Tuesday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time

Tuesday July 7, 2026

Daily Mass Readings for Tuesday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2

First Reading – Hosea 8:4-7, 11-13: Kings and idols made without God’s approval lead to destruction. Sowing wind reaps whirlwind, and misguided sacrifices do not please the Lord. Their guilt remembered, they will return to Egypt.
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 115: God, in heaven, does as he wills. Idols, made of silver and gold by humans, can’t speak, see, hear, feel, or walk. Those who trust in them will become just as inert.
Gospel – Matthew 9:32-38: Jesus heals a mute demoniac, amazes the crowd, and faces skepticism from the Pharisees. He travels, teaches, and heals, feeling compassion for the troubled crowds, and urges prayer for more workers to gather the harvest.

Upcoming dates: July 7, 2026, July 11, 2028, July 9, 2030, July 6, 2032

The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.
Matthew 9:37-38

Themes for the Readings for Tuesday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2

The readings for Tuesday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 highlight themes of God’s disapproval of false practices and the need for true faith and compassion. Hosea warns of the consequences of misguided actions, while Jesus shows love and care for the suffering.

False Leadership: Hosea speaks against kings made without God’s approval. This leads to ruin and teaches us the importance of following God’s will.
Idolatry’s Consequences: Hosea warns that making idols brings destruction. This shows the danger of turning away from God.
Empty Sacrifices: Hosea mentions sacrifices that do not please God. True worship requires sincerity and faithfulness.

Returning to Bondage: Hosea says the people will return to Egypt. This symbolizes falling back into old sins and away from God’s grace.
Healing and Compassion: Jesus heals a mute demoniac and feels compassion for the crowds. This teaches us about the power of Jesus’ love and mercy.
Skepticism and Faith: The Pharisees doubt Jesus’ miracles. This shows the contrast between unbelief and the faith needed to see God’s work.

The readings for Tuesday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 remind us of the importance of true faith and worship. They call us to trust in God and follow His ways faithfully.

Reflection for Tuesday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2

The readings for Tuesday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 teach us about the importance of true faith and the consequences of turning away from God. Through the words of Hosea and the actions of Jesus, we learn valuable lessons on leadership, idolatry, healing, and compassion.

False Leadership

Hosea warns against kings made without God’s approval. These leaders bring destruction because they do not follow God’s will. It is a reminder that our actions and choices should align with God’s plans.

When we choose leaders or make decisions without seeking God’s guidance, we risk going astray. Hosea’s message is clear: only those who follow God can lead us in the right direction. We must seek God’s wisdom in all things.

We often see the consequences of poor leadership in our world. By reflecting on Hosea’s words, we learn to prioritize God’s approval in our lives. This helps us avoid the pitfalls of false leadership.

Idolatry’s Consequences

Hosea also speaks about the dangers of idolatry. Making idols and turning away from God leads to destruction. This theme reminds us to keep God at the center of our lives.

Idolatry is not just about worshiping statues. It can be anything that takes the place of God in our hearts. Money, power, and even relationships can become idols if we value them more than God.

Hosea’s warning helps us examine our priorities. We should remove anything that takes God’s place in our lives. This way, we can avoid the consequences of idolatry and stay faithful to God.

Healing and Compassion

In the Gospel, Jesus heals a mute demoniac. He feels compassion for the crowds and tends to their needs. This shows us the power of Jesus’ love and mercy.

Jesus’ actions teach us to care for others. He heals and comforts those who are suffering. We are called to follow His example and show compassion to those around us.

By helping others, we reflect Jesus’ love in our world. His compassion inspires us to be kind and caring, making a positive difference in the lives of those we encounter.

The readings for Tuesday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 remind us of the importance of staying true to God. They call us to seek His guidance, avoid idolatry, and show compassion. By reflecting on these themes, we can grow in faith and live according to God’s will.

Prayer

Lord, guide us in our choices and actions. Help us avoid false idols and stay faithful to You. Fill our hearts with compassion, so we may care for those in need. Amen.

Reflection Questions

How do you seek God’s guidance when making decisions in your life?
Are there any “idols” in your life that take the place of God? How can you refocus on Him?

How can you show compassion and care to those who are suffering or in need?
What steps can you take to ensure your actions and choices align with God’s will?

Homilies and Commentaries for Tuesday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2

USCCB Reflection: Called to Harvest

In a reflection from the USCCB for Tuesday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, Jesus casts out a demon, but people question his authority. He reminds his disciples that the harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Jesus calls everyone to be part of his mission, urging us to spread his love and message.

