Thursday of the 10th Week in Ordinary Time

Daily Mass Readings for Thursday 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 3:15-4:1, 3-6: The veiling of hearts is removed when one turns to the Lord, allowing the transformation into the image of the Lord. Despite the Gospel being veiled to those perishing, we proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord, shining the light of God's glory on the face of Jesus to bring knowledge and understanding.
• First Reading (Cycle 2) - 1 Kings 18:41-46: Elijah assures Ahab of an approaching heavy rain. After persistent prayers and observations, a small cloud arises, prompting Elijah to instruct Ahab to depart quickly before being hindered by the rain.
• Responsorial Psalm (Cycle 1) - Psalm 85: God proclaims peace and salvation to His people, with His glory dwelling in our land; kindness, truth, justice, and peace harmonize, and the Lord grants abundant benefits, causing the land to flourish, accompanied by justice and salvation.
• Responsorial Psalm (Cycle 2) - Psalm 65: God's abundant blessings enrich the land, filling watercourses, preparing the grain, and crowning the year with bounty, as overflowing harvest and joy clothe the meadows and hills.
• Gospel - Matthew 5:20-26: Jesus emphasizes the need for a righteousness that surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees to enter the kingdom of heaven, urging reconciliation with others and prompt resolution of conflicts before offering gifts at the altar. He highlights the importance of settling matters quickly to avoid judgment and consequences.

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

• True righteousness: Jesus emphasizes the need for a righteousness that goes beyond outward observance of the Law, challenging His listeners to cultivate a deeper righteousness of the heart.
• Reconciliation and forgiveness: Jesus instructs His disciples to reconcile with others and seek forgiveness before offering their gifts at the altar, highlighting the importance of maintaining harmonious relationships and resolving conflicts.
• Anger and its consequences: Jesus warns against the destructive nature of anger and the potential for severe consequences, urging His followers to reconcile quickly to avoid judgment.
• Loving your brother: Jesus underscores the importance of loving and showing compassion towards others, emphasizing that reconciliation and unity are vital aspects of a righteous life.
• Reconciliation as a priority: Jesus teaches that reconciling with others takes precedence over religious rituals, suggesting that maintaining peace and resolving conflicts should be given priority in one's spiritual life.
• The significance of reconciliation in worship: Jesus emphasizes the value of a reconciled heart in worship, indicating that being in right relationship with others is essential for genuine devotion to God.

Thoughts for Thursday of the 10th Week in Ordinary Time

In the gospel for Thursday of the 10th week in Ordinary Time, Jesus challenges his listeners to a higher standard of righteousness. He asserts that their righteousness must surpass that of the Pharisees and teachers of the law in order to enter the kingdom of heaven. Jesus goes beyond the literal understanding of the commandment against murder and reveals its deeper implications. He explains that being angry with a brother or sister is equally subject to judgment. Even calling someone derogatory names or expressing contempt puts one at risk of severe consequences.

Jesus emphasizes the significance of reconciliation and forgiveness. He teaches that if we come before God to offer our gifts but remember that someone has something against us, we should prioritize reconciliation over religious rituals. We are called to seek resolution and restoration in our relationships before presenting our offerings to God. Jesus urges us to settle matters quickly with those who have disputes with us, urging us to find a resolution before the situation escalates. It is a reminder that our relationships with others and our commitment to peace and reconciliation hold great importance in the eyes of God.

This passage reminds us that true righteousness extends beyond external observance of the law. It calls for a transformation of the heart and our relationships with others. Jesus encourages us to cultivate a spirit of reconciliation, forgiveness, and humility. Our actions should align with our words, and our interactions with others should reflect the love and grace of God. By prioritizing reconciliation and seeking peace with others, we demonstrate a righteousness that exceeds the superficial righteousness of the Pharisees and teachers of the law.

Prayer for Thursday of the 10th Week in Ordinary Time