Monday June 15, 2026
Daily Mass Readings for Monday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
- First Reading – 1 Kings 21:1-16: Ahab wanted Naboth’s vineyard. After Naboth refused, Jezebel arranged for his death. Ahab then took possession of the vineyard.
- Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 5: I call on the Lord for help, seeking His attention, knowing He rejects wickedness and deceit, and acknowledging that He destroys those who do evil.
- Gospel – Matthew 5:38-42: Jesus teaches his disciples not to seek revenge but to show generosity and patience, even to those who harm or demand from them.
Should anyone press you into service for one mile, go with him for two miles.
Matthew 5:41
Themes for the Readings for Monday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
Monday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 reminds us of the importance of justice and mercy. The readings show how we should act justly and be generous, even when it is difficult.
- Injustice and Greed: Ahab’s desire for Naboth’s vineyard shows how greed can lead to injustice. This theme reminds us to avoid coveting what belongs to others.
- Corruption and Evil: Jezebel’s plan to kill Naboth highlights the evil that comes from corruption. This teaches us to stand against wrongdoing and seek righteousness.
- Misuse of Power: Ahab used his power to take Naboth’s vineyard after his death. This theme shows the danger of misusing power and the need for fair leadership.
- Generosity and Forgiveness: Jesus teaches us to be generous and forgive those who wrong us. This is a call to show kindness and patience, even in difficult situations.
- Non-retaliation: Jesus instructs us not to seek revenge. This theme encourages us to respond to harm with love and patience.
These themes help us reflect on how to live justly and show mercy. They guide us to act with kindness and integrity in our daily lives.
Thoughts for Monday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
In the first reading from 1 Kings 21:1-16, we see Ahab wanting Naboth’s vineyard. Naboth refuses to give it to him because it is his family inheritance. Ahab becomes upset, and his wife Jezebel arranges for Naboth to be falsely accused and killed. Ahab then takes possession of the vineyard. This story shows the danger of greed and the misuse of power.
The gospel reading from Matthew 5:38-42 has Jesus teaching about not seeking revenge. He tells his disciples to turn the other cheek and to go the extra mile. Jesus wants us to be generous and patient, even with those who harm us. This teaching can be hard, but it shows the importance of love and mercy.
These readings for Monday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 challenge us to think about how we treat others. Do we act with justice and kindness? Are we generous and forgiving? These are important questions to reflect on.
Greed and Injustice
Ahab’s desire for Naboth’s vineyard shows how greed can lead to great injustice. Ahab was willing to do anything to get what he wanted, even if it meant someone had to die. We must guard against greed and always seek to do what is right and just.
Jezebel’s actions highlight the evil that can come from corruption. She used her power and influence to harm an innocent man. This reminds us that we must stand against corruption and always seek truth and righteousness.
In contrast, Jesus teaches us to respond to harm with generosity and patience. He asks us to turn the other cheek and to give more than what is asked. This shows a different way to live, one that is based on love and mercy.
Generosity and Patience
The teachings of Jesus in the gospel call us to be different from the world. Instead of seeking revenge, we are to show kindness. Instead of holding on tightly to what we have, we are to give freely. This is the way of Jesus.
On Monday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, we are reminded to follow Jesus’ example. We are to act with justice and mercy. We are to be generous and forgiving, even when it is hard.
These readings help us see the importance of living in a way that honors God. We are called to be fair and kind, to seek justice, and to show mercy. This is how we can live out our faith in everyday life.
Prayer
Lord, help us to act with justice and kindness. Teach us to be generous and forgiving, even when it is hard. Guide us to follow your example and live in a way that honors you. Amen.
Homilies and Reflections for Monday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
Word on Fire: The Power of Turning the Other Cheek
In his reflection for Monday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, Bishop Robert Barron explains Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 5:38-42 about turning the other cheek. This is not about passivity but a new kind of resistance. When Jesus says to turn the other cheek, he means standing firm against injustice without retaliation. It’s a way to confront the aggressor and say, “You will not treat me that way.” This nonviolent resistance, also embraced by Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr., challenges the oppressor and refuses to accept their worldview.
USCCB Reflection: Giving from the Heart
In the reflection for Monday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, a priest shares a personal story about giving his last $20 to buy pizza for youth volunteers. The next day, he received an unexpected gift of $50, demonstrating how generosity is often rewarded. He emphasizes that giving should be part of our nature, involving time, talent, and treasure. By sharing our resources, we live out our faith and baptism. This reflection reminds us to give freely, trusting that it will come back to us.
Questions and Answers for Monday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
What date is Monday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?
The next date is Monday June 15, 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 Monday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1.
What are the Mass readings for Monday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?
The Mass readings for Monday June 15, 2026 are:
First Reading – 1 Kings 21:1-16: Naboth’s Vineyard
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 5: Lord, Hear My Plea
Gospel – Matthew 5:38-42: Love Your Enemies
Why did Ahab want Naboth’s vineyard in the first reading for Monday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?
Ahab wanted Naboth’s vineyard because it was near his palace, and he wanted to use it as a garden. He tried to buy it, but Naboth refused because it was his family inheritance.
Why did Naboth refuse to sell his vineyard to Ahab?
Naboth refused because the vineyard was his family inheritance. In Israel, family land was very important and should not be sold.
What did Jezebel do to get the vineyard for Ahab?
Jezebel arranged for Naboth to be falsely accused of cursing God and the king. Naboth was then stoned to death, and Ahab took the vineyard.
What lesson can we learn from Ahab and Naboth’s story?
The story teaches us the danger of greed and misuse of power. It reminds us to act justly and respect others’ rights.
What does Jesus mean by “turn the other cheek”?
Jesus means we should not seek revenge when someone harms us. Instead, we should respond with patience and kindness.
Why does Jesus teach us to go the extra mile?
Jesus teaches us to go the extra mile to show generosity and patience. It means doing more than what is asked to help others.
How can we apply the gospel reading for Monday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 to our lives?
We can apply the gospel reading by being generous and forgiving. We should not seek revenge but show kindness and patience, even when it is hard.
What is the main message of the readings for Monday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?
The main message is to act with justice and mercy. We are called to avoid greed and corruption, and to be generous and forgiving.
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