Monday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time
Monday January 20, 2025
Daily Mass Readings for Monday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1
- First Reading – Hebrews 5:1-10: Christ, like other high priests, offered sacrifices for sins, empathizing with human weakness. Called by God, He is a priest forever in Melchizedek’s order, perfecting obedience through suffering.
- Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 110: The Lord promises eternal priesthood in Melchizedek’s line, offering royal dignity from birth, commanding amidst enemies, and an unchanging vow of an everlasting priesthood.
- Gospel – Mark 2:18-22: Questioned about His disciples not fasting like others, Jesus likened their situation to a wedding celebration, where guests don’t fast in the presence of the bridegroom, hinting at His role and the joy of His presence. He predicted a time for fasting after His departure. Jesus used metaphors of unshrunk cloth on an old cloak and new wine in old wineskins to illustrate the incompatibility of His new teachings with old traditions, emphasizing the need for renewal to embrace His message.
Can the wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them? As long as they have the bridegroom with them they cannot fast. But the days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast on that day.
Mark 2:19
Themes for the Readings for Monday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1
On Monday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 1, the readings focus on themes of Jesus’ role as the High Priest, the call to new life, and the importance of a heart open to God’s grace. In Hebrews, Jesus is shown as the High Priest, called by God to offer sacrifice for sins. In the Gospel, Jesus teaches about change and newness, reminding us that following Him requires open hearts and minds.
- Jesus as High Priest: Hebrews presents Jesus as the High Priest, chosen by God to intercede for humanity. He brings mercy, making a way for us to draw close to God.
- Obedience to God: Jesus’ life shows obedience to God’s will, even in suffering. His example calls us to follow God’s direction with trust, even when it is difficult.
- Newness in Christ: In the Gospel, Jesus speaks of new wine needing new wineskins, showing that faith in Him brings new life. This invites us to let go of old ways and be open to change.
- Humility in Service: Jesus serves as High Priest with humility, understanding human weakness. This reminds us that true service is humble and compassionate, centered on love and understanding.
- Open Hearts for Change: Jesus explains that following Him requires open hearts, ready for something new. We are called to welcome God’s grace, allowing Him to reshape our lives.
- Intercession and Compassion: As High Priest, Jesus intercedes with compassion for all. This teaches us the value of praying for others, knowing that God hears and responds with love.
These themes for Monday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 1, guide us to a deeper understanding of Jesus’ role and invite us to open our hearts to God’s grace. They remind us to be ready for new growth and to trust in God’s plans.
Thoughts for Monday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1
On Monday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 1, the readings offer insight into Jesus’ role as our compassionate High Priest, the call to be open to change, and the personal journey of growth in faith. Hebrews presents Jesus as one who serves humbly, understanding human struggles and offering mercy. The Gospel shows that following Jesus means being ready for new ways of thinking and living. These reflections encourage us to embrace God’s grace, live with humility, and seek renewal in our faith.
Jesus, Our Compassionate High Priest
On Monday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 1, Hebrews presents Jesus as a High Priest who serves with humility and compassion. As a High Priest, Jesus represents humanity before God, fully understanding human struggles and weaknesses. His humility is shown in the way He relates to us, offering mercy and understanding rather than judgment. This is a reminder that true service is grounded in love and empathy.
Jesus’ role as High Priest calls us to follow His example of humility. True service is not about control or self-importance but about helping others with a compassionate heart. Jesus does not look down on people’s weaknesses. Instead, He approaches them with kindness and offers hope. When we serve others, we are invited to bring this same spirit of humility and love.
Following Jesus means serving others with compassion, especially those who are struggling. His example reminds us to listen, understand, and respond with kindness. On Monday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 1, we are encouraged to serve with humility, centering our actions on love and understanding rather than pride.
Openness to God’s Grace
The Gospel for Monday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 1, shows that following Jesus requires an openness to change. Jesus uses the image of new wine needing new wineskins, teaching that His followers are called to be open to something new. Faith is not about rigid rules or staying the same; it’s about welcoming God’s grace and allowing it to reshape our lives.
Jesus’ teaching challenges us to examine our own hearts. We are called to personal growth, not to force change on others. When we open our hearts to God, He helps us see where we need to grow and guides us toward positive change. This openness allows us to be renewed by God’s grace, experiencing new ways to live out our faith.
Being open to change means letting go of habits or attitudes that might hold us back. Jesus invites us to be ready for something fresh, trusting that God knows what is best for us. Monday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 1, reminds us that faith is an ongoing journey of growth, and by opening our hearts to God’s guidance, we allow Him to lead us to a fuller life in Him.
Growth and Renewal in Faith
The readings for Monday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 1, emphasize that true faith involves growth and renewal. Hebrews describes Jesus’ obedience to God’s will, even through suffering. This obedience brings spiritual growth, showing that challenges can help us deepen our trust in God. The Gospel builds on this by teaching that faith requires new attitudes, like a new wineskin ready for fresh wine.
Both readings invite us to let God reshape our lives, leading us to be better followers of Jesus. Growth in faith is a personal journey, focused on becoming more like Christ rather than trying to control others. By focusing on our own growth, we become more aware of God’s grace and how He can help us live with purpose.
