Saturday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time

• First Reading – 2 Corinthians 12:1-10: Paul shares his visions and weaknesses, emphasizing that Christ’s power is perfected in weakness. He is content with hardships, knowing that in his weakness, he is made strong through Christ.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 34: The Lord’s angel protects those who fear him. Those who seek the Lord lack nothing and find refuge in him. Listen and learn the fear of the Lord for a good life.
• Gospel – Matthew 6:24-34: Jesus teaches his disciples to trust in God’s provision and not to worry about material needs. Instead, they should focus on seeking God’s kingdom and righteousness.

Lectionary Reference: 370

When the Memorial of the Immaculate Heart of Mary falls on this date, the Gospel from the memorial should be used.

Upcoming dates: June 21, 2025, June 19, 2027, June 23, 2029, June 21, 2031, June 18, 2033

Look at the birds in the sky; they do not sow or reap, they gather nothing into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them.

Matthew 6:26

On Saturday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, we learn about trusting in God and finding strength through Christ. Paul talks about his visions and weaknesses, while Jesus teaches about not worrying.

• Christ’s Strength in Weakness: Paul explains that Christ’s power is strongest when he is weak. This shows that our weaknesses can reveal Christ’s strength in us.
• Joy in Hardships: Paul is content with his hardships. He knows that these struggles make him stronger in Christ.
• Trust in God: Jesus tells his disciples not to worry about their needs. He assures them that God will take care of everything they need.
• Seek God’s Kingdom: Jesus urges his disciples to focus on God’s kingdom and righteousness. If they do this, everything else will be given to them.
• Let Go of Worry: Jesus teaches that worrying about material things is unnecessary. Trusting in God and seeking His kingdom is the key to peace.

These themes remind us that our true strength and peace come from trusting in God. By focusing on His kingdom, we find everything we need.

The readings for Saturday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 remind us of God’s strength and care. Paul shows how weaknesses can reveal Christ’s power, while Jesus invites us to let go of worry and trust in God. Both readings teach us to rely on God and seek His kingdom above all else.

Strength in Weakness

In the first reading for Saturday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, Paul speaks of a thorn in his flesh, a weakness that he asked God to remove. God’s response was, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” This shows us that our weaknesses are not obstacles to God’s work but opportunities for His power to shine.

Weaknesses remind us to rely on God instead of ourselves. When we feel strong, we might forget how much we need Him. Paul’s experience teaches us that admitting our struggles can help us grow closer to God. His strength fills the spaces where we fall short.

Rather than hiding or resenting our weaknesses, we can offer them to God. He can use them to accomplish His purposes in our lives. This requires humility and trust, but it brings peace and confidence in His care.

Trusting God Instead of Worrying

The Gospel for Saturday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 is a powerful reminder that worry cannot add anything to our lives. Jesus tells us to look at the birds of the air and the flowers of the field. God takes care of them, and we are far more precious to Him.

We often carry worries about the future, our families, or our work. These worries can weigh us down and make it hard to trust God. Jesus invites us to let go of this burden and remember that God knows what we need.

Trusting God doesn’t mean life will be easy or free of challenges. It means we believe He is with us in all circumstances. By focusing on God’s kingdom and His righteousness, we can find peace and strength, knowing that He is guiding and providing for us.

Living with God as Our Priority

Both readings for Saturday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 call us to make God the center of our lives. Paul’s focus on God’s grace and Jesus’ teaching about seeking God’s kingdom show that trusting in Him should shape all we do.

Making God our priority means letting Him lead us in our decisions and actions. It means trusting that His grace is enough, even in our weakness. It also means letting go of our attachment to earthly worries and focusing on living faithfully.

When God is at the center of our lives, everything else falls into place. We are free to live with peace and joy, knowing that He cares for us. By trusting in His love and seeking His kingdom first, we can walk in faith and confidence.

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The lessons from Saturday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 encourage us to live with trust and faith. By focusing on God’s grace and letting go of fear, we can find peace and purpose in our lives. May we carry these lessons into each day.

Prayer

Lord, help us to trust You in all things. Teach us to see our weaknesses as opportunities for Your strength. Take away our worries and guide us to seek Your kingdom first. May we live each day with faith, knowing that You care for us and walk with us. Amen.

Reflection Questions

• How can you see God’s strength at work in your weaknesses?
• What worries weigh on your heart, and how can you offer them to God?
• How does focusing on God’s kingdom help you live with peace and purpose?
• What steps can you take to make God the center of your life?

USCCB Reflection: Embrace Humility and Trust

In the reflection for Saturday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, Madeleine L’Engle’s thoughts on Christian humility and faith are discussed. Paul speaks about his weaknesses and how Christ’s strength uplifts him. Jesus teaches us not to worry about material things but to trust in God’s care.

This reflection encourages us to embrace our weaknesses, trust in God’s love, and focus on building a community of love. It reminds us that God provides abundantly and that true strength comes from relying on Him.

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

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

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

The Mass readings for Saturday June 21, 2025 are:
First Reading  – 2 Corinthians 12:1-10: Strength in Weakness
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 34: Experience the Goodness of the Lord
Gospel – Matthew 6:24-34: Trust in God’s Care

When the Memorial of the Immaculate Heart of Mary falls on this date, the Gospel from the memorial should be used.

What does Paul mean by saying Christ’s power is perfected in weakness?

Paul means that when he is weak, Christ’s power can be seen more clearly. Our weaknesses allow Christ to show His strength in our lives.

Why is Paul content with hardships?

Paul is content with hardships because he knows that Christ makes him strong through them. He understands that suffering can bring him closer to Christ.

What does Jesus mean by seeking God’s kingdom first in the Gospel for Saturday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

Jesus means that we should focus on living according to God’s ways. When we seek God’s kingdom, everything else will fall into place.

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

We can remember that our weaknesses are opportunities for Christ to work in us. Instead of feeling discouraged, we can rely on Christ for strength.

Why does Jesus tell us not to worry about material needs?

Jesus tells us not to worry because God knows what we need. Trusting in God’s care allows us to focus on what is truly important.

How can we stop worrying about our needs?

We can stop worrying by trusting in God and praying for His help. Jesus teaches us to focus on God’s kingdom and believe that He will take care of us.

What lesson do the birds and flowers teach us in the Gospel reading for Saturday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

The birds and flowers show us that God cares for all His creation. If God takes care of them, He will surely take care of us too.

How can we seek God’s kingdom in our daily lives?

We can seek God’s kingdom by praying, reading the Bible, and helping others. Living according to God’s teachings brings us closer to His kingdom.

What is the main message of the readings for Saturday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

The main message is to trust in God and rely on Christ’s strength. Paul’s example and Jesus’ teaching guide us to focus on God instead of our worries.

How do the readings for Saturday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 encourage us to live?

The readings encourage us to find strength in Christ and trust in God’s care. By seeking God’s kingdom first, we can live with peace and assurance.