Thursday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time
Thursday June 18, 2026
Daily Mass Readings for Thursday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
- First Reading – Sirach 48:1-14: Elijah, with his fiery spirit, performed great deeds by God’s will, from miracles to judgment. Elisha, his successor, continued with even greater power.
- Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 97: The Lord reigns, bringing joy to the earth. His power is seen in fire, lightning, and melting mountains. All people witness his justice and glory, while idols are put to shame.
- Gospel – Matthew 6:7-15: Jesus teaches his disciples to pray simply and sincerely, using the Lord’s Prayer. He emphasizes the importance of forgiving others to receive forgiveness from God.
Upcoming dates: June 18, 2026, June 22, 2028, June 20, 2030, June 17, 2032
Your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
Matthew 6:8
Themes for the Readings for Thursday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
On Thursday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, we reflect on the faithfulness and power of God through His prophets and teachings. We also learn the importance of sincere prayer and forgiveness.
- Power of God’s Prophets: Elijah and Elisha performed great miracles by God’s will. Their actions show God’s power working through faithful servants.
- Faithfulness to God: Elijah and Elisha were faithful to God. Their faith allowed them to do great things and guide others.
- Simple and Sincere Prayer: Jesus teaches us to pray in a simple and sincere way. The Lord’s Prayer is a model for how we should pray.
- Forgiveness from God: Jesus emphasizes the need to forgive others. If we forgive others, God will forgive us.
- Following God’s Will: Elijah and Elisha followed God’s will closely. Their lives show the blessings of living according to God’s plan.
On Thursday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, we see the strength of faith and the importance of prayer. By following these lessons, we can grow closer to God and each other.
Reflection for Thursday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
The readings for Thursday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 remind us of God’s power and love. The first reading highlights the mission of prophets like Elijah and Elisha, while the Gospel presents the simplicity and depth of the Lord’s Prayer. Together, these readings call us to trust in God, live faithfully, and share His love with others.
The Power of God’s Prophets
The first reading for Thursday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 reflects on the powerful deeds of Elijah and Elisha. These prophets were chosen by God to guide His people and remind them of His presence. They worked miracles and spoke truth, even when it was difficult.
Prophets were not just people with special powers. They were called to live faithfully and to point others toward God. We are called to be modern-day prophets by living out our faith and sharing God’s message of love and justice. This might mean standing up for what is right or offering encouragement to someone in need.
Being a prophet today doesn’t require dramatic actions. It means trusting God and being willing to share His love with others. Whether through words, actions, or quiet witness, we can reflect His light in the world and help others see His presence.
The Simplicity of the Lord’s Prayer
In the Gospel for Thursday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, Jesus teaches His disciples the Lord’s Prayer. This prayer is simple, yet it includes everything we need to say to God. It praises Him, asks for His guidance, and reminds us to seek forgiveness and to forgive others.
Jesus shows us that prayer doesn’t need to be long or complicated. It should come from the heart. The Lord’s Prayer is an example of how we can speak to God in a way that is honest and trusting. It helps us focus on what matters most.
When we pray as Jesus taught, we grow closer to God. We recognize Him as our Father, trust Him to care for us, and commit to living in His ways. The Lord’s Prayer is a model for how to live with faith and humility.
Trusting in God’s Power and Love
Both readings for Thursday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 highlight God’s power and love. The first reading shows how God worked through His prophets to care for His people. The Gospel reminds us that God is a loving Father who hears our prayers and provides for us.
God’s power is not distant or cold. It is connected to His deep care for us. He listens when we pray, just as He supported the prophets in their mission. We are invited to trust in Him and to bring our needs to Him, knowing that He will respond.
This trust helps us live with peace and confidence. When we remember that God’s power and love are always present, we are strengthened to face challenges and to share His message with others. We can pray and act with the assurance that He is with us in all things.
The lessons from Thursday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 encourage us to be witnesses of God’s power and to pray with sincerity and trust. May we take these teachings to heart and live them out in our daily lives.
Prayer
Lord, help us to trust in Your power and love. Teach us to pray with simple and honest hearts, seeking Your will in all things. Make us willing to share Your message through our words and actions. May we always rely on You and bring Your love to others. Amen.
Reflection Questions
- How can you be a witness to God’s love and truth in your daily life?
- What does the Lord’s Prayer teach you about trusting in God?
- How can you make your prayers more simple and sincere?
- What steps can you take to reflect God’s power and love to those around you?
