Tuesday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time
Tuesday January 21, 2025
Daily Mass Readings for Tuesday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1
- First Reading – Hebrews 6:10-20: God recognizes our work and love in serving His people. We are urged to emulate the faithful, like Abraham, who patiently inherited God’s promises, assured by His unchangeable oath and hope.
- Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 111: In the midst of the righteous, I praise the LORD’s perfect works. His deeds are remarkable; He is gracious and mindful of His everlasting covenant, ensuring eternal salvation.
- Gospel – Mark 2:23-28: While passing through a grain field on the Sabbath, Jesus’ disciples picked grain, prompting Pharisees to question the act’s lawfulness. Jesus referenced David eating the consecrated bread, accessible only to priests, to illustrate the necessity over ceremonial law. He emphasized that the Sabbath was made to serve humanity, not vice versa, declaring His authority as the Son of Man over the Sabbath. This teaching challenged traditional interpretations, placing human need above ritual observance.
As Jesus was passing through a field of grain on the sabbath, his disciples began to make a path while picking the heads of grain. At this the Pharisees said to him, “Look, why are they doing what is unlawful on the sabbath?”
Mark 2:23-24
Themes for the Readings for Tuesday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1
On Tuesday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 1, the readings focus on God’s promise, the importance of mercy, and Jesus’ authority. In Hebrews, God’s unchanging promise gives hope, while in the Gospel, Jesus shows that God’s mercy is greater than strict laws. These themes encourage a deeper trust in God’s promises and a compassionate understanding of His ways.
- God’s Unchanging Promise: Hebrews emphasizes that God’s promise is steadfast and trustworthy. This assurance helps us hold firm in faith, even when we face challenges.
- Anchor of Hope: The reading describes hope as an anchor, keeping us steady. This hope rooted in God’s promise can guide us through uncertainty and fear.
- Mercy Over Legalism: In the Gospel, Jesus reminds the Pharisees that mercy is greater than strict adherence to the law. He shows that following God’s will is about compassion and understanding rather than rigid rules.
- Jesus’ Authority: Jesus declares His authority over the Sabbath, teaching that He understands the true purpose of the law. This demonstrates that He has the wisdom to guide us in living according to God’s intentions.
- Faithfulness in Service: Hebrews acknowledges God’s recognition of our love and service to others. This theme reminds us that our actions of kindness and care are important in our relationship with God.
- Understanding God’s Ways: Jesus’ response to the Pharisees challenges them to understand the purpose behind God’s laws. This calls us to seek a deeper understanding of God’s message rather than just following rules.
These themes for Tuesday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 1, encourage us to trust in God’s promises and to live with a spirit of mercy and understanding. By embracing these lessons, we can grow in faith and compassion.
Thoughts for Tuesday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1
On Tuesday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 1, the readings encourage us to focus on hope, mercy, and service as central parts of our faith. In Hebrews, we are reminded that hope in God’s promises acts as a steady anchor for our lives, while the Gospel calls us to prioritize mercy over strict rules. Together, these passages remind us that God values our kindness, faithfulness, and trust in His guidance, and they encourage us to grow closer to Him through our actions and attitudes.
Hope as an Anchor of Stability
On Tuesday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 1, the reading from Hebrews describes hope as an anchor, keeping us steady and secure. This image of an anchor reminds us that even when life feels uncertain, we have something strong to hold onto. Hope in God’s promises offers us stability, giving us the courage to move forward even when challenges arise.
This hope is rooted in God’s faithfulness. We know that God’s promises are unchanging and that His word endures through every season of our lives. When we anchor ourselves in His promises, we can face difficulties with peace, trusting that He will see us through. Hebrews invites us to rely on God as our steady foundation, knowing that His promises give us a reason to keep moving forward.
Reflecting on this theme, we can ask ourselves how we allow hope to guide us each day. When challenges arise, do we hold onto God’s promises, or do we allow fear and doubt to take over? Tuesday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 1, calls us to anchor ourselves in God’s promise and to live with confidence in His unchanging word.
Mercy Above Rules
In the Gospel for Tuesday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 1, Jesus responds to the Pharisees who question His disciples’ actions on the Sabbath. The Pharisees focus on strict adherence to Sabbath rules, but Jesus reminds them that mercy and compassion are greater than rigid laws. He challenges their view, emphasizing that God’s desire is for us to approach others with understanding rather than strict judgment.
Jesus’ response shows that following God is not about following rules just for the sake of it. He teaches that mercy and kindness are central to God’s will, and these should guide our actions. The Pharisees had lost sight of the purpose of the Sabbath, turning it into an obligation rather than a time for rest and compassion.
This reading invites us to reflect on how we live out our faith. Are we more focused on following rules than on showing love and kindness to others? Tuesday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 1, encourages us to place mercy at the heart of our faith and to see God’s commandments as ways to grow in love and understanding.
God’s Faithfulness Recognized in Service
Another theme from Tuesday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 1, is that God values acts of service and care for others. In Hebrews, we see that God remembers the love and effort we show, especially in serving one another. This reminds us that our small acts of kindness and generosity do not go unnoticed; they are seen by God as signs of true faithfulness.
When we serve others, we show our love for God in concrete ways. Service is not about grand gestures but about simple, consistent acts of compassion. These actions help build a strong faith community and allow us to live out the Gospel message of love. The reading encourages us to recognize that God is with us in every kind action we take, offering strength and guidance.