We are called to work in our everyday lives, whether as workers, caregivers, or in any other role. The reflection emphasizes that we are all called to share the joy and love of Christ with others.

Word on Fire: The True Victory

In this reflection for Tuesday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, Bishop Robert Barron explains Jesus’ call to evangelize. The term “evangelize” means sharing the good news, just as ancient messengers announced victories. Christians proclaim that the ultimate victory over sin and death was won by Jesus, not by worldly powers like Caesar.

Jesus overcame the darkest evils, showing that God’s love is stronger than any enemy. This message shifts the focus from old rituals to following Christ. Jesus is the true King, and believers are called to make him the center of their lives.

USCCB Reflection: Jesus’ Call for Laborers

In this USCCB video reflection for Tuesday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, we learn about Jesus’ busy ministry in Galilee. He taught, healed, and showed great compassion for the troubled crowds, who were like sheep without a shepherd.

The reflection emphasizes that Jesus saw the vast needs around Him and called for more workers to help. We are challenged to be the answer to this call and to respond to the needs in our world.

Questions and Answers for Tuesday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2

What date is Tuesday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

The next date is Tuesday July 7, 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 Tuesday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1.

What are the Mass readings for Tuesday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

The Mass readings for Tuesday July 7, 2026 are:
First Reading – Hosea 8:4-7, 11-13: Idolatry and Its Consequences
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 115: Trust in the Living God, Not in Idols
Gospel – Matthew 9:32-38: Healing and Compassion for the Crowds

What does Hosea mean by “kings made without God’s approval” in the first reading for Tuesday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

Hosea is talking about leaders chosen by the people, not by God. These leaders do not follow God’s will and lead the people astray. We learn the importance of seeking God’s guidance in choosing leaders.

Why does Hosea warn about idols?

Hosea warns that idols are false gods and lead to destruction. Making and worshipping idols means turning away from the true God. This warning teaches us to keep God at the center of our lives.

What does “sowing wind” and “reaping whirlwind” mean?

“Sowing wind” means doing empty or wrong things. “Reaping whirlwind” means facing bad consequences from those actions. Hosea shows that our actions have consequences.

Why does Hosea say the people will return to Egypt?

Hosea uses Egypt as a symbol of bondage and sin. Returning to Egypt means falling back into old sins and away from God’s grace.

How can we apply Hosea’s warnings in our lives?

We can avoid false leadership, idolatry, and empty actions. We should seek God’s guidance and stay faithful. Me must prioritize God’s will in our lives.

Why were the Pharisees skeptical of Jesus’ miracles in the Gospel for Tuesday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

The Pharisees doubted Jesus’ power and authority. They did not believe He was sent by God. This shows the difference between faith and unbelief.

What does Jesus’ healing of the mute demoniac teach us?

Jesus’ healing shows His power and compassion. He cares for those who suffer. This encourages us to show compassion to others.

What does Jesus mean by “the harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few”?

Jesus means there are many people who need to hear God’s message, but few to spread it. He calls for more workers to share the Gospel.

How can we follow Jesus’ example of compassion?

We can help those in need and show kindness. Jesus’ actions remind us to care for others. By doing this, we reflect Jesus’ love in our world.

Turning Back to God and Following Jesus

The readings for Tuesday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 remind us of the consequences of turning away from God and the healing compassion of Jesus. In the first reading from Hosea, God speaks about the people’s unfaithfulness. They made kings and idols without God’s guidance, and their actions brought destruction. God warns that what they sow in sin, they will reap in suffering. This reminds us to follow God’s ways and not rely on our own plans.

In the Gospel from Matthew, Jesus heals a man who is unable to speak because of demonic possession. The crowd is amazed, but the Pharisees criticize Jesus. Jesus does not stop His work. He continues to teach, heal, and bring hope to the people. He is moved with compassion, seeing them as sheep without a shepherd.

These readings call us to reflect on our own faithfulness to God and to trust in Jesus’ power to guide and heal us. God desires our hearts and our actions to align with His will, while Jesus shows us the depth of His care and love for all people.

Your Turn

Take time today to reflect on Tuesday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2. How can you turn away from anything that separates you from God? How can you share Jesus’ compassion with those around you?

Share your reflections in the comments. Let’s encourage one another to stay faithful to God and trust in Jesus’ care as we strive to live lives of faith and love.