Faith calls us to continual renewal, letting God guide us through every stage of life. Jesus’ example of obedience encourages us to listen to God and follow His direction, trusting that He knows what we need. Monday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 1, reminds us that true faith is an invitation to ongoing growth, a journey where we open our lives to God’s grace and love.
Monday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 1, reminds us of the importance of opening our hearts to God’s guidance and striving for personal growth. By following Jesus’ example of humble service and allowing God to reshape our lives, we find a path toward true fulfillment in faith. May we be ready to welcome the changes God brings and trust Him to lead us closer to His love.
Prayer
Lord, help us to follow Jesus with open hearts and a spirit of humility. May we embrace the changes You bring and trust in Your guidance each day. Lead us to serve others with compassion and grow in faith through Your grace. Amen.
Reflection Questions
- How can I serve others with the same humility and compassion that Jesus shows?
- In what areas of my life do I feel God calling me to be more open to change?
- How does focusing on my own growth in faith help me draw closer to God?
- What routines or attitudes might I need to let go of to welcome God’s grace fully?
Homilies and Reflections for Monday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1
Word on Fire: The Wedding Banquet
Bishop Robert Barron reflects on the Gospel for Monday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, emphasizing the theme of a wedding banquet as a symbol of God’s covenant with His people. He highlights how this motif, present throughout the Old Testament, represents God’s desire to reunite with His people, despite their sins and exile. In Jesus’ ministry, this theme continues as He welcomes all, including sinners and outcasts, to the Lord’s table, symbolizing unity and reconciliation. Jesus embodies the union of heaven and earth, divinity and humanity, and His presence signifies the ongoing celebration of this great wedding banquet, explaining why His disciples do not fast.
Questions and Answers for Monday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1
What date is Monday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?
The next date is Monday January 20, 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 odd numbered years see Monday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2.
What are the Mass readings for Monday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?
The Mass readings for Monday January 20, 2025 are:
First Reading – Hebrews 5:1-10: Christ, the Eternal High Priest
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 110: Priesthood Forever in Majesty
Gospel – Mark 2:18-22: Jesus on Fasting and Change
What does it mean that Jesus is a High Priest?
On Monday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, the reading from Hebrews explains Jesus as a High Priest. This means He stands between God and humanity, offering Himself to bring forgiveness and mercy to all.
Why is Jesus’ obedience important?
Jesus’ obedience to God’s will, even through suffering, shows us the importance of trusting God fully. It encourages us to follow God’s path, even when it is difficult, knowing that He has a purpose for us.
How does Jesus’ role as High Priest help us?
As our High Priest, Jesus prays and intercedes for us with love and mercy. This reassures us that we can turn to Him with our needs, trusting He will guide us and draw us closer to God.
What does the “new wine in new wineskins” mean?
In the Gospel for Monday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, Jesus talks about new wine needing new wineskins. This means that following Him may require a new way of thinking and living, letting go of old habits to welcome new growth in faith.
Why do people question Jesus about fasting?
People ask why Jesus’ disciples are not fasting because fasting was a common religious practice. Jesus explains that He brings a new way of faith, where His followers focus on joy, change, and closeness to God rather than strict rules.
What does it mean to have an “open heart”?
An open heart means being willing to let God guide and change us. Jesus’ teaching in the Gospel for Monday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 encourages us to welcome new ways of thinking and living, ready to grow in faith.
What is the purpose of Jesus talking about old and new ways?
Jesus’ teaching on old and new ways helps us understand that faith in Him can bring new purpose and joy. He encourages us to let go of routines that may hold us back and be ready to receive God’s grace in a fresh way.
How can I apply these teachings in my life?
The readings encourage us to trust in God, be open to His guidance, and be willing to change. We can pray for help to follow Jesus’ example of obedience and ask for strength to live with an open heart.
A New Path of Faith and Openness
On Monday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 1, the readings highlight the role of Jesus as our High Priest and the need for openness to new ways of faith. In Hebrews, Jesus is described as a High Priest chosen by God, bringing mercy and understanding to all who seek Him. His life of obedience, even through suffering, sets an example for us to follow. Jesus willingly carries out God’s will, showing us that true faith includes trust and surrender.
In the Gospel, Jesus speaks of new wine needing new wineskins, teaching us that following Him may require letting go of old habits. This image of new wine encourages us to be open to change and growth. Jesus explains that His followers are called to a new path of faith, one that focuses on joy and connection to God rather than strict rules or routines.
These readings encourage us to live with open hearts, ready to receive God’s grace in fresh ways. By following Jesus’ example of obedience and trust, we allow God to lead us to a deeper and more meaningful relationship with Him. Monday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 1, calls us to trust in Jesus, to be open to new beginnings, and to live with hearts ready for God’s guidance.
Your Turn
On Monday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 1, we are invited to follow Jesus with open hearts and to welcome God’s guidance. Take some time to reflect on areas in your life where you feel called to grow in faith. Are there habits or routines that may hold you back from fully trusting in God?
Consider sharing your reflections in the comments and encourage others by sharing how God’s grace has helped you be open to new beginnings.
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