Thursday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time

• First Reading – Ecclesiastes 1:2-11: Life’s endeavors are ultimately meaningless, as everything is cyclical and transient. Generations come and go, the natural world follows its patterns, and nothing is truly new. Even human achievements won’t be remembered.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 90: In the face of God’s eternal perspective, human lives are brief and transient. Yet, in every age, God remains our refuge. We seek wisdom and God’s favor to make our days meaningful.
• Gospel – Luke 9:7-9: Herod hears varying rumors about Jesus, attributing him to John the Baptist, Elijah, or an ancient prophet. Confused and intrigued, especially since he had John beheaded, Herod seeks to see Jesus.

On Thursday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, the readings remind us of life’s passing nature and God’s work in the world. Ecclesiastes reflects on the repetitive cycle of life, while the Gospel of Luke shows Herod’s curiosity about Jesus. These readings invite us to consider deeper questions of life, time, and our relationship with God.

• Life’s fleeting nature: The first reading from Ecclesiastes highlights how everything on earth passes away. It reminds us that material things do not last and we should seek what is eternal.
• Time and repetition: The author of Ecclesiastes speaks about the constant cycles of nature and human life. This theme reminds us that while time moves in circles, God’s plan unfolds through it.
• Curiosity about Jesus: Herod hears about Jesus and is puzzled by Him. This shows how Jesus’ life and message caught the attention of many, even those in power.
• Seeking answers: Both readings show people searching for meaning. Ecclesiastes questions life’s purpose, and Herod seeks to understand Jesus.
• Questioning the world: Ecclesiastes makes us wonder about the world’s value and how often we repeat the same patterns. This connects to Herod’s confusion about who Jesus really is.
• The limits of human understanding: Both Ecclesiastes and Herod reveal how limited our understanding can be. We are reminded that we cannot know everything, but can trust in God’s wisdom.

These themes from Thursday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 challenge us to look beyond the surface of life. They invite us to trust God’s greater plan, even when things seem uncertain or confusing.

On Thursday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, the readings invite us to reflect on the cycles of life, the search for truth, and the limits of human understanding. Both Ecclesiastes and the Gospel remind us that while life can feel repetitive and uncertain, God’s plan is always unfolding. We are called to trust in God and seek the deeper meaning behind everything we experience.

The Cycles of Life and God’s Eternal Plan

In the first reading from Ecclesiastes on Thursday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, the author speaks of the ongoing cycles of life. Day turns to night, generations come and go, yet everything seems to repeat. This can leave people feeling like life has no lasting purpose. However, through these cycles, God’s plan continues to unfold, even if we don’t always see it clearly.

The constant changes in nature remind us that nothing on earth stays the same. But God remains steady. While life can feel like a cycle that never changes, God works through it all. Even when we experience loss, change, or confusion, we are part of something bigger than ourselves.

In these cycles, we are called to trust God’s plan. Our lives may seem small in the grand scope of time, but God gives them meaning. When we focus on His will, we can find peace in knowing that everything moves according to His purpose.

The Search for Truth in Jesus

The Gospel reading for Thursday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 shows Herod asking questions about Jesus. He has heard about the works of Jesus and is curious. Herod’s curiosity reflects a common search for truth. Many people, like Herod, hear about Jesus and want to know more, even if they don’t fully understand who He is.

This teaches us something important: it’s natural to seek truth, especially when we see good things happening. Even those who don’t fully believe in Jesus may still feel a pull to understand Him. Herod wasn’t a follower, but he couldn’t ignore the works of Jesus.

We are all invited to keep seeking Jesus. Sometimes, our understanding may be unclear or incomplete, but God calls us to follow Him. Even in moments of doubt or confusion, we should keep asking questions and looking for the truth in Jesus.

The Limits of Human Understanding

A common theme in both the first reading and the Gospel for Thursday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 is the limits of human understanding. Ecclesiastes shows that people often wonder about the purpose of life. Herod in the Gospel is confused about who Jesus is. Both readings remind us that we don’t have all the answers, and that’s okay.

In life, we often try to make sense of things, but some truths can only be understood through faith. Herod’s confusion and the reflections in Ecclesiastes show how human wisdom alone cannot grasp all of God’s mysteries. The answers we seek won’t always be found through reason or intellect.

This should lead us to trust in God, even when we don’t fully understand His ways. We can’t control everything or know all the reasons behind what happens. But when we surrender to God and trust in His plan, we can find peace despite our limited understanding.

As we reflect on the readings from Thursday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, we are reminded that human understanding has its limits. Yet, God’s wisdom surpasses all. Our task is to remain open to seeking Jesus and trusting in His plan, even when we don’t fully understand the path ahead.

Prayer

Lord, help us trust in Your plan, especially when life feels uncertain or confusing. Guide us to seek truth in Jesus and to find peace in knowing that You are always with us. Give us patience as we wait for Your purpose to unfold in our lives. Amen.

Reflection Questions

1. How do the cycles of life help you see God’s steady presence in your own journey?
2. In what ways are you seeking to know Jesus more deeply, even if you don’t fully understand Him?
3. How can you grow in trusting God’s plan when things in life seem unclear?
4. What steps can you take to be more open to God’s wisdom, especially when your own understanding feels limited?

Jesus Versus Worldly Power

In this reflection for Thursday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time, Bishop Robert Barron discusses how political figures are portrayed in the New Testament, with a focus on Herod’s complicated relationship with Jesus. He notes that these rulers often don’t come off well, largely because they represent a worldly power that conflicts with Jesus’ teachings.

Jesus distinguishes his kingdom as separate from the world, not in the sense of ignoring earthly concerns like justice and peace, but to highlight that his values differ from those of worldly powers. His kingdom rejects the sin, selfishness, and violence that often characterize earthly rulers.

What date is Thursday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

The next date is Thursday September 24, 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 25th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1.

What are the Mass readings for Thursday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

The Mass readings for Thursday September 24, 2026 are:
First Reading – Ecclesiastes 1:2-11: All is Vanity
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 90: Time and Divine Refuge
Gospel – Luke 9:7-9: Herod’s Curiosity

What does Ecclesiastes mean when it says everything is meaningless in the first reading for Thursday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

Many things in life seem empty. This reminds us that only God gives true meaning to life, not material things.

How can we apply the message of Ecclesiastes to our lives?

Focus on what lasts forever, not on things that will pass away. We should spend our lives following God and seeking His will instead of chasing after temporary success.

How does the first reading describe the cycle of life?

In the reading from Ecclesiastes for Thursday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, it mentions how life repeats itself with each generation. This helps us see that while life on earth comes and goes, God remains unchanging.

Why does Herod want to see Jesus in the Gospel reading for Thursday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

Herod is curious about Jesus because he hears about His works. It teaches us that many people search for truth, even if they don’t fully understand who Jesus is.

Why is Herod confused about Jesus?

Herod is unsure about Jesus’ identity because he hears many different things. This shows us that people may not always understand Jesus, but we should trust in Him even when we don’t have all the answers.

How can we follow the example of those seeking Jesus?

Herod wants to know more about Jesus. This reminds us to be like those who seek Jesus by spending time in prayer, learning about Him, and following His teachings.

What is the main point of the Gospel reading for Thursday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

People were trying to understand Jesus and what He was doing. It teaches us to be open to learning about Jesus and not be afraid to ask questions.