Tuesday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time

• First Reading – Revelation 3:1-6, 14-22: To Sardis: Though reputedly alive, they are spiritually dead and must repent. A few worthy will be acknowledged in heaven. To Laodicea: Criticized for lukewarm faith, urged to seek true spiritual richness.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 15: The righteous one acts justly, speaks truthfully, harms no one, honors God-fearers, avoids corruption, and will remain unshaken in his integrity.
• Gospel – Luke 19:1-10: Zacchaeus, a short, wealthy tax collector, climbed a sycamore tree to see Jesus in Jericho. Jesus called him down, declaring He would stay at his house, which delighted Zacchaeus but caused others to grumble. Responding, Zacchaeus vowed to give half his wealth to the poor and repay fourfold any extortion. Jesus proclaimed salvation upon Zacchaeus’ house, affirming His mission to save the lost.

Today salvation has come to this house because this man too is a descendant of Abraham. For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save what was lost.

Luke 19:9-10

On Tuesday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 2, the readings challenge believers to examine their faith and sincerity before God. They call for honesty, repentance, and renewed faith in following Jesus.

• Spiritual Wakefulness: Jesus speaks to those who seem alive in faith but are not. This calls for a true, active faith, where we live in response to God, not just appearances.
• Repentance and Renewal: Both readings invite us to recognize our faults and renew our relationship with God. God desires us to turn from sin and return with sincere hearts.
• Christ’s Search for Sinners: The story of Zacchaeus shows Jesus seeking out sinners. Jesus wants all people to come to Him, regardless of their past, and to find new life in Him.
• Spiritual Lukewarmness: God warns against a half-hearted faith. He calls for a faith that is either fully committed or risks losing the purpose of following Christ.
• Listening to God’s Call: In Revelation, we hear that Jesus stands at the door, knocking. He wants us to open our hearts and let Him enter, bringing life and guidance.
• Faith in Action: Zacchaeus shows his faith through action by giving back to those he wronged. True faith is more than words; it must be shown through loving deeds.
• The Gift of Salvation: Jesus declares that salvation has come to Zacchaeus’ home. Jesus offers the gift of salvation to all who seek Him and are willing to follow.

These readings for Tuesday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 2, invite us to deepen our faith and to act on it. We are reminded that God sees beyond appearances and calls each of us to sincere repentance and love.

On Tuesday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 2, the readings invite us to take an honest look at our faith, our actions, and our relationship with Christ. Through the call to wholehearted commitment, the story of Jesus reaching out to Zacchaeus, and the image of Jesus knocking at the door, we see God’s desire for a personal and living relationship with each of us. These reflections explore how we can draw closer to Christ and live our faith more fully.

Wholehearted Faith: Giving Ourselves Fully to Christ

In the readings for Tuesday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 2, we hear a clear call to embrace a fully committed faith. God warns against a half-hearted faith, one that is neither hot nor cold. This kind of lukewarm faith may look like belief from the outside, but lacks the depth and sincerity God desires from us. God asks us to be all in, to have a faith that lives in our actions, choices, and words.

God wants a deep, sincere relationship with us. This requires an active choice to place Him at the center of our lives. When we are not fully committed, we risk following Jesus in name only. If we are truly faithful, it will shape our entire lives. We are called to examine our hearts and let go of anything keeping us from following Christ fully.

This reading encourages us to trust and to step out of any lukewarm comfort. Growing in faith might involve challenges or sacrifices, but a life fully committed to Christ brings meaning and peace. Following Christ wholeheartedly is not just about rules or routine, but about a living faith that connects us more deeply to God and to one another. We are called to choose Christ with all we have, trusting that He is our greatest purpose.

Jesus Seeks Out the Lost

The Gospel story of Zacchaeus, in Tuesday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 2, shows how Jesus reaches out to those who are far from Him. Zacchaeus, a tax collector, was not someone many people expected Jesus to seek out. Yet Jesus sees him in a tree and calls him by name, showing that no one is beyond His love. Jesus wants every person, no matter their past, to know His love and forgiveness.

Jesus does not look down on Zacchaeus or judge him. Instead, He sees Zacchaeus’ desire to know Him, despite his past mistakes. This shows us that Jesus welcomes all who want to draw close to Him, and He calls us to do the same with others. Instead of judging or excluding others based on their history or appearance, we should share Christ’s love with everyone.

