repeatedly, and explains that even faith as small as a mustard seed can accomplish the seemingly impossible.

Why does Jesus say it would be better to have a millstone hung around one's neck and be thrown into the sea in the gospel for Monday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time?

This strong metaphor in Luke 17:1-6 underscores the grave responsibility individuals have not to lead others into sin, particularly those who are vulnerable. It reflects the seriousness with which Jesus views causing others to stumble.

How many times does Jesus say we should forgive someone in the gospel for Monday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time?

In Luke 17:1-6, Jesus says that if a person sins against us seven times in a day, and seven times comes back to us saying 'I repent,' we should forgive them each time. This signifies the boundlessness of forgiveness.

What is the significance of the mustard seed in the gospel for Monday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time?

The mustard seed is used in Luke 17:1-6 to represent a very small amount of faith that has the potential to grow into something much larger and more powerful. It implies that even a small amount of genuine faith can lead to great outcomes.

How can these teachings from the gospel for Monday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time be applied to everyday life?

These teachings can be applied to everyday life by practicing forgiveness, being conscious of our actions and their effects on others, and trusting in the efficacy of faith to lead us through challenges and enable us to do what is right.

What does Jesus mean by saying "If he comes back to you seven times in a day... you must forgive him" in the gospel for Monday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time?

This teaching in Luke 17:1-6 stresses the need for continual forgiveness without limit, reflecting the infinite mercy God offers and expects us to emulate in our relationships with others.

What is the main message of the first reading for Monday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

The message of Wisdom 1:1-7 is that wisdom is available to those who seek God in sincerity and honesty. It emphasizes that true wisdom is incompatible with evil or deceitful intentions.

How does the Spirit of the Lord relate to wisdom in the first reading for Monday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

In Wisdom 1:1-7, the Spirit of the Lord is associated with wisdom, implying that wisdom is more than knowledge; it is a divine attribute that pervades the world and is omniscient.

How does the responsorial psalm for Monday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 describe God’s knowledge and presence?

Psalm 139 portrays God as omniscient and omnipresent, intimately involved in the details of our lives, knowing our thoughts, actions, and even our future.

What comfort can be drawn from the responsorial psalm for Monday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

Psalm 139 offers comfort in knowing that we are never alone or unobserved; God is always with us, guiding and knowing our innermost self.

What is the common thread between seeking wisdom and having faith according to these readings for Monday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

Both seeking wisdom and having faith require a sincere and open heart toward God, recognizing His omniscience and omnipresence.

How do these readings for Monday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 address the concept of sin and forgiveness?

They encourage believers to be aware of the impact of their actions, to avoid leading others into sin, and to practice forgiveness as a reflection of God's merciful nature.

What guidance is given to Titus in the first reading for Monday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

In Titus 1:1-9, Titus is instructed to appoint church leaders in Crete who are upright and self-controlled, holding firmly to the trustworthy message of the Gospel.

Why does Paul emphasize virtue in leaders in the first reading for Monday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

Titus 1:1-9 emphasizes virtue in leaders because leaders set examples for others and must be above reproach to effectively teach and defend the faith against false teachings.

What qualities does the responsorial psalm for Monday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 say are needed to stand in God’s holy place?

Psalm 24 says that clean hands, a pure heart, and honesty are required to seek and receive blessings from the Lord.

What does the the responsorial psalm for Monday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 suggest about God’s creation?

Psalm 24 declares that God is the creator and ruler of all the earth, emphasizing His sovereignty over the world.

How do these readings for Monday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 guide us in our interactions with others?

The readings encourage us to live with integrity, exercise self-control, and maintain purity of heart. They also call us to forgive others and act responsibly to avoid leading others into sin.

What role does faith play in these teachings for Monday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

Faith is presented as a foundational element that enables us to fulfill our roles responsibly, live virtuously, and believe in the possibility of change and miracles, regardless of the magnitude of our faith.