Tuesday of the 6th Week in Ordinary Time

• First Reading – James 1:12-18: Blessed is the one who endures temptation, for they will receive life’s crown from God, who tempts no one but gives every perfect gift and chose us for His own through truth.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 94: Blessed are those taught by the Lord, finding peace in trials. God’s steadfast support and comforting presence uplift and guide the honest and the just through life’s uncertainties.
• Gospel – Mark 8:14-21: Jesus cautioned his disciples against the influence of the Pharisees and Herod, but they mistakenly thought his warning concerned their lack of bread. Jesus, aware of their misunderstanding, challenged them to remember the miracles of the loaves, questioning their inability to perceive the deeper meaning beyond physical needs, urging them towards greater understanding and faith.

Watch out, guard against the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod.

Mark 8:15

On Tuesday of the 6th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, the readings invite reflection on God’s goodness and the call to trust Him. James speaks about trials, temptation, and God’s gifts, while Jesus challenges His disciples to understand His teachings and rely on Him fully.

• Blessings Through Trials: Trials in life test faith and lead to spiritual growth. God strengthens those who endure and promises eternal life to the faithful.
• Temptation and Sin: Temptation does not come from God but from human weakness. God calls us to resist and choose what is good.
• God’s Generous Gifts: Every good gift comes from God, who is unchanging and kind. He gives all we need to grow closer to Him.
• Jesus as the Bread: Jesus warns His disciples about misunderstanding His teaching. He reminds them to trust in Him as the source of spiritual nourishment.
• Trust in God’s Power: The disciples worry about bread, forgetting Jesus’ miracles. This shows the need to trust God, who provides for every need.
• Spiritual Understanding: Jesus calls the disciples to open their minds and understand His message. Faith grows when we seek understanding and listen to Him.

These themes remind us that God is faithful and provides for our spiritual needs. They challenge us to trust Him more, resist sin, and grow in faith.

Tuesday of the 6th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 invites us to reflect on God’s goodness, the challenges of faith, and the symbols Jesus uses to teach His followers. The readings call us to trust God in all circumstances and to grow in understanding of His ways. They remind us of His faithfulness and the importance of focusing on what truly matters in life.

God’s Goodness and Every Gift

The reading from James reminds us that every good gift comes from God. He is unchanging, and His kindness never fails. When life feels difficult, we can trust that God is always working for our good. The blessings we receive show His love and care.

God gives us what we need to grow closer to Him. Sometimes these gifts are easy to recognize, like family, friends, or daily needs being met. Other times, they come in unexpected ways, like challenges that help us grow stronger in faith. Everything good in our lives points back to God.

On Tuesday of the 6th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, we are reminded to be grateful for God’s gifts. Recognizing His goodness helps us trust Him more, even when life is hard. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever, always faithful and kind.

The Symbol of Leaven

In the Gospel, Jesus warns His disciples about the leaven of the Pharisees and Herod. Leaven is a small thing that affects the whole batch of dough. It can represent something good, but in this case, Jesus uses it to show how negative influences can spread. The Pharisees’ doubt and Herod’s worldly focus could pull people away from faith.

The disciples don’t fully understand what Jesus means because they are worried about physical bread. Jesus uses the symbol of leaven to teach them to focus on spiritual truth. Worry and doubt can grow in our hearts like leaven, leading us away from trust in God.

On Tuesday of the 6th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, this Gospel calls us to examine the influences in our lives. Are there doubts, fears, or distractions that keep us from trusting God? We need to turn to Jesus, who helps us understand and keeps our faith strong.

Faith Through Trials and Doubts

Both readings from Tuesday of the 6th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 show the importance of faith. James speaks about enduring trials and resisting temptation, while the Gospel shows the disciples struggling to trust Jesus. In both cases, we see how God helps us grow in faith even when we don’t fully understand.

Trials test our faith, but they also make it stronger. James reminds us that God is not the source of temptation. He is always good and gives us strength to overcome. When we face struggles, we can trust that God is guiding us and helping us choose what is right.

In the Gospel, the disciples worry about bread even after Jesus has provided for them. This shows how easy it is to doubt, even when God has been faithful. We are called to learn from their example and remember that God will always care for us. Faith grows when we trust God, even in times of doubt and struggle.

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The lessons from Tuesday of the 6th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 challenge us to see God’s blessings in every moment, resist the influences that lead us astray, and grow stronger through trials. By trusting in God and staying faithful, we can follow Him more closely each day.

Prayer

Lord, You are always good and kind. Help us to see the gifts You give us and trust You in every trial. Teach us to resist doubt and distractions. Open our hearts to grow in faith and understanding. Lead us closer to You each day. Amen.

Reflection Questions

• How can you recognize God’s gifts in your life this week?
• What doubts or distractions might be keeping you from fully trusting God?
• How does the symbol of leaven apply to your faith journey?
• What steps can you take to stay faithful during trials and temptations?

Word on Fire: Leaven for the World

Bishop Robert Barron reflects on the Gospel for Tuesday of the 6th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, emphasizing Jesus’ call for His disciples to be a transformative leaven in society. He connects this with the Second Vatican Council’s universal call to holiness, urging all baptized Christians to influence their secular fields with the holiness cultivated within the Church. Barron highlights the Church’s role in fostering a society rooted in love, generosity, and peace. He asserts that such transformation occurs gradually, through faithful individuals living out the Lord’s teachings, ultimately impacting the broader society.

What date is Tuesday of the 6th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

The next date is Tuesday February 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 6th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1.

What are the Mass readings for Tuesday of the 6th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

The Mass readings for Tuesday February 17, 2026 are:
First Reading  – James 1:12-18: Endurance through Temptation
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 94: Blessed by Divine Guidance
Gospel – Mark 8:14-21: Misunderstanding and Reminder

What does it mean to endure trials in the first reading for Tuesday of the 6th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

Enduring trials means staying faithful to God when life is hard. God strengthens us and promises eternal life if we remain faithful.

Why does James say temptation does not come from God?

Temptation comes from our own desires and choices, not from God. God wants us to turn away from sin and choose what is good.

What should I do if I face temptation?

Turn to God in prayer and ask for strength to resist. Avoid situations where you are more likely to give in to sin.

Why does James talk about God being unchanging?

God’s unchanging nature shows that His goodness is always the same. We can trust Him completely because He never fails.

How can I recognize good gifts from God?

Good gifts are anything that helps you grow in faith and love. They remind us of God’s care and His plan for our lives.

Why does Jesus warn about misunderstanding His teaching in the Gospel for Tuesday of the 6th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

Jesus wants His followers to understand His message and trust Him. He warns us not to focus on worldly things and miss His deeper meaning.

What can I learn from the disciples worrying about bread?

The disciples forgot that Jesus had already taken care of their needs. This reminds us to trust God instead of worrying about daily problems.

How does Jesus call us to open our minds?

Jesus asks us to seek understanding by paying attention to His words. Faith grows when we trust Him and try to learn more about His message.

How can I apply these readings to my life?

Stay faithful during challenges, trust God, and avoid sin. Look for God’s gifts in your life and keep learning about your faith.

What is the main message of these readings for Tuesday of the 6th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

God is always good and trustworthy. He wants us to trust Him, resist temptation, and grow in faith.