Tuesday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time

• First Reading – Hebrews 12:1-4: Surrounded by faithful witnesses, let’s shed hindrances and sin, running our life’s race with endurance, eyes fixed on Jesus, our faith’s initiator and perfecter, who endured the cross for eternal joy.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 22: The humble and seekers of the Lord will find joy and fulfillment. All nations will turn to and worship Him. Future generations will learn of His righteousness and deeds.
• Gospel – Mark 5:21-43: In a crowd, Jairus, a synagogue leader, begged Jesus to heal his dying daughter. As Jesus proceeded, a woman with chronic bleeding touched his cloak and was instantly healed. Jesus commended her faith. Arriving at Jairus’s house, despite hearing of the girl’s death, Jesus revived her, astounding all present.

Jesus, aware at once that power had gone out from him, turned around in the crowd and asked, “Who has touched my clothes?”

Mark 5:30

The readings for Tuesday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 focus on endurance, faith, and trust in God’s power. These themes encourage believers to remain steadfast and hopeful, even in struggles and suffering.

• Perseverance in Faith: The first reading from Hebrews calls believers to run the race with endurance. It reminds us to look to Jesus as the perfect example of perseverance.
• Encouragement in Trials: Hebrews teaches that hardships are part of the journey of faith. We are reminded not to lose heart but to endure with courage.
• Healing through Faith: In the Gospel, Jesus heals a woman and raises a child, showing His power to restore. Faith is key in receiving His healing and life-giving touch.
• Trust in God’s Timing: The woman in the crowd and Jairus trusted Jesus despite delays. This shows that God’s help comes in the right moment.
• Power of Touch and Words: Jesus touches the sick and speaks words of healing. These simple acts remind us of the importance of reaching out and speaking words that give life.
• Community of Faith: Both readings emphasize the shared journey of faith. Encouraging one another strengthens us to endure and grow closer to God.

The themes from these readings call us to trust God and remain steadfast, no matter the challenges. They show how faith and courage lead to healing and hope in God’s plan.

The readings for Tuesday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 invite us to think about endurance, trust, and community in our faith. They show how we can remain strong during struggles by looking to Jesus, trusting God’s timing, and supporting one another. These reflections help us apply these lessons to our daily lives.

Endurance in Faith

The first reading for Tuesday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 speaks about running the race with endurance. This image reminds us that faith is not a short sprint but a long journey. Challenges will come, but we are called to keep moving forward. Looking to Jesus gives us the strength to carry on.

Jesus is the perfect example of how to stay faithful during hard times. He endured suffering and stayed obedient to God’s will. His perseverance shows us that we can trust God, even when the path is difficult.

This reflection encourages us to keep faith alive through daily struggles. When life feels heavy, we can remember that Jesus is with us. By looking to Him, we find the courage to continue the race.

Trusting God’s Timing

In the Gospel for Tuesday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, both Jairus and the woman in the crowd show great trust in Jesus. Jairus waited while Jesus stopped to help someone else, even though his daughter was dying. The woman also showed patience and faith, believing she would be healed if she just touched Jesus’ clothes.

These examples teach us to trust God’s timing. Sometimes we pray and do not see an answer right away. But just as Jesus acted at the right moment for Jairus and the woman, God will act when the time is best for us.

This lesson can bring peace when we feel impatient or frustrated. Instead of doubting, we can trust that God hears our prayers and knows what we need. Our job is to stay faithful and believe that He will help us at the right moment.

Strength in Community

Both readings for Tuesday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 remind us that we are not alone in our journey of faith. The first reading speaks of running the race, which is easier when we encourage each other. Faith grows stronger when we help one another stay on the right path.

The Gospel also shows how people support one another. Jairus came to Jesus on behalf of his daughter. The crowd gathered around the woman who was healed. These moments show that faith is not just personal but shared with others.

In our lives, we can build each other up through kind words and prayers. When someone is struggling, we can remind them that God is with them. Walking this journey of faith together makes us stronger and closer to God.

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These reflections remind us to rely on God, even in difficult times. Whether we face challenges, delays, or feel alone, the readings teach us that faith and trust lead to strength and peace. With God’s help and the support of others, we can stay faithful and hopeful.

Prayer

Lord, help me to trust You in every moment, even when I feel tired or unsure. Teach me to be patient and rely on Your timing. Give me the courage to encourage others in their faith. May I look to Jesus and follow His example every day. Amen.

Reflection Questions

• How can you stay strong in your faith when you feel tired or discouraged?
• What can you learn from the trust shown by Jairus and the woman in the Gospel?
• Who in your life encourages you in your faith, and how can you encourage others?
• How can trusting God’s timing bring you peace in uncertain situations?

Word on Fire: Jesus’ Assault on Death

In Bishop Robert Barron’s reflection for Tuesday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, he discusses the Gospel story of Jesus raising Jairus’s daughter. Barron emphasizes Jesus’ challenge to the culture of death and his assertion that death is not final, illustrated by Jesus telling Jairus, “Do not be afraid; just have faith.” This narrative underscores the central theme of resurrection in Jesus’ teachings, portraying God as the Lord and giver of life who combats the forces of death. The phrase “Talitha koum” symbolizes this triumph over death and the transformative power of faith over fear.

USCCB Reflection: Facing Fear with Faith

This USCCB video reflection for Tuesday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 discusses the Gospel passage, where Jesus performs two miracles: raising a dead girl and healing a woman considered ritually unclean. The key message is Jesus’ transcending of life, death, and religious norms, emphasized by his words “Do not be afraid; just have faith.” The reflection connects this advice to personal experiences of fear and uncertainty, particularly in life-and-death situations. It invites us to internalize Jesus’ words in our daily challenges, encouraging faith to prevail over fear and anxiety in all aspects of life.

What date is Tuesday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

The next date is Tuesday February 4, 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 4th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2.

What are the Mass readings for Tuesday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

The Mass readings for Tuesday February 4, 2025 are:
First Reading  – Hebrews 12:1-4: Perseverance in Faith
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 22: Universal Praise for the Lord
Gospel – Mark 5:21-43: Healing and Resurrection

What does it mean to run the race with endurance in the first reading for Tuesday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

It means to stay faithful to God through all challenges. The reading from Hebrews encourages us to keep going, even when it is hard, by trusting Jesus as our example.

Why does the first reading talk about hardships?

It shows that hardships are part of following God. They help us grow stronger in our faith and teach us to rely on Him.

How can we keep faith during struggles?

We can pray, read the Bible, and think about how Jesus endured challenges. Remembering His love helps us stay strong.

Why is community important in faith?

The first reading reminds us that we are not alone in our faith. Supporting and encouraging one another makes us stronger.

How can Jesus’ actions in the Gospel for Tuesday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 apply to us?

Jesus shows care and compassion by healing and restoring life. This reminds us to trust Him with our struggles and believe in His power to help us.

What lesson do we learn from Jairus?

Jairus teaches us to trust Jesus, even when things seem hopeless. His faith shows that God can act in impossible situations.

Why did the woman in the Gospel for Tuesday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 touch Jesus?

She believed that even touching His clothes could heal her. This shows the importance of faith and trust in God’s power to help us.

What can we learn from Jesus’ healing touch?

Jesus shows that small acts can bring great change. This reminds us to show care and kindness to others.

How does faith bring healing?

Faith opens us to God’s help and power. Like the people in the Gospel for Tuesday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, trusting God allows Him to work in our lives.

What does it mean to trust God’s timing?

It means believing that God knows the best time to help us. The Gospel shows that His help may not come right away, but it will come when we need it most.