Thursday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time

• First Reading – 2 Corinthians 11:1-11: Paul expresses his concern for the Corinthians’ faithfulness to Christ, emphasizes his genuine love for them, and defends his ministry against the so-called “superapostles.”
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 111: Praise the LORD for his great and just works, his lasting commands, and his graciousness and mercy. The LORD’s deeds are wonderful and full of delight.
• Gospel – Matthew 6:7-15: Jesus teaches his disciples to pray simply, using the Lord’s Prayer, and emphasizes the importance of forgiving others to receive forgiveness from God.

Lectionary Reference: 368

Upcoming dates: June 19, 2025, June 17, 2027, June 21, 2029, June 19, 2031, June 16, 2033

If you forgive others their transgressions, your heavenly Father will forgive you. 

Matthew 6:14

On Thursday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, the readings focus on faithfulness, prayer, and forgiveness. Paul and Jesus both offer important lessons for our daily lives.

• Faithfulness to Christ: Paul worries about the Corinthians’ faithfulness to Christ. He wants them to stay true to the teachings of Jesus.
• True Love: Paul shows his real love for the Corinthians. He cares for them deeply and wants them to know he is sincere.
• Defending Ministry: Paul defends his work against others who claim to be better apostles. He explains that he works hard and sacrifices for their faith.
• Simple Prayer: Jesus teaches his followers to pray simply and clearly. The Lord’s Prayer is a model for all Christians.
• Forgiveness: Jesus emphasizes the need to forgive others. If we forgive, God will forgive us too.
• Genuine Concern: Paul shows genuine concern for the believers. He wants them to understand his true intentions and dedication.

In summary, Thursday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 focuses on staying faithful, praying simply, and forgiving others. These lessons help us grow closer to God and each other.

The readings for Thursday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 remind us about humility, prayer, and sincere faith. Paul speaks against competition and pride in ministry, encouraging unity and service. Jesus teaches that prayer should be simple and honest, focused on our relationship with God rather than impressing others. These lessons invite us to live with humility, sincerity, and trust in God’s care.

Avoiding Competition in Faith

In the first reading for Thursday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, Paul defends his ministry against those who question his apostleship. He speaks out against those who compare themselves to others to seem more important. This reminds us that competition in matters of faith is harmful and unnecessary.

Our faith is not about being better or holier than others. When we focus on comparison or competition, we lose sight of what truly matters—serving God and helping one another. Parishes and communities grow stronger when we work together, not when we try to outshine one another.

God values sincerity and humility, not status or recognition. Paul’s words challenge us to examine our own intentions. Are we seeking to serve God, or are we trying to gain attention or approval? True faith calls us to focus on loving and serving others without comparing ourselves to them.

Simple and Sincere Prayer

In the Gospel for Thursday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, Jesus teaches that prayer does not need to be long or complicated. He reminds us that God already knows what we need before we ask. Simple and sincere prayers are enough to connect with Him.

Prayer is about building a relationship with God. It doesn’t require fancy words or perfect phrases. Jesus teaches us to approach God as a loving Father who cares for us and listens to our hearts. The Lord’s Prayer is a beautiful example of how to pray simply and meaningfully.

This teaching encourages us to focus on what truly matters in prayer. It’s not about how much we say but about the trust and love we bring to God. By praying with sincerity, we open our hearts to His guidance and grow closer to Him.

Faith Rooted in Humility

Both the first reading and the Gospel for Thursday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 emphasize the importance of humility. Paul warns against pride and competition in ministry, while Jesus shows us that prayer is not about impressing others but about speaking honestly with God.

Humility helps us keep our focus on God instead of ourselves. It reminds us that our faith is a gift and that we are called to serve others, not to seek personal gain or recognition. Humility also deepens our prayers, allowing us to trust God more fully.

Living with humility strengthens our faith and brings peace to our relationships. It frees us from the pressure to compete or compare and allows us to serve with joy. By focusing on God’s love and His call for us, we can live and pray with true sincerity.

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The messages from Thursday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 encourage us to examine our intentions in prayer and service. May we grow in humility, pray with sincerity, and live in a way that brings us closer to God and strengthens our communities.

Prayer

Lord, help us to live with humility and trust in You. Teach us to pray with honest hearts, seeking Your will above all else. Free us from pride and competition, so we may serve You and others with joy. May we grow in love and faith each day. Amen.

Reflection Questions

• How can you focus on serving God rather than seeking recognition?
• What does the Lord’s Prayer teach you about your relationship with God?
• How can you make your prayers more simple and sincere?
• What steps can you take to bring humility into your daily life and relationships?

Word on Fire: Heaven and Earth

In Bishop Robert Barron’s reflection for Thursday of the 11th week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, he focuses on the Our Father prayer and its plea for God’s will to be done on earth as it is in heaven. The concept of heaven and earth interpenetrating as interconnected realms is emphasized, highlighting the goal of salvation as the convergence of these realms.

The Lord’s Prayer signifies the desire for the union of heaven and earth rather than an escape from the earthly realm. The resurrection of Jesus is viewed as the catalyst for the reconciliation of heaven and earth, where the justice of heaven is brought to this world.

What date is Thursday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

The next date is Thursday June 19, 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 Thursday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2.

What are the Mass readings for Thursday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

The Mass readings for Thursday June 19, 2025 are:
First Reading  – 2 Corinthians 11:1-11: Paul’s Concern for the Corinthians
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 111: Praise for God’s Works
Gospel – Matthew 6:7-15: The Lord’s Prayer and Forgiveness

Why is Paul worried about the Corinthians?

Paul is worried because he fears the Corinthians might be led away from Christ. He wants them to stay true to Jesus.

What does Paul mean by “superapostles”?

“Superapostles” are those who claim to be better or more important than Paul. Paul defends his work against their claims.

Why does Paul talk about his sacrifices?

Paul talks about his sacrifices to show his genuine love and dedication to the Corinthians. He wants them to know he is sincere in his efforts.

How can we apply Paul’s message to our lives?

We can apply Paul’s message by staying faithful to Jesus and showing genuine love to others. We should also be wary of false teachings.

What can we learn from Paul’s concern for the Corinthians?

We learn the importance of caring for others’ faith and well-being. Paul’s concern shows us how to be supportive and loving in our communities.

What is the main message of the Gospel reading for Thursday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

The main message of the Gospel reading is about simple prayer and forgiveness. Jesus teaches us to pray simply and to forgive others.

How does the Lord’s Prayer teach us to pray?

The Lord’s Prayer teaches us to pray in a simple and direct way. It is short and easy to understand, showing us that God values sincerity.

Why is forgiveness important according to Jesus?

Forgiveness is important because Jesus says if we forgive others, God will forgive us. This helps us to live in peace and harmony.

How does Thursday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 help us in our daily lives?

Thursday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 helps us by reminding us to pray simply, forgive others, and stay faithful to Christ. These lessons guide us in living a good Christian life.

Why should we avoid using many words in prayer?

We should avoid using many words in prayer because Jesus teaches that God knows what we need before we ask. Simple and sincere prayers are enough.