Monday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time
Monday February 9, 2026
Faith in the Presence of God
On Monday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time Year 2, we hear how God’s presence fills both the temple and the hearts of those who believe. The readings draw us to see how God stays close to His people, from the Ark in Solomon’s temple to the healing touch of Jesus in the Gospel.
Solomon’s great act of worship shows how Israel honored God by bringing the Ark into the temple. It was a sign that God would dwell with them and keep His promise. Yet it also reminds us that no building can hold God. His presence is not limited to one place or time.
In the Gospel, Jesus shows that same presence in a new way. Wherever He goes, people reach out to Him with hope. They trust that even touching His cloak will bring healing. Their faith shows us how close God is to those who believe.
Monday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time Year 2 invites us to see that God still chooses to be near us. His presence fills our churches, our homes, and our lives. Like the people who sought Jesus, we can reach out in faith and find that He is already with us.
Daily Mass Readings for Monday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time Year 2
- First Reading – 1 Kings 8:1-7, 9-13: In Jerusalem, King Solomon and Israel’s leaders gathered to relocate the Ark to the temple. Amidst vast sacrifices, the priests placed the Ark under the cherubim in the temple, where God’s presence filled the space, halting their service.
- Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 132: After discovering the Ark in Ephrathah and Jaar, we went to His dwelling and worshipped at His footstool. We implored the LORD to enter His resting place with the Ark, asking for righteousness for His priests and joy for His faithful, honoring David’s memory.
- Gospel – Mark 6:53-56: In Gennesaret, Jesus’ arrival sparked immediate recognition and the swift gathering of the sick at places he visited. People believed that merely touching the fringe of his cloak would heal them. This faith was rewarded, as all who touched even the tassel of his cloak were miraculously healed.
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 5th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1.
As they were leaving the boat, people immediately recognized him.
Mark 6:54
Themes for the Readings for Monday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
Monday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 reflects on the presence of God and the healing power of Jesus. The readings call us to recognize God’s holiness and our need for His mercy and guidance in our daily lives.
- God’s Holiness Among His People: The Ark of the Covenant symbolizes God’s presence among His people. The reading shows that God is holy and worthy of reverence, reminding us to honor Him in all we do.
- God Keeps His Promises: The Ark contained reminders of God’s promises to Israel. This shows that God is faithful and always fulfills what He has spoken.
- Jesus as Healer: In the Gospel, people come to Jesus seeking healing. This reminds us that Jesus brings wholeness to our lives when we place our trust in Him.
- Faith and Action: The people in the Gospel acted with faith by bringing the sick to Jesus. Faith should move us to seek Jesus and help others come to Him.
- Reverence in Worship: Solomon’s actions with the Ark teach us to worship God with respect and devotion. We are called to give God our best in prayer and worship.
- Jesus Welcomes All: Jesus healed everyone who came to Him, regardless of their background. This shows that God’s love and care are for all people.
The readings for Monday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 encourage us to trust in God’s faithfulness and seek His healing. They remind us to worship Him with faith and reverence and to bring others closer to Him.
Thoughts for Monday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
The readings for Monday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 invite us to reflect on God’s presence, His love for all people, and how faith calls us to action. These themes remind us to approach God with respect, trust in His care, and live out our faith in practical ways. By looking at Solomon’s reverence and the faith of the crowds who came to Jesus, we see how we too can honor God and trust Him with our needs.
Worshiping God with Respect and Devotion
The first reading for Monday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 shows Solomon bringing the Ark of the Covenant to the Temple. This was not just a simple act. It was a moment of great reverence and respect for God. The Ark represented God’s presence and the promises He had made to His people. By placing the Ark in the most sacred place, Solomon honored God and reminded the people to keep Him at the center of their lives.
This teaches us about the importance of worshiping God with devotion. Worship is not just about words or actions. It is about giving God our hearts and our best efforts. Solomon did not treat the Ark as just an object but as something holy and deeply meaningful. In the same way, we are called to approach prayer and worship with care and focus.
When we pray or attend Mass, we can ask ourselves if we are truly giving God our attention and respect. Are we honoring Him with our time and effort? Monday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 reminds us that worship is about recognizing God’s holiness and responding with faith and devotion.
God’s Love and Care for All
The Gospel for Monday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 shows Jesus healing everyone who came to Him. The people brought their sick and trusted that Jesus could help them. He did not turn anyone away, no matter their background or situation. His healing showed that God’s care is not limited to certain people. It is for everyone.
This is an important lesson for us. Sometimes, we may feel unworthy of God’s help or think that others do not deserve it. But Jesus shows us that God’s love is open to all who come to Him. He does not judge people by their appearance, history, or status. Instead, He offers healing and peace to anyone who seeks Him with faith.
We can take comfort in knowing that God is always ready to help us when we turn to Him. Monday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 encourages us to bring our needs to Jesus and trust in His care. It also calls us to treat others with the same kindness and openness that Jesus shows to everyone.
Faith in Action
A theme that connects both the first reading and the Gospel for Monday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 is acting on faith. Solomon showed his faith by bringing the Ark to the Temple with great ceremony and care. This was a visible act of trust in God’s presence and His promises. In the Gospel, the people showed their faith by bringing the sick to Jesus. They trusted in His power and believed He could heal them.
Faith is not just about believing in our hearts. It is also about taking steps to show that belief. Solomon acted on his faith by honoring God with the Temple. The people in the Gospel acted by bringing others to Jesus for help. Both examples remind us that true faith moves us to action.
We are called to live our faith in simple and practical ways. This might mean praying more deeply, helping someone in need, or encouraging others to trust in God. Monday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 reminds us that when we act in faith, we show our trust in God’s care and His presence in our lives.