Homilies and Reflections for Thursday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
Word on Fire: Heaven and Earth United
In his reflection for Thursday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, Bishop Robert Barron discusses the Lord’s Prayer from Matthew 6:7-15. The prayer asks for God’s will to be done “on earth as it is in heaven,” highlighting the interconnection between the two realms. This is not about escaping earth but uniting it with heaven.
The Resurrection of Jesus began the process of reconciling earth and heaven, bringing divine justice to our world. This prayer fulfills Isaiah’s vision that the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the Lord. Through this, we seek God’s kingdom and justice here.
USCCB Reflection: The Heart of Prayer and Forgiveness
In the USCCB video reflection for Thursday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, the focus is on Matthew 6:7-15, where Jesus teaches the Our Father. This prayer emphasizes our unity as God’s family and the importance of genuine, heartfelt communication with God. Rather than babbling words, we should pray with intention and emotion.
The reflection also highlights the importance of forgiveness, as Jesus calls us to forgive others as God forgives us. This sincere prayer life leads to healing and reconciliation, embodying Jesus’ mercy and love in our relationships with others.
USCCB Reflection: Forgiveness from the Heart
On Thursday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, the reflection talks about the importance of forgiveness. Jesus teaches that we cannot simply forget or turn off our feelings when hurt. By offering our hearts to the Holy Spirit, injury can turn into compassion. We ask God for forgiveness, enabling us to forgive others sincerely. Jesus links God’s forgiveness of us to our forgiveness of others.
True healing requires forgiving those who hurt us and asking for their forgiveness for any bitterness we felt. This allows us to live the Our Father prayer fully and embrace Christ’s mercy.
Questions and Answers for Thursday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
What date is Thursday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?
The next date is Thursday June 18, 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 11th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1.
What are the Mass readings for Thursday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?
The Mass readings for Thursday June 18, 2026 are:
First Reading – Sirach 48:1-14: Elijah’s Fiery Spirit
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 97: Rejoice in the Lord
Gospel – Matthew 6:7-15: Teachings on Prayer and Forgiveness
Who were Elijah and Elisha?
Elijah and Elisha were prophets in the Old Testament. They followed God and performed many miracles by His power.
Why is Elijah important?
Elijah showed God’s power through miracles, like calling down fire from heaven. He reminded people to follow God.
What does it mean that Elisha had a double portion of Elijah’s spirit?
It means Elisha continued Elijah’s work with even more power. God gave Elisha extra strength to perform miracles.
How can we apply the lessons from Elijah and Elisha to our lives?
We can trust God and follow His will, just like Elijah and Elisha. We may not do miracles, but we can show God’s love in our actions.
Why did Jesus teach the Lord’s Prayer?
Jesus taught the Lord’s Prayer to show us how to pray simply and sincerely. It helps us talk to God like a child talks to a loving father.
What is the main message of the Lord’s Prayer?
The main message is to trust God, ask for what we need, and forgive others. This prayer helps us stay close to God.
Why is forgiving others important?
Jesus says if we forgive others, God will forgive us. Forgiving others helps keep our hearts pure and our relationships strong.
What should we learn from the Gospel reading for Thursday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?
We should learn to pray sincerely and forgive others. This helps us grow closer to God and live in peace with others.
How can we follow God’s will in our daily lives?
We can pray, listen to God, and do what is right. By helping others and forgiving, we follow God’s will.
What is the connection between prayer and forgiveness?
Prayer keeps us close to God, and forgiveness keeps our hearts clean. Both are important for a good relationship with God and others.
Trusting in God’s Power and Love
Thursday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 teaches us about God’s strength and care. In the first reading, we hear about Elijah and Elisha, prophets who trusted in God and carried out His mission. Their faith allowed them to lead others and show that God’s power was at work in their lives.
The Gospel brings us the Lord’s Prayer, a simple and sincere way to speak with God. Jesus teaches us to focus on what matters most in prayer: honoring God, asking for His help, and forgiving others. This prayer reminds us of God’s love and invites us to trust Him completely.
Together, these readings show us how to live with faith. By trusting in God’s power and praying with open hearts, we can follow His will and share His message with others. He calls us to rely on Him and be part of His plan to bring love and hope to the world.
Your Turn
Take a moment to reflect on the readings for Thursday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2. How can you trust more in God’s power and love? Consider how the Lord’s Prayer can guide your own prayers and help you grow closer to God.
Share your thoughts in the comments. Your reflections can inspire others to deepen their faith and follow God more closely. Let’s encourage each other to live out His teachings every day.
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