Reflecting on this theme, we can consider how we serve others in our own lives. Do we take time to help and encourage those around us? Tuesday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 1, invites us to make service an important part of our faith, trusting that God sees and values each act of kindness we share.
As we reflect on the messages of hope, mercy, and service in Tuesday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 1, may we strive to live with these values in our hearts. Let us anchor ourselves in hope, approach others with compassion, and show our love for God through our care for others. By embracing these lessons, we strengthen our faith and grow closer to God each day.
Prayer
Lord, help us to keep hope in Your promises as our anchor. Teach us to show mercy and understanding to others. May we always serve You through our love and care for those around us. Guide us to live faithfully, trusting in Your unchanging love. Amen.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways can I allow hope in God’s promises to steady me through challenges?
- How can I prioritize mercy over strict rules in my relationships and actions?
- What small acts of kindness and service can I practice daily to reflect my love for God?
- How does focusing on God’s faithfulness help me to serve and encourage others?
Homilies and Reflections for Tuesday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1
Word on Fire: Jesus Is Lord
In his reflection for Tuesday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, Bishop Barron discusses Jesus’ claim as “lord even of the sabbath,” emphasizing its provocative nature to both Jews and Gentiles. For Jews, applying ‘Kyrios’ (Lord) to Jesus, seen as an ordinary man and a Messiah who died under Roman rule, was blasphemous. For Greeks, it challenged the prevailing notion of ‘Kaiser Kyrios’ (the Emperor is Lord), suggesting a new system of allegiance. Barron asserts that Christians should boldly proclaim Jesus as Lord, a declaration that places all aspects of life, including government, business, family, the arts, and entertainment, under Jesus’ authority and influence.
Questions and Answers for Tuesday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1
What date is Tuesday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?
The next date is Tuesday January 21, 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 2nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2.
What are the Mass readings for Tuesday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?
The Mass readings for Tuesday January 21, 2025 are:
First Reading – Hebrews 6:10-20: Enduring Hope and God’s Promise
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 111: Enduring Remembrance of God’s Covenant
Gospel – Mark 2:23-28: Lord of the Sabbath
What is the main message in the reading from Hebrews?
In Hebrews, the reading emphasizes God’s unchanging promise and the hope we have because of it. It teaches that God’s word is dependable and serves as a strong foundation for our faith, giving us confidence to keep going even in difficult times.
Why does Hebrews describe hope as an anchor?
The image of hope as an anchor shows that hope keeps us steady and secure. This means that our trust in God’s promise can help us remain calm and faithful, especially when we feel uncertain or face challenges.
How can we apply the message of Hebrews about God’s promise?
We can apply this message by remembering that God’s promises are trustworthy, even when we feel uncertain. By focusing on hope in God’s faithfulness, we can find strength and peace in all circumstances.
How does God show that He values our service to others?
In Hebrews, God recognizes the love and service we show to others. This means that our small acts of kindness are important to God, reminding us to serve others with care as part of our faith.
What does Jesus mean when He says He is Lord of the Sabbath?
When Jesus says He is Lord of the Sabbath, He means that He has authority over the laws and practices related to the Sabbath. He is showing that understanding God’s intentions is more important than following rules without compassion.
Why do the Pharisees question Jesus about the Sabbath?
The Pharisees question Jesus because they believe His disciples are breaking Sabbath rules by picking grain. Their question shows that they are focused more on strict rules than on understanding God’s mercy and compassion.
How does the Gospel encourage mercy over strict rules?
In the Gospel for Tuesday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, Jesus points out that caring for human needs is more important than strictly following rules. This reminds us that God’s love and mercy are central to our faith and should guide our actions.
What lesson does Jesus teach about understanding God’s laws?
Jesus teaches that we should look at the purpose behind God’s laws rather than following them without understanding. This calls us to practice compassion and to see how God’s laws guide us to live with love and mercy.
What can we learn about faith from these readings?
The readings for Tuesday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 remind us to trust God’s promises and to follow Jesus’ example of mercy. This helps us to live out our faith with hope, kindness, and a clear understanding of God’s will.
Holding Onto Hope and Mercy
Tuesday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 1, brings us two messages about trust in God and the importance of mercy over rigid rules. In Hebrews, we learn that God’s promises are unchanging and reliable. This trust in God acts as an anchor, keeping us steady even when life feels uncertain. God’s promise gives us hope, reminding us that His word is something we can depend on, no matter what we face.
The Gospel reading highlights Jesus’ lesson on the Sabbath and the role of mercy. The Pharisees question Jesus about the actions of His disciples, focusing on the strict Sabbath rules. In response, Jesus teaches that compassion and human need are more important than following rules for their own sake. By saying He is Lord of the Sabbath, Jesus shows His authority to interpret God’s intentions and reminds us that God’s love goes beyond strict rules.
These readings encourage us to trust in God’s promise and live with a spirit of kindness. God cares about our acts of love toward others and invites us to approach Him with both hope and compassion. Tuesday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 1, reminds us to keep hope as our anchor and mercy as our guide.
Your Turn
On Tuesday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 1, the readings challenge us to live with hope in God’s promises and to show mercy to others.
Take some time to reflect on areas where you may be relying too much on rules instead of compassion. How can you live with a greater sense of hope and kindness? Consider sharing your thoughts or experiences in the comments, and let’s support one another in living out these messages each day.
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