Monday of the 12th Week in Ordinary Time

• First Reading – Genesis 12:1-9: God called Abram to leave his homeland, promising to bless him and make him a great nation. Abram obeyed and traveled to Canaan, where God promised the land to his descendants.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 33: God watches over those who trust in him, providing help and protection. Those who belong to him are truly happy and blessed.
• Gospel – Matthew 7:1-5: Jesus warns against judging others and urges us to address our own faults before criticizing others.

Lectionary Reference: 371

Upcoming dates: June 23, 2025, June 21, 2027, June 25, 2029, June 23, 2