Monday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time

Daily Mass Readings for Monday of the 11th 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 6:1-10: Urging not to receive God's grace in vain, we commend ourselves as ministers of God, enduring hardships and afflictions, yet rejoicing, enriching others, and possessing all things in Christ.
• First Reading (Cycle 2) - 1 Kings 21:1-16: Ahab desired Naboth's vineyard, but Naboth refused to give away his ancestral heritage. Jezebel orchestrated a scheme, leading to Naboth's false accusation and stoning, allowing Ahab to seize the vineyard.
• Responsorial Psalm (Cycle 1) - Psalm 98: Let us sing a new song to the LORD, for He has performed wondrous deeds and revealed His salvation and justice to all nations; let the whole earth rejoice and praise Him.
• Responsorial Psalm (Cycle 2) - Psalm 5: I cry out to the LORD, my King and God, pleading for His help and seeking His attention; He detests wickedness and falsehood, and He destroys evildoers.
• Gospel - Matthew 5:38-42: Jesus teaches his followers not to seek revenge but to respond with kindness when someone wrongs them. He encourages them to go the extra mile and give generously, demonstrating a love that surpasses retaliation.

Themes for the Daily Mass Readings for Monday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time

• Non-Retaliation: Jesus teaches His disciples not to respond to acts of violence or injustice with retaliation, challenging them to break the cycle of violence and instead respond with non-violence and love.
• Turning the Other Cheek: Jesus presents the principle of turning the other cheek, suggesting that His followers should be willing to endure personal harm without seeking revenge, promoting a posture of humility and forgiveness.
• Going the Extra Mile: Jesus encourages His disciples to go beyond what is expected or required of them, exemplifying a spirit of generosity and willingness to serve others even in difficult circumstances.
• Love for Enemies: Jesus calls His followers to love their enemies, extending kindness and goodwill towards those who may mistreat or oppose them, embodying the transformative power of love.
• Overcoming Evil with Good: Jesus teaches that responding to evil with good breaks the cycle of hatred and fosters reconciliation, emphasizing the importance of responding to negativity with positive actions.
• Generosity and Charity: Jesus instructs His disciples to give freely to those who ask, promoting a spirit of generosity, empathy, and charity towards others in need.

Thoughts for Monday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time

In the gospel for for Monday of the 11th week in Ordinary Time, Jesus addresses the concept of retaliation and offers a radical perspective on responding to evil and mistreatment. He challenges the prevailing notion of "eye for eye, and tooth for tooth," emphasizing a different approach. Jesus urges his listeners not to resist an evil person, but rather to respond with an unexpected gesture of non-violence and love.

Jesus encourages us to go beyond what is expected or demanded of us. When faced with an insult or harm, he instructs us to turn the other cheek, refusing to engage in a cycle of violence or retribution. Jesus teaches us to respond with humility, offering even more than what is requested. By willingly going the extra mile, giving generously, and not turning away from those in need, we demonstrate the transformative power of love and compassion.

The message of this passage is rooted in the teachings of forgiveness, selflessness, and a commitment to peaceful resolutions. It challenges us to break the cycle of violence and seek reconciliation instead. Jesus invites us to embody his example of love, not just in words, but also in our actions. It is through acts of kindness and mercy that we can bring about healing and transformation, both in ourselves and in the world around us.

As we reflect on this passage, let us strive to embrace the radical teachings of Jesus. May we cultivate a spirit of forgiveness, responding to mistreatment with love and understanding. Let us be willing to go above and beyond what is expected, giving generously and selflessly. By following Jesus' example, we become agents of peace and reconciliation, embodying the values of his sacred heart in our interactions with others.

Prayer for Monday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time

Heavenly Father, we ask for the grace to embody his teachings of non-retaliation and selflessness. Help us to respond to injustice with forgiveness, and to generously offer our assistance to those in need, so that we may reflect the love and mercy of our Lord in our daily lives. Amen.