Tuesday of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time
Tuesday January 14, 2025
Daily Mass Readings for Tuesday of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1
- First Reading – Hebrews 2:5-12: God entrusted the world to humans, not angels. Though not all is under human control, Jesus, briefly lower than angels, now reigns in glory, having tasted death for all, leading us to salvation.
- Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 8: God’s majesty echoes across the earth. He regards humanity, slightly below angels, with glory and honor, entrusting them with dominion over all creation, from land to sea.
- Gospel – Mark 1:21-28: In Capernaum’s synagogue, Jesus’ teaching, marked by exceptional authority, astonished the people. His authority was dramatically displayed when He commanded an unclean spirit to leave a possessed man. The spirit’s compliance and dramatic exit left the congregation amazed, sparking discussions about Jesus’ powerful teachings and command over spirits. This event significantly enhanced Jesus’ renown throughout Galilee.
Jesus came to Capernaum with his followers, and on the sabbath he entered the synagogue and taught. The people were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority and not as the scribes.
Mark 1:21-22
Themes for the Readings for Tuesday of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1
On Tuesday of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, the readings highlight the authority of Jesus, the role of humanity in God’s plan, and His power over both creation and spiritual forces. These themes invite us to reflect on Jesus’ example of humility and how we respond to His teachings.
- Humanity’s Special Role: God gave humans a unique role in creation, entrusting them with responsibilities. Although people do not control everything, they are part of God’s plan, with Jesus leading them to salvation.
- Jesus’ Authority in Teaching: In the Gospel, Jesus teaches with unusual authority, surprising His listeners. This authority is unlike that of other teachers, showing that His wisdom comes from God.
- Power over Evil: Jesus commands an unclean spirit to leave a man, demonstrating His power over evil. This event reveals His strength and commitment to freeing people from harm and restoring their lives.
- Humility and Exaltation: Jesus humbled Himself by becoming human, briefly lower than the angels, before being glorified. His humility teaches us that true greatness involves service and sacrifice.
- Faith and Recognition: The people of Capernaum witnessed Jesus’ actions and responded with awe. Their reaction calls us to recognize Jesus’ authority and accept His teachings with openness and faith.
- Spreading the Good News: The news of Jesus’ works and authority spread throughout Galilee. This reminds us of the importance of sharing our faith and allowing others to encounter Jesus’ teachings.
Reflecting on Tuesday of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 helps us see the importance of Jesus’ mission and His unique authority. Through these themes, we can gain a deeper understanding of His love and power in our lives.
Thoughts for Tuesday of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1
Tuesday of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 gives us valuable insights into Jesus’ humility, His willingness to serve, and His authority. These reflections explore how Jesus models true greatness, the impact of sharing faith, and the strength we find in His power. Each theme invites us to reflect on ways we can embrace humility, speak of God’s goodness, and trust in His authority. Through these readings, we see Jesus as our guide in faith, teaching us how to live out God’s love daily.
True Greatness in Service and Sacrifice
On Tuesday of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, we are reminded that Jesus models true greatness through humility. In the first reading, we see that although God made Jesus the leader of all, He first took on a humble position, sharing in our humanity. Jesus’ life shows us that greatness isn’t about status or power but about service and sacrifice. He became fully human and faced suffering, showing that true leadership is grounded in empathy and compassion.
Jesus’ humility invites us to consider how we approach service in our own lives. Do we give freely and without seeking recognition, or do we feel we deserve praise for our efforts? Jesus shows us a path where true humility means putting others first. His authority doesn’t come from control but from His selfless love. This reading challenges us to seek humility in our relationships and actions, knowing that God values a humble heart.
Through His humble actions, Jesus not only serves as our Savior but as our example. We are called to reflect His humility and compassion in our everyday lives. Service and sacrifice, even in small ways, can make a big difference in the lives of those around us. As we think about this, let’s remember that true greatness is about lifting others up.
The Power of Sharing Faith
Tuesday of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 also highlights the importance of sharing the Good News. In the Gospel, the people of Galilee were captivated by Jesus’ authority and His acts of healing. His teachings and actions revealed God’s love in ways that amazed them. They were eager to tell others about Him, and word of His works quickly spread.
This story reminds us of our role in sharing our faith. When we experience the goodness of God in our own lives, it is natural to want others to know. Jesus didn’t keep His mission to Himself; He shared it openly. The people in Galilee were willing to talk about what they saw, helping others find hope in Jesus’ message. In our lives, we are also called to bring others closer to Jesus by sharing what we have learned and experienced in faith.
Sharing faith can be simple—it doesn’t require grand gestures. Sometimes it’s as easy as a kind word, a thoughtful action, or an invitation to pray. Just as the people of Galilee were moved to speak about Jesus’ works, we can be inspired to help others encounter His teachings in our own communities. Every small effort to share God’s love can create a ripple effect that brings more people closer to Him.
Strength in God’s Power and Authority
On Tuesday of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, the readings reveal that Jesus held authority over all things, including spiritual challenges. In the first reading, we learn that God gave Jesus a special place, one that even the angels respect. The Gospel demonstrates Jesus’ authority through His power to heal and command unclean spirits, which obeyed His word. His authority is unique because it brings healing, peace, and strength.
