Monday of the 10th Week in Ordinary Time

Daily Mass Readings for Monday of the 10th 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) - 2 Corinthians 1:1-7: Paul and Timothy send greetings of grace and peace to the Church of God in Corinth and all the holy ones in Achaia, praising God as the Father of compassion and encouragement who strengthens them in affliction, enabling them to encourage others and share in the sufferings and endurance of Christ.
• First Reading (Cycle 2) - 1 Kings 17:1-6: Elijah declared a drought upon Israel until he allowed it, then he followed God's command to hide by the Wadi Cherith where ravens provided him with food and he drank from the stream.
• Responsorial Psalm (Cycle 1) - Psalm 34: Bless the LORD at all times, taste and see His goodness, seek His deliverance from fear, find joy and refuge in Him.
• Responsorial Psalm (Cycle 2) - Psalm 121: Our help is from the Lord, who made heaven and earth; He guards and protects us day and night, shielding us from harm, both in the present and for eternity.
• Gospel - Matthew 5:1-12: Jesus gives the Beatitudes. He pronounces blessings on the humble, the mournful, the meek, the hungry for righteousness, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers, and those persecuted for righteousness' sake, assuring them of their reward in the kingdom of heaven.

Themes for the Daily Mass Readings for Monday of the 10th Week in Ordinary Time

• Happiness and Inner Fulfillment: The Beatitudes speak about the blessings and happiness that come from living a righteous and godly life. It emphasizes that true happiness is not found in worldly possessions or achievements but in spiritual qualities such as humility, righteousness, and mercy.
• The Kingdom of God: Jesus teaches that those who embody the qualities described in the Beatitudes will inherit the Kingdom of God. It presents a vision of a kingdom where the values and principles of God are paramount.
• Compassion and Empathy: The Beatitudes highlight the importance of showing compassion and empathy towards others. It encourages believers to be merciful, to mourn with those who are suffering, and to be peacemakers.
• Spiritual Growth: The passage emphasizes the idea of spiritual growth and transformation. It encourages believers to hunger and thirst for righteousness and to strive for purity of heart.
• Persecution and Endurance: Jesus acknowledges that those who live according to the Beatitudes may face persecution and opposition. He assures them that they will be blessed, and their reward will be great in heaven.
• Social Justice: The Beatitudes challenge the prevailing social norms and values of Jesus' time. They advocate for justice and equality, highlighting the importance of standing up for what is right and just, even in the face of opposition.
• Humility and Meekness: The Beatitudes emphasize the virtue of humility and meekness. It teaches that those who are humble and recognize their need for God will be exalted.

Thoughts for Monday of the 10th Week in Ordinary Time

In Matthew 5:1-12, the gospel for Monday of the 10th week in Ordinary Time, Jesus shares a message with his followers known as the Beatitudes. These teachings have deep meanings that can inspire us, especially in our spiritual growth and understanding of social justice.

The first theme we encounter is spiritual growth. Jesus tells us that true happiness comes from living a righteous life, not from material possessions or achievements. He encourages us to hunger and thirst for righteousness, which means seeking what is right and good in the eyes of God. It's like having a strong desire to be a better person and follow God's teachings.

Spiritual growth also means striving for purity of heart. Jesus wants us to have genuine intentions and a sincere love for others. By being pure in heart, we can experience a deep connection with God and find joy in our relationships.

The second theme we find in the Beatitudes is social justice. Jesus challenges the unfairness and inequality that exists in society. He calls us to be peacemakers, people who work to resolve conflicts and promote harmony. Jesus wants us to treat others with kindness and empathy, especially those who are suffering. When we show compassion to those in need, we contribute to a more just and caring world.

Moreover, Jesus acknowledges that those who stand up for what is right may face opposition. But he assures us that we will be blessed and rewarded, even if the world doesn't understand or appreciate our efforts for justice. This encourages us to persevere in our pursuit of social justice, knowing that our actions have a positive impact, even if it's not immediately visible.

Matthew 5:1-12 offers important lessons for our spiritual growth and our understanding of social justice. It teaches us that true happiness comes from living a righteous life and seeking God's will. It also calls us to work for social justice, treating others with compassion and standing up for what is right. By embracing these teachings, we can grow spiritually and make a difference in the world around us.

Prayer for Monday of the 10th Week in Ordinary Time

Heavenly Father, grant us the grace to grow spiritually, seeking righteousness and purity of heart, and inspire us to be agents of social justice, promoting compassion, peace, and equality in our world. Amen.

Word on Fire: Jesus' New Law

In this reflection for Monday of the 10th week in Ordinary Time, Bishop Robert Barron highlights Jesus' role as a new lawgiver, contrasting him with Moses. Jesus begins his primary teaching with the Beatitudes, a series of paradoxes that set a topsy-turvy universe aright, revealing that true happiness and fulfillment come from a desire for God rather than material possessions.

USCCB Reflection: A Spiritual Guide

This video reflection by the USCCB for Monday of the 10th week in Ordinary Time explores the significance of the Beatitudes as a spiritual guide, emphasizing that they are applicable to every aspect of our lives, from rituals and sacraments to daily challenges. The Beatitudes serve as a reminder of the blessings we receive amidst the ups and downs of our spiritual journey, urging us to live a more meaningful life.