Tuesday of the 7th Week of Easter

Tuesday June 3, 2025

Daily Mass Readings for Tuesday of the 7th Week of Easter

First Reading – Acts 20:17-27: Paul reminds the elders how he served among them and prepares to leave, knowing hardships await. He testifies that he has fulfilled his ministry of preaching the Gospel.
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 68: God provides abundantly for his people, restoring them when they are weak. He carries our burdens, brings us salvation, and rules over life and death, deserving endless praise.
Gospel – John 17:1-11a: Jesus prays to the Father to glorify him as he completes his mission. He asks for protection for his disciples, who now know and believe in the Father’s words and mission through him.

Upcoming dates: June 3, 2025, May 19, 2026, May 11, 2027, May 30, 2028, May 15, 2029, June 4, 2030, May 27, 2031, May 11, 2032

I pray for them. I do not pray for the world but for the ones you have given me, because they are yours, and everything of mine is yours and everything of yours is mine, and I have been glorified in them.
John 17:9-10

Themes for the Readings for Tuesday of the 7th Week of Easter

On Tuesday of the 7th Week of Easter, the readings reflect on Paul’s farewell and Jesus’ prayer for his followers. Both passages highlight themes of mission, faith, and unity, showing the path and strength God provides.

Faithful Completion of Mission: Paul reminds the elders that he has carried out his work without holding back. Jesus, too, speaks of completing the mission God gave him, encouraging us to follow our own calling with faithfulness.
Obedience to God’s Will: Paul accepts God’s guidance, even into hardship, trusting in God’s purpose. Jesus’ prayer shows his dedication to God’s will, inviting us to embrace obedience as an act of love.
Love for God’s People: Both Paul and Jesus focus on caring for those God has entrusted to them. We are called to show the same love and concern for each other as members of God’s family.

Unity Among Believers: Jesus prays for his followers, emphasizing the importance of togetherness. Paul’s farewell also reflects his desire for the community to remain united in faith.
Eternal Life as Knowledge of God: Jesus describes eternal life as knowing the one true God. This teaches us that our life with God begins now, as we grow in understanding and love for Him.
Sacrifice and Self-Giving: Paul is ready to face suffering for the sake of the Gospel, following Christ’s example of sacrifice. We are encouraged to give of ourselves for the good of others, trusting that God is with us.

The themes for Tuesday of the 7th Week of Easter remind us of the purpose God gives us and the strength He provides to fulfill it. They call us to live with faith, unity, and love, as we follow Jesus and build up His people.

Reflection for Tuesday of the 7th Week of Easter

On Tuesday of the 7th Week of Easter, the readings highlight key themes of faith and community in the lives of Jesus and Paul. Jesus prays for his disciples to remain united, while Paul encourages the elders to stay committed and to care for those entrusted to them. These themes invite us to reflect on our own mission, our care for others, and the unity we build with our fellow believers. Through their examples, we see the strength and love that come from a faithful life rooted in God’s guidance.

Enduring for the Gospel

On Tuesday of the 7th Week of Easter, Paul shows his willingness to face suffering for the sake of sharing the Gospel. His commitment shows us that faithfulness sometimes involves difficulty and sacrifice. Paul is not worried about himself; he knows that God will help him through whatever comes. His courage and trust in God’s plan are powerful examples for us to consider.

We might not face the same challenges as Paul, but we can all meet times when faith requires strength and sacrifice. Just as Paul relied on God’s presence, we too can lean on God when times get hard. Paul reminds us that the difficulties we face in our faith journey have meaning when we remember God is always with us, giving us the strength we need.

Paul’s example encourages us to give ourselves in service and love for others. Whether it is in simple acts of kindness or in the strength to face bigger challenges, we can remember that God supports our efforts to live faithfully. By trusting in God and following Paul’s example, we can carry out the work God has for us, even when it is not easy.

Love and Care for Others

In the readings for Tuesday of the 7th Week of Easter, both Jesus and Paul focus on caring for the people God has given them. Jesus prays for his disciples, and Paul reminds the elders of Ephesus of his constant care and teaching. Each one cared deeply about the people God had entrusted to them, showing a love that is not self-centered but self-giving.

This message of love is one we can all apply. God has given each of us people to care for, whether in our families, friendships, or communities. Following Jesus’ and Paul’s examples, we are called to act with genuine concern and love for others, giving time and effort for their good. This love builds up God’s family and strengthens the unity of our faith community.

We often need God’s help to love others in a way that goes beyond our own wants or interests. Jesus and Paul both remind us that real love involves service, patience, and kindness, even when it is not easy. As we grow in love, we also grow closer to God, who is the source of all love and who helps us in our efforts to care for one another.

Unity in Faith

The readings for Tuesday of the 7th Week of Easter emphasize the importance of unity among believers. Jesus prays for his followers to remain together in faith and love, while Paul, in his farewell, encourages the community to stay united in purpose and mission. This call for unity helps us understand the strength that comes when we are one in faith.

Jesus knows that his followers will face challenges, and he wants them to find support in each other. When we are united, we are stronger, helping one another through the trials and joys of life. Paul, too, is concerned that the community he has served will continue to stay together, encouraging each other to stay true to the Gospel. This unity in faith builds up the Church and helps us to live out God’s love in the world.

Unity also requires effort, forgiveness, and respect. By putting aside differences and focusing on God’s will, we create a space where faith can grow. Jesus and Paul teach us that when we are united, God’s love can work in our hearts and communities, helping us to serve others and grow closer to Him together.

