Daily Mass Readings for Monday of the 19th Week in Ordinary Time
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.
- First Reading (Cycle 1) - Deuteronomy 10:12-22: Moses instructs the people to revere and serve the LORD, follow his commandments, and love him with all their heart and soul. He reminds them of God's greatness, justice, and the blessings they have received, urging them to be compassionate.
- First Reading (Cycle 2) - Ezekiel 1:2-5, 24-28c: Ezekiel, by the river Chebar, witnesses a vision of a stormwind, a great cloud, and figures resembling human forms. He hears their wings and sees something like a throne with a figure seated on it, surrounded by splendor, symbolizing the glory of the LORD.
- Responsorial Psalm (Cycle 1) - Psalm 147: Jerusalem is called to glorify the LORD, who has protected and blessed the city. He has granted peace, filled it with the best of wheat, and made His word known only to Israel.
- Responsorial Psalm (Cycle 2) - Psalm 148: The LORD is praised from the heavens by angels, hosts, kings, judges, young and old alike. His name alone is exalted, and His majesty is above earth and heaven. Israel, His close people, lift their voices in praise.
- Gospel - Matthew 17:22-27: Jesus predicts His death and resurrection, causing grief among His disciples. In Capernaum, He instructs Peter to find a coin in a fish's mouth to pay the temple tax, showing His mastery over all creation.
Themes for the Daily Mass Readings for Monday of the 19th Week in Ordinary Time
- Jesus' Prediction of His Death and Resurrection: The gospel highlights Jesus' prediction of His impending suffering, death, and resurrection. This theme underscores the sacrificial nature of His mission and the fulfillment of prophetic promises.
- Human Incomprehension: The disciples' lack of understanding about Jesus' words is evident. This theme emphasizes the difficulty in comprehending divine plans and the limitations of human understanding.
- Jesus' Divine Knowledge: Jesus' foreknowledge of events is showcased as He predicts the payment of the temple tax. This theme highlights His divine insight and authority.
- Provision and Obedience: The coin in the fish's mouth illustrates God's provision and the fulfillment of Jesus' instruction. This theme underscores the principle of God's timely provision when obedience is followed.
- Avoiding Offense: Jesus pays the temple tax to avoid causing offense. This theme highlights the importance of not causing unnecessary stumbling blocks for others, even when not required.
What is your opinion, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth take tolls or census tax? From their subjects or from foreigners?
Matthew 17:25
Thoughts for Monday of the 19th Week in Ordinary Time
In the gospel for Monday of the 19th Week in Ordinary Time, Jesus predicts His death for the second time, linking it to the theme of His upcoming Passion. He does this in a very matter-of-fact way, giving the disciples a glimpse of His acceptance of the Father's will. For Catholics, this may inspire a willingness to accept God's will in our lives, even when it's difficult.
The payment of the temple tax is another key aspect. Jesus makes a point to Peter about His divine sonship, and yet, to avoid scandal, He directs Peter to pay the tax. This emphasizes the importance of fulfilling our societal and religious obligations while keeping in mind our deeper relationship with God.
Jesus' method of providing the money for the tax, through a fish caught by Peter, is both a miracle and a lesson. It shows how God can provide for our needs in unexpected ways, and it encourages trust in Him. We may find comfort in this aspect of the story, recognizing God's hand in their lives.
There's a connection here between faith and action. Jesus' foreknowledge of His death, His teaching on the temple tax, and His miraculous provision all call for a response from the disciples. In Catholic understanding, faith isn't just about belief but also about how that belief is lived out in everyday actions and decisions.
Overall, this passage invites us to reflect on acceptance, trust, obedience, and the integration of faith into every part of life. It's not only about understanding who Jesus is but also about following Him in both big and small ways, being open to God's unexpected help, and living out our faith in practical ways.
Prayer for Monday of the 19th Week in Ordinary Time
Holy Spirit, source of wisdom and understanding, guide us to grasp the deeper meanings of your teachings. Like the coin found in the fish's mouth, may we discover the hidden treasures of your word and apply them to our lives. May your guidance lead us to fulfill your will and share your teachings with others, bringing them closer to your divine presence. Amen.
Homilies and Reflections for Monday of the 19th Week in Ordinary Time
Word On Fire: Resurrection's Affirmation of the Cross
In today's Gospel, Jesus prophesies his Crucifixion and Resurrection, a pivotal moment. In this reflection for Monday of the 19th Week in Ordinary Time Bishop Robert Barron explains that the cross held significance for early Christians because God's resurrection of Jesus affirmed its importance in salvation. This highlighted God's involvement in the redemptive process.
USCCB Reflection: A Glimpse into Apostleship and Sacrifice
This USCCB reflection for Monday of the 19th Week in Ordinary Time opens with a fisherman's anecdote, connecting it to the Gospel's essence. Simon's extraordinary fish catch mirrors Jesus' transformative power, paving the way for the reflection on apostleship's core—embracing suffering, death, and resurrection. The narrative highlights Saint Maximilian Kolbe's selfless sacrifice, celebrated as the patron saint of a challenging era. The Gospel's portrayal of the apostles' perplexity at Jesus' revelation underlines the concept of unmerited redemption. The video concludes by inviting praise for the gift of apostleship in adversity, stressing its call to heroic selflessness and sacrifice.
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