Monday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time
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.
Reflection for Monday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
The readings for Monday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 give us important lessons about greed, generosity, and living with justice and mercy. In the first reading, Ahab’s actions warn us of the harm caused by greed and selfishness. In the Gospel, Jesus calls us to live differently, choosing generosity and kindness even when it is hard. Together, these readings show us how to follow God’s ways in our daily lives.
The Danger of Greed
In the first reading for Monday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, Ahab’s greed for Naboth’s vineyard shows how dangerous unchecked desires can be. Ahab was not satisfied with what he had, even though he was king. His obsession with owning the vineyard led to lies, manipulation, and even murder.
Greed blinds us to the needs and rights of others. When we focus only on what we want, we forget what is fair and just. Ahab’s actions remind us that greed can lead to serious harm, not only to others but also to our own hearts.
We are called to be content with what God gives us. When we live with gratitude instead of greed, we open our hearts to what really matters. We treat others with fairness and respect, and we find joy in God’s blessings rather than in the things we desire.
Living Generously
The Gospel for Monday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 challenges us to live differently from the world. Jesus teaches us to give freely, even to those who might take advantage of our kindness. This is not easy, but it shows the generous spirit God wants us to have.
Generosity is about more than giving money or possessions. It is about sharing our time, patience, and love with others. Jesus calls us to go beyond what is expected. Instead of holding on tightly to what we have, we can trust that God will care for us as we care for others.
When we live generously, we reflect God’s love to the world. People see that our hearts are not ruled by fear or greed. Instead, they see the peace that comes from trusting God and following His ways.
Choosing Justice and Mercy
Both readings for Monday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 show the need to choose justice and mercy. Ahab’s actions toward Naboth were unjust and cruel, while Jesus’ teachings in the Gospel call for fairness and kindness. Together, these readings remind us that God’s way is one of both justice and mercy.
Justice means treating others fairly and standing up for what is right. Ahab’s story shows how greed and power can lead to injustice, and it warns us to guard our hearts. Mercy, on the other hand, goes beyond fairness. It calls us to respond to others with love, even when they hurt us or take advantage of us.
When we practice both justice and mercy, we live as God calls us to. We are fair in our actions but also kind and forgiving. This is not always easy, but it brings peace to our relationships and honors God in our lives.
God’s Word challenges us to examine our hearts and actions. The lessons from Monday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 remind us to trust in God’s care, be generous with others, and act with both justice and mercy. May we live these teachings every day and grow closer to Him.
Prayer
Lord, help us to turn away from greed and selfishness. Teach us to live with generous hearts and treat others with justice and kindness. Give us the courage to follow Your ways, even when it is hard, and to trust that You will provide all we need. Amen.
Reflection Questions
- How can you guard your heart against greed in daily life?
- What does it mean to live generously in your relationships with others?
- When have you had the chance to choose justice and mercy in a difficult situation?
- How does trusting in God’s care help you live with more peace and generosity?
Homilies and Commentaries 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.
Lessons on Greed, Generosity, and Mercy
Monday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 gives us important lessons about how to live faithfully. In the first reading, Ahab’s greed for Naboth’s vineyard leads to injustice and harm. His story warns us about how selfish desires can blind us to what is right.
The Gospel teaches a different way to live. Jesus asks us to give freely and respond to others with kindness. Instead of holding tightly to what we have, He calls us to trust God and share generously. This is not always easy, but it shows the love God wants us to live out.
Together, these readings remind us to be fair, kind, and generous in our actions. They teach us to avoid greed and choose justice and mercy instead. By living this way, we follow God’s example and bring peace to our relationships.
Your Turn
Take time to reflect on the readings for Monday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2. Think about how greed, generosity, and mercy play a role in your own life. How do these teachings challenge you?
We invite you to share your thoughts in the comments. Your experiences can help others grow in faith and understanding. Let’s learn from each other as we seek to live out God’s Word.
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