The themes of Tuesday of the 7th Week of Easter show us the impact of a life lived with faith, love, and unity. Jesus and Paul’s examples encourage us to care deeply for one another and remain strong in our mission as God’s people. As we reflect on their lives, we can ask for God’s help to live faithfully, support each other, and grow together in His love.

Prayer

Lord, thank you for the examples of Jesus and Paul. Help us to stay strong in faith, care for one another, and seek unity as your followers. Guide us as we try to live with love and courage each day. May we grow together as your family. Amen.

Reflection Questions

How can I stay faithful to the work God has given me, even when it is difficult?
Who are the people God has placed in my life to love and care for?

What are some ways I can help build unity within my faith community?
How can I trust God more when I face challenges in my faith journey?

Homilies and Reflections for Tuesday of the 7th Week of Easter

Word on Fire: Heaven Meets Earth in Christ

In his reflection for Tuesday of the 7th Week of Easter, Bishop Robert Barron highlights Jesus’ mission as a bridge between heaven and earth. Jesus brings God’s presence to humanity by healing, forgiving, and drawing people together. His Passion and death carry God’s light into the darkest parts of human suffering.

Through his Resurrection, Jesus shows that God’s love is stronger than hatred, violence, and death, proving that God’s kingdom can overcome earthly kingdoms driven by fear and cruelty. Bishop Barron reminds us that, through Christ, God’s love has already begun to transform the world.

USCCB Reflection: Living in the In-Between

In a USCCB video reflection for Tuesday of the 7th Week of Easter, Deacon Arthur Miller explores Jesus’ prayer at the Last Supper and the apostles’ waiting period between the Ascension and Pentecost. He describes this time as an “in-between” for the disciples, who gather with Mary in prayer, hoping for the Holy Spirit’s guidance.

Deacon Miller encourages us to pray intentionally to the Holy Spirit, seeking direction and strength to serve others and fulfill God’s work. This reflection calls us to ask each day how we can live out our mission and draw others closer to God.

Questions and Answers for Tuesday of the 7th Week of Easter

What date is Tuesday of the 7th Week of Easter?

The next date is Tuesday June 3, 2025.

What are the Mass readings for Tuesday of the 7th Week of Easter?

The Mass readings for Tuesday June 3, 2025 are:
First Reading – Acts 20:17-27: Paul’s Farewell to the Elders of Ephesus
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 68: Praise God, Protector and Savior
Gospel – John 17:1-11a: Jesus Prays for Glory and His Disciples

What does it mean that Paul finished his mission in the first reading for Tuesday of the 7th Week of Easter?

Paul speaks about completing the work God gave him to do. For us, it means staying faithful to the responsibilities and people God has placed in our lives, doing our best to follow God’s guidance.

Why does Paul accept suffering so willingly?

Paul accepts suffering because he trusts that his life is in God’s hands. This teaches us to trust that God can use our struggles to help us grow and stay faithful.

Why does Paul talk about hardships in his work?

Paul wants the elders to understand that following God’s plan isn’t always easy. This reminds us that while faith can bring joy, we will sometimes face challenges that help us grow stronger.

What can we learn from Paul’s goodbye to the elders in the first reading for Tuesday of the 7th Week of Easter?

Paul’s goodbye is full of love and encouragement. This reminds us that our relationships in faith are a gift, and we should cherish and support one another.

How can we apply Jesus’ prayer for his disciples in the Gospel for Tuesday of the 7th Week of Easter to our lives?

Jesus’ prayer shows how deeply he cares for his followers. It encourages us to pray for each other and ask God to strengthen and protect our loved ones.

What does Jesus mean by eternal life in the Gospel for Tuesday of the 7th Week of Easter?

Jesus explains that eternal life is knowing God personally. This means we don’t have to wait for heaven to begin life with God; it starts as we grow in love and friendship with Him now.

How does Jesus’ mission relate to our own lives?

Jesus came to show us how to live and love others. By following his example, we can live with purpose and care for others as he taught.

Why does Jesus focus so much on God’s will?

Jesus always chooses God’s plan over his own. He shows us that following God brings true purpose and peace, helping us focus on what matters most.

What does it mean to have unity in the Church?

Unity in the Church means working together with love and respect. When we are united, we can better share God’s love with the world.

Living Faithfully with Love and Unity

Tuesday of the 7th Week of Easter focuses on Jesus’ prayer for His disciples and Paul’s farewell to the elders of Ephesus. Both passages highlight the importance of mission, faith, and unity among God’s people. Jesus asks the Father to protect His followers and to unite them in love. Paul reminds the elders of his dedication to preaching the Gospel and urges them to care for the Church.

These readings encourage us to live out our faith with purpose and love. Paul and Jesus show what it means to give ourselves fully to God’s mission, trusting in His guidance. They both emphasize caring for others as part of our calling, whether through teaching, service, or simply being present for those in need.

Unity is another key theme, as Jesus prays that His followers remain united in faith. Paul, too, stresses the need for the Church to stand together as one family of believers. This unity gives strength to the community and helps believers to carry out God’s mission in the world.

The messages of Tuesday of the 7th Week of Easter remind us of the call to live faithfully, care for others, and work together in unity. They encourage us to reflect on how we can live with love, trust in God, and strengthen the bonds of our faith community.

Your Turn

Take time to reflect on the readings for Tuesday of the 7th Week of Easter. Think about how you can live with faith, care for others, and work for unity in your community.

Consider sharing your thoughts or experiences with others in the comments. How has God called you to serve or love those around you? Let us encourage one another to live out these lessons in our lives.