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.
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.
Thoughts for Thursday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
On Thursday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, we see the powerful actions of Elijah and Elisha. They were prophets who followed God with all their hearts. God used them to perform miracles and guide His people.
Elijah showed great courage and faith. He stood up to false prophets and called down fire from heaven. His actions reminded people of God’s power and presence.
Elisha, who followed Elijah, also did many miracles. He had a double portion of Elijah’s spirit. This shows how God can continue His work through others who are faithful.
The Lord’s Prayer
In the Gospel reading for Thursday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, Jesus teaches us how to pray. He gives us the Lord’s Prayer as a perfect example. This prayer is simple and sincere.
Jesus wants us to talk to God like a child talks to a loving father. He tells us to ask for what we need and to forgive others. This helps us stay close to God and to each other.
Forgiving others is very important. Jesus says that if we forgive others, God will forgive us. This shows how our relationships with others affect our relationship with God.
Living God’s Will
The lives of Elijah and Elisha show the blessings of following God’s will. They trusted God and did what He asked. Because of this, they were able to do great things.
On Thursday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, we are reminded to follow God’s will in our own lives. We may not perform miracles, but we can still show God’s love through our actions. By praying sincerely and forgiving others, we become closer to God.
Prayer
Dear Lord, help us to pray with sincere hearts. Teach us to forgive others as you forgive us. Guide us to follow Your will every day. Amen.
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.
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