Thursday July 16, 2026
Daily Mass Readings for Thursday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
- First Reading – Isaiah 26:7-9, 12, 16-19: The path of the just is made smooth by the Lord. We yearn for His presence, seeking His judgments and peace. Though oppressed, we trust in His promise of resurrection and salvation.
- Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 102: The Lord’s name endures forever. He will have mercy on Zion, rebuilding it and hearing the prayers of the destitute. The nations will revere His name and future generations will praise Him.
- Gospel – Matthew 11:28-30: Jesus invites those who are tired and burdened to come to him for rest. He promises that his yoke is easy and his burden is light, offering peace and relief.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart, and you will find rest for yourselves.
Matthew 11:29
Themes for the Readings for Thursday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
Thursday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 highlights important themes from the readings. These themes help us understand God’s guidance and care for us.
- God’s Guidance: God makes the path of the just smooth. He guides those who follow Him.
- Yearning for God: We long for God’s presence. We seek His judgments and peace.
- Trust in God: We trust God even when we face oppression. He promises resurrection and salvation.
- Rest in Jesus: Jesus invites the tired and burdened to find rest in Him. He offers peace and relief.
- Easy Yoke: Jesus’ yoke is easy, and His burden is light. Following Him brings comfort.
- Peace from God: God brings peace to those who seek Him. His presence provides calm.
These themes remind us of God’s constant care and guidance. They encourage us to trust in Him and find rest in Jesus.
Thoughts for Thursday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
Thursday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 offers readings that invite us to reflect on God’s guidance, our yearning for Him, and the rest we find in Jesus. These readings help us understand how to deepen our relationship with God.
God’s Guidance
God smooths the path for the just. He guides those who follow Him. This is a reminder that God is always with us, leading us on the right path.
When we face difficulties, we can trust that God is guiding us. Even when the path seems hard, God is there, making our way smooth. We need to trust in His guidance.
God’s guidance is not always clear to us. We might not see His hand in our lives. But we can be sure that He is always leading us, even when we don’t understand how.
Yearning for God
We long for God’s presence. This yearning is a natural part of our faith. We seek His judgments and peace in our lives.
As St. Augustine famously noted, our hearts are restless until they find rest in God. We are always looking for His peace and guidance. This longing keeps us close to Him.
When we yearn for God, we are drawn closer to Him. Our desire for His presence helps us grow in faith. We learn to rely on His peace and wisdom.
Rest in Jesus
Jesus invites the tired and burdened to find rest in Him. He offers peace and relief from our struggles. This is a comforting promise for us all.
We often feel weighed down by life’s troubles. Jesus knows our burdens and offers us rest. His invitation is open to everyone.
By coming to Jesus, we find the peace we need. His yoke is easy, and His burden is light. He provides the rest and comfort we seek.
Thursday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 reminds us of God’s constant care and guidance. These readings encourage us to trust in God, yearn for His presence, and find rest in Jesus. By focusing on these themes, we can grow in faith and find peace in our daily lives.
Prayer
Lord, guide us on our path. Help us yearn for Your presence and find rest in Jesus. Give us peace and strength each day. Amen.
Homilies and Reflections for Thursday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
USCCB Reflection: Lighten Your Burdens
In this USCCB video reflection for Thursday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, we are reminded to rely on God rather than carry life’s burdens alone. Jesus invites us to come to Him for rest, promising to lighten our loads. The reflection emphasizes that a life close to God doesn’t mean a life free of pain, but one where we find strength and wisdom through Him. Just as we would use a tool to ease our physical burdens, we should turn to God for spiritual support. Trusting in God’s love and guidance helps us navigate life’s challenges.
Word on Fire: Finding True Rest in Christ
In this reflection from Bishop Robert Barron for Thursday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, Jesus invites us to find true rest by coming to Him. This rest is not about relaxation, but achieving joy through a deep relationship with God. Bishop Barron explains that true joy comes not from filling our lives with material goods, but from emptying ourselves and following God’s will. Jesus offers His yoke, symbolizing His complete obedience to the Father. He invites us to be yoked with Him, to listen and obey as He does, leading us to true fulfillment and joy.
USCCB Reflection: Finding Rest in Jesus
This USCCB video reflection for Thursday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 speaks about feeling lonely and lost. It highlights Jesus’ invitation to come to Him for rest. In times of betrayal, abandonment, or loss, Jesus offers comfort and peace. He understands our struggles and calls us to find solace in His love. This reflection reminds us that with Christ, we can bear life’s turmoil.
Questions and Answers for Thursday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
What date is Thursday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?
The next date is Thursday July 16, 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 15th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1.
What are the Mass readings for Thursday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?
The Mass readings for Thursday July 16, 2026 are:
First Reading – Isaiah 26:7-9, 12, 16-19: Hope in the Lord’s Redemption
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 102: The Eternal Mercy of the Lord
Gospel – Matthew 11:28-30: Invitation to Rest
What does it mean that the path of the just is made smooth by the Lord?
This means that God helps those who live rightly. He guides their way and makes it easier for them to follow Him.
Why do we yearn for God’s presence?
We yearn for God’s presence because we want His peace and guidance. This longing helps us stay close to Him and follow His ways.
Why is it important to seek God’s judgments?
It is important to seek God’s judgments because they bring us peace and help us live rightly. His wisdom guides our actions.
How can we trust in God’s promise of resurrection and salvation?
We trust in God’s promise by believing in His word. Even when we face hard times, we know He will save us and bring us new life.
What does Jesus mean by saying His yoke is easy and His burden is light?
Jesus means that following Him is not too hard. He helps us carry our burdens and gives us rest and peace.
How can we find rest in Jesus?
We find rest in Jesus by coming to Him with our problems. He comforts us and gives us peace.
What should we do when we feel oppressed?
When we feel oppressed, we should trust in God’s promise. He will save us and give us strength to endure.
How can we apply the theme of God’s guidance in our lives?
We can apply God’s guidance by praying and seeking His will. We trust that He will lead us on the right path.
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