As we reflect on Monday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, we are reminded of God’s faithfulness and care for everyone. Let us strive to honor Him in our worship, trust Him in our needs, and live out our faith by helping others come closer to Him.
Prayer
Lord, thank You for being with us and caring for us. Help us to honor You in our worship and trust You in our daily lives. Strengthen our faith so we can live it out and help others find Your peace. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection Questions
- How can you show more respect and devotion in your prayer and worship?
- Do you trust that God’s care is for everyone, including you?
- What steps can you take to bring others closer to God?
- How does your faith move you to action in your daily life?
Homilies and Reflections for Monday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
The Reality of Miracles in Jesus’ Ministry
In this reflection for Monday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, Bishop Robert Barron reflects on the Gospel of Jesus healing many in Gennesaret. He criticizes contemporary theologians who interpret Jesus’ miracles as mere symbols. Barron emphasizes that early Christians believed these miracles were genuine acts of God intervening in the world, not just literary symbols.
Resources
The First Book of Kings: The Ark’s Home in the Temple
In 1 Kings, Solomon’s dedication of the temple shows God’s faithfulness to His covenant with Israel. The reading for Monday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time Year 2 highlights the moment when God’s presence fills the temple, confirming His dwelling among His people. It connects worship, obedience, and the promise God made to David.
This passage also marks a turning point in Israel’s story. God’s presence, once moving with His people in the desert, now rests in a permanent house. It reflects the stability of the kingdom and the fulfillment of long-awaited hope. Yet it also reminds Israel that God’s glory is a gift, not something they can contain or control.
Psalm 132: God’s Dwelling with His People
Psalm 132 celebrates God’s choice to dwell among His people and His faithfulness to David’s line. The verses for Monday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time Year 2 echo the joy of bringing the Ark to its resting place. It is both a prayer and a reminder that God’s promises endure across generations.
This psalm weaves together worship and covenant. It recalls how the people sought the Ark and rejoiced in God’s presence. Their request for righteous priests and joyful followers shows their hope for ongoing blessing. The psalm points to the lasting bond between God and His chosen people.
The Gospel of Mark: Faith that Reaches Out
In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus’ healing ministry reveals the power of faith and the closeness of God’s kingdom. The reading for Monday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time Year 2 shows the people’s deep trust as they seek healing even by touching His cloak. Their belief brings physical and spiritual restoration.
This moment fits the Gospel’s theme of response to Jesus. Mark often shows how faith draws people near to Him and how compassion moves Him to act. The healings in Gennesaret remind us that the kingdom of God breaks into ordinary life wherever faith is alive.
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The Touch of Faith
This image for Monday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time Year 2 captures the moment of faith described in Mark 6:53-56, when people reached out to touch the fringe of Jesus’ cloak and were healed. It reminds us that even the smallest act of trust can open the way to God’s healing grace.
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Questions and Answers for Monday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
What is the Ark of the Covenant in the first reading for Monday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?
The Ark of the Covenant was a sacred box that held reminders of God’s promises, like the tablets of the law. It symbolized God’s presence with His people and showed His faithfulness to them.
Why was the Ark brought to the Temple?
The Ark was brought to the Temple to place it in the most sacred area. This act showed the importance of honoring God and making Him the center of worship.
How does the first reading for Monday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 teach us about worship?
The reading teaches us to approach God with respect and devotion. Worship should recognize God’s holiness and give Him the best we have.
Why is the first reading important for understanding God’s presence?
The reading shows how the Ark symbolized God’s closeness to His people. It reminds us that God is always with us and wants us to keep Him at the center of our hearts.
Why did people bring the sick to Jesus in the Gospel for Monday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?
The people believed that Jesus had the power to heal. They trusted Him and acted on their faith by bringing others to Him for help.
What can we learn from Jesus healing so many people?
We learn that God cares for all people and wants to bring them healing and peace. It shows that we should turn to Him in our needs and trust His care.
How does faith show up in the readings for Monday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?
Faith is shown in the people bringing the Ark to the Temple and in the crowds coming to Jesus for healing. Faith means trusting God and acting on that trust.
What does the Gospel teach about helping others?
The people brought their sick friends and family to Jesus for healing. This reminds us to help others by leading them closer to God through our prayers and actions.
What does the Gospel say about Jesus’ welcome?
Jesus welcomed everyone who came to Him for healing. This shows that God’s care is open to all who seek Him with faith.
How can we apply the readings for Monday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 to our lives?
We can honor God by making Him the center of our lives, just as the Ark was placed in the Temple. We can also bring our needs and the needs of others to Jesus, trusting in His care.
God’s Presence and Healing Power
Monday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 focuses on God’s presence among His people and the healing power of Jesus. In the first reading, the Ark of the Covenant is brought into the newly built Temple. This shows how important it is to honor God and recognize that He is with us. The Ark was a powerful reminder of God’s promises and faithfulness to His people.
In the Gospel, we see crowds coming to Jesus for healing. People bring the sick and suffering to Him because they believe in His power to make them well. Jesus welcomes everyone who comes to Him, no matter who they are. His actions show God’s care for every person and His desire to bring peace and healing to their lives.
These readings remind us to trust in God’s presence and mercy. They call us to worship Him with faith and respect and to come to Jesus with our needs. They also challenge us to help others draw closer to Him, just as the crowds brought the sick to Jesus.
Your Turn
Monday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 reminds us of God’s faithfulness and care for us. Take time to reflect on these readings and think about how they apply to your life. Have you trusted God in your needs? Have you helped others come closer to Him?
Share your thoughts and experiences in the comment section. Let’s encourage each other to grow in faith and trust in God.