The story of Zacchaeus teaches us to look beyond someone’s past and to see them with the eyes of Christ. We never know what might bring someone closer to God, and judging others is not our role. Our role is to welcome, support, and trust that Christ can work in every heart. In our daily lives, we are called to reflect Christ’s openness and kindness, remembering that God desires all people to come to Him.

Opening the Door to Christ

Another theme in the readings for Tuesday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 2, is the call to open our hearts to Christ. In Revelation, Jesus speaks of standing at the door, knocking, and waiting for us to invite Him in. This is a reminder that God does not force Himself into our lives. He waits patiently for us to welcome Him, so He can bring us closer to Him and help us grow in faith.

Opening our hearts to Christ means inviting Him to be part of every area of our lives, not just on the surface. Like Zacchaeus, who opened his home to Jesus, we can invite Jesus into our lives by giving Him our worries, sins, and hopes. When we welcome Christ fully, He helps us see where we need to change and grow, supporting us in our journey of faith.

Letting Christ in requires honesty, humility, and a willingness to change. It means taking a close look at our lives and removing whatever keeps us from God. Jesus brings peace, purpose, and guidance to those who welcome Him. This call to open the door to Christ is a call to start or renew our relationship with Him, trusting that He is ready to walk with us at every step.

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The readings for Tuesday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 2, urge us to take Christ’s call seriously, with open hearts and an active faith. Christ’s love invites us, no matter our past, to grow in faith and commitment. May we answer this call, placing Him at the center of our lives and welcoming Him into every part of who we are.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, help us open our hearts to You with faith and trust. May we listen to Your call, letting go of anything that holds us back. Give us courage to follow You completely and to welcome others with the same love You show to us. Amen.

Reflection Questions

• Is there any area in my life where I am holding back from fully following Christ?
• How can I reach out to others who may feel distant from God, as Jesus did with Zacchaeus?
• What does it mean for me to open the door to Christ in my daily life?
• How can I show my faith through actions, not just words, as Zacchaeus did?

What date is Tuesday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

The next date is Tuesday November 17, 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 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1.

What are the Mass readings for Tuesday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

The Mass readings for Tuesday November 17, 2026 are:
First Reading – Revelation 3:1-6, 14-22: Messages to Sardis and Laodicea
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 15: Path of Righteousness
Gospel – Luke 19:1-10: Zacchaeus’ Transformation

What does it mean to be spiritually awake in these readings for Tuesday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

Spiritual wakefulness means being truly alive in faith, not just looking faithful on the outside. God calls us to a living, active faith that grows in our actions and choices, not just in appearances.

Why does God warn about being lukewarm in faith?

In the readings for Tuesday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 2, God warns that a half-hearted faith risks losing its purpose. Faith requires full commitment; otherwise, we may drift from the path God wants for us.

What is meant by Christ standing at the door and knocking?

Christ is always inviting us to open our hearts to Him. This means that God patiently waits for us to let Him into our lives, ready to guide and renew us if we accept Him.

Why does Jesus seek out sinners like Zacchaeus in the Gospel for Tuesday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

Jesus shows that He seeks everyone, even those who may feel far from God. His visit to Zacchaeus shows that no one is beyond the reach of His love, and He wants to bring all people into a close relationship with Him.

How can I apply the example of Zacchaeus to my life?

Zacchaeus shows his change of heart by giving back to those he wronged. We can follow his example by taking responsibility for our actions and working to make things right with others.

What does repentance mean in these readings for Tuesday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

Repentance in these readings means being honest about our sins and choosing to change. God wants us to come back to Him with sincere hearts, ready to live more faithfully.

How does faith in action appear in these readings?

Faith in action is seen in Zacchaeus, who doesn’t just say he believes but shows it through good works. We can live out our faith by helping others and repairing harm where we can.

Why does Jesus say salvation has come to Zacchaeus’ house?

Jesus says this to show that Zacchaeus has truly opened his heart to God and is saved through faith. When we turn to God sincerely, He offers us the gift of salvation and new life.

How do these readings for Tuesday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 encourage personal growth?

The readings for Tuesday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 2, encourage us to turn from sin and grow closer to God. They remind us to stay honest about our weaknesses and seek to become better followers of Jesus.