Thursday of the 10th Week in Ordinary Time

• First Reading – 1 Kings 18:41-46: Elijah predicts rain and sends his servant to check the sea repeatedly. A small cloud appears, and heavy rain follows. Elijah, empowered by the LORD, outruns Ahab’s chariot to Jezreel.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 65: God enriches the land, preparing and watering it, bringing a rich harvest. His blessings crown the year with abundance, filling meadows and hills with joy.
• Gospel – Matthew 5:20-26: Jesus teaches his disciples that their righteousness must exceed that of the scribes and Pharisees. He warns against anger and insults and stresses the importance of reconciliation before offering gifts at the altar.

Lectionary Reference: 362

Upcoming dates: June 11, 2026, June 15, 2028, June 13, 2030, June 10, 2032

I tell you, unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter into the Kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 5:20

On Thursday of the 10th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, the readings highlight important lessons for our faith journey. We see God’s power through Elijah’s actions and Jesus’ teachings about righteousness and reconciliation.

• God’s Power in Nature: Elijah predicts rain after a long drought. This shows God’s control over nature and His ability to provide for His people.
• Persistent Faith: Elijah sends his servant to check the sea repeatedly. This teaches us to be persistent in our faith and trust in God’s timing.
• God’s Empowerment: Elijah, strengthened by the LORD, outruns Ahab’s chariot. This shows that God gives us strength to accomplish what seems impossible.
• Righteousness Beyond the Law: Jesus says our righteousness must exceed that of the scribes and Pharisees. True righteousness comes from the heart, not just following rules.
• Anger and Reconciliation: Jesus warns against anger and insults. He emphasizes the importance of reconciling with others before offering gifts to God.
• Importance of Reconciliation: Jesus stresses making peace with others. This shows that our relationship with others affects our relationship with God.

These themes from Thursday of the 10th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 remind us to trust in God’s power and strive for true righteousness. They encourage us to seek reconciliation and live faithfully, knowing that God strengthens us in all we do.

The readings for Thursday of the 10th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 remind us to stay persistent in faith, seek peace with others, and trust in God’s power. Elijah’s unwavering trust and Jesus’ teaching about reconciliation call us to live faithfully, repair broken relationships, and rely on God in all circumstances.

Staying Persistent in Faith

In the first reading for Thursday of the 10th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, Elijah prays for rain and sends his servant to check the sea multiple times. Each time the servant returns with no news of rain, Elijah remains confident and asks him to go back. Finally, the servant sees a small cloud, and soon the rain comes.

This story reminds us of the importance of persistence in faith. Sometimes, it feels like our prayers are unanswered, and we may be tempted to give up. Elijah’s example shows us that God hears our prayers, even if the answers take time. We are called to trust in God’s timing and keep our faith strong.

Persistent prayer and trust in God deepen our relationship with Him. Like Elijah, we must remain steadfast and believe that God will provide what we need. Even when the results are not immediate, our trust in God helps us grow closer to Him and strengthens our faith.

Making Peace with Others

In the Gospel for Thursday of the 10th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, Jesus speaks about the importance of making peace with others. He teaches that anger and unresolved conflicts harm not only our relationships but also our connection with God. Jesus calls us to seek reconciliation before offering gifts at the altar.

This teaching shows that our relationships with others are deeply connected to our relationship with God. When we hold onto anger or avoid making peace, it can block our ability to grow spiritually. Jesus wants us to live in harmony with others so that we can draw closer to God.

Making peace is not always easy, but it is necessary. We are called to forgive others, ask for forgiveness, and repair broken relationships. By doing this, we show love and reflect God’s mercy in our lives. Living in peace with others helps us stay close to God and experience His grace.

Trusting God’s Power

Both the first reading and the Gospel for Thursday of the 10th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 remind us to trust in God’s power. Elijah’s faith in God’s ability to bring rain shows his complete trust. In the Gospel, Jesus teaches that God values reconciliation and calls us to live in ways that reflect His will.

Trusting God’s power means believing that He can work in all situations. Elijah’s prayer and perseverance show his confidence in God’s ability to act. Similarly, seeking peace with others demonstrates our trust that God’s ways lead to healing and wholeness.

These readings invite us to trust God’s plan in both big and small moments. Whether we are praying for something important or working to repair relationships, we are reminded that God is present and able to help us. When we rely on His power, we can live with peace and confidence in His care.

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As we reflect on Thursday of the 10th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, let us focus on trusting God, praying with confidence, and living in peace with those around us. By embracing these lessons, we can grow closer to God and share His love with others.

Prayer

Lord, thank You for always hearing our prayers. Help us to stay persistent in faith and trust in Your timing. Teach us to seek peace and forgiveness in our relationships. Guide us to rely on Your power and follow Your will in all that we do. Amen.

Reflection Questions

• How can you stay persistent in prayer and trust in God’s timing?
• Are there any relationships where you need to seek peace or ask forgiveness?
• How does trusting in God’s power help you handle challenges in your life?
• What steps can you take to reflect God’s mercy in your relationships with others?

USCCB Reflection: Letting Go of Bitterness

On Thursday of the 10th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, the reflection discusses the harm of holding onto anger and bitterness. Jesus understands that anger is natural but warns against letting it fester. Instead, He invites us to forgive and seek transformation through the Eucharist.

By placing ourselves on the altar, we ask God to change our hearts and remove the poison of bitterness, leading us to a fuller life with Christ.

What date is Thursday of the 10th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

The next date is Thursday June 11, 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 Thursday of the 10th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1.

What are the Mass readings for Thursday of the 10th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

The Mass readings for Thursday June 11, 2026 are:
First Reading  – 1 Kings 18:41-46: Elijah Predicts Rain
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 65: Praise in Zion
Gospel – Matthew 5:20-26: Surpassing Righteousness

Why does Elijah send his servant to look at the sea seven times?

Elijah sends his servant to look at the sea seven times because he trusts that God will send rain. This teaches us to be patient and persistent in our faith.

What does the small cloud in the reading symbolize?

The small cloud symbolizes that God can use small beginnings to bring about great things. It reminds us that even small signs of hope are important.

How does Elijah outrunning Ahab’s chariot relate to us?

Elijah outrunning Ahab’s chariot shows that God gives us strength to do more than we think possible. We can rely on God’s help to overcome our challenges.

How can we apply Elijah’s faith to our lives?

We can apply Elijah’s faith by trusting in God’s promises and being patient. Even when things seem uncertain, we should keep believing and acting in faith.

What does Jesus mean by “righteousness” in the Gospel?

Jesus means that true righteousness comes from our hearts. It is not just about following rules but about loving and respecting others.

Why is anger such a big deal according to Jesus?

Jesus says anger can lead to sin and harm our relationships. Controlling our anger helps us live peacefully with others.

Why does Jesus stress reconciliation before offering gifts at the altar?

Jesus stresses reconciliation because our relationships with others affect our relationship with God. Making peace with others is important before we come to God.

What lesson can we learn from the readings about handling conflicts?

The readings teach us to seek reconciliation and make peace with others. Handling conflicts with forgiveness and understanding is key to living a faithful life.

How does Thursday of the 10th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 help us in our daily life?

Thursday of the 10th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 helps us by reminding us to trust in God’s power, strive for true righteousness, and seek reconciliation. These actions strengthen our faith and relationships.

What is the main message of the Gospel for Thursday of the 10th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

The main message is to live with true righteousness and seek reconciliation with others. Jesus wants us to love and respect each other as we live our faith.