Jesus’ authority over evil reminds us that we can trust in His power when we face our own struggles. Life brings many challenges, but Jesus’ actions show that no obstacle is beyond His reach. The unclean spirit recognized Jesus’ authority immediately, proving that even the forces of darkness cannot withstand God’s power. This story encourages us to call on Jesus in times of need, believing that He will guide us through any difficulties we face.
By trusting in Jesus’ authority, we can live with a deeper sense of peace and confidence. God’s strength works through Jesus to protect and heal, and He offers that same strength to us. When we let Jesus be our guide, we find that His power supports us in every situation, helping us walk through life with hope and courage.
As we conclude these reflections for Tuesday of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, we are encouraged to follow Jesus’ example in our lives. Jesus calls us to live with humility, to spread His message, and to rely on His strength in times of struggle. By embracing these lessons, we deepen our walk with Christ and bring His love to others.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, help us to follow Your example of humility and service. Open our hearts to share Your love with those around us. Strengthen our faith in Your authority and power. Guide us to live with courage and trust in Your care. Amen.
Reflection Questions
- How does Jesus’ humility in serving others inspire you in your daily life?
- What are some simple ways you can share your faith with others?
- When facing challenges, how can you remember to rely on Jesus’ strength and authority?
- How does the idea of serving those who cannot repay you influence your view of generosity?
Homilies and Reflections for Tuesday of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1
Word on Fire: Cleansing Power
In this reflection for Tuesday of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, Bishop Robert Barron emphasizes that Jesus seeks to cleanse our hearts, much like He drove out the unclean spirit in the Capernaum synagogue. He highlights that our hearts should be temples of God’s presence, but often they’re filled with worldly desires like money, success, or pleasure. Bishop Barron references Fulton J. Sheen, discussing the “expulsive power” of Christ to remove these misplaced priorities and restore God to the center of our lives. When we invite Jesus into our hearts through conversion, He acts as a nonviolent warrior and judge, cleansing us with His divine authority and power.
Questions and Answers for Tuesday of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1
What date is Tuesday of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?
The next date is Tuesday January 14, 2025.
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 even numbered years see Tuesday of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2.
What are the Mass readings for Tuesday of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?
The Mass readings for Tuesday January 14, 2025 are:
First Reading – Hebrews 2:5-12: Humanity and Jesus’ Sacrifice
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 8: Dominion of Humanity
Gospel – Mark 1:21-28: Authority Over Unclean Spirits
What is the main focus of the first reading on Tuesday of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?
The First Reading focuses on the role of humanity and Jesus’ leadership. God entrusts people with creation, while Jesus leads us to salvation through His life and sacrifice.
Why does the first reading mention Jesus as the one who brings salvation?
The reading emphasizes that salvation comes through Jesus alone. He leads us closer to God, showing that our hope and strength lie in following Him.
Why is it significant that Jesus was briefly made lower than the angels?
Jesus chose to become human, taking on humility to save humanity. This shows His willingness to enter into human experiences, including suffering, so He could ultimately lead us to God.
What does Jesus’ authority in the Gospel reveal?
Jesus’ authority reveals His unique connection to God. His words and actions carry power, as seen when He commands an unclean spirit to leave a man and the spirit obeys.
How does Jesus’ authority over spirits apply to our lives?
Jesus’ power over spirits reminds us that He is stronger than any challenge we face. We can trust Him to help us overcome struggles, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual.
Why were the people amazed at Jesus’ teaching on Tuesday of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?
The people were amazed because Jesus taught with a different authority than other teachers. His words seemed to carry a power that went beyond what they were used to.
Why does Jesus’ fame spread in the Gospel reading?
People shared stories of His teachings and miracles, which led others to seek Him. This spreading of the news encourages us to share our faith and tell others about Jesus in simple ways.
How can we apply the theme of humility from these readings?
We can apply humility by serving others and putting their needs before our own, just as Jesus did. Humility opens us to be led by God, who will guide us through both good and difficult times.
What lesson can we learn about faith from Tuesday of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?
These readings encourage us to recognize and trust Jesus’ authority. Faith involves seeing Jesus as our guide and source of strength, even when we face difficulties.
Jesus’ Authority and Humility: A Call to Follow
On Tuesday of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, the readings highlight Jesus’ role as a leader and Savior who shares in our human experience. The First Reading reminds us that God entrusted the world to humanity, placing Jesus as the one who, though briefly lower than angels, now reigns in glory. Through His humility, Jesus shows that He understands human struggles, and He became one of us to lead us toward salvation.
The Gospel reading recounts Jesus’ powerful teaching in Capernaum. His words amazed listeners because He spoke with unique authority. When an unclean spirit confronted Him, Jesus commanded it to leave the possessed man, and it obeyed instantly. This display of power and authority over evil left people astonished, and they spread the news of His strength and compassion.
These passages help us understand Jesus as both approachable and powerful. He meets us where we are, yet guides us toward a deeper life of faith. He invites us to trust in His guidance and authority, as He is able to calm all that troubles us. As we read about Jesus’ call to humility, faith, and service, we are encouraged to follow His example in our daily actions.
Your Turn
On Tuesday of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, we see Jesus’ authority in action as He speaks with power and heals those who are suffering. Consider what it means to follow His example of humility and faith, and reflect on ways to serve others selflessly.
How can you invite His strength into your life today? Join the conversation by sharing your insights or experiences in the comment section. Let’s learn from each other and build each other up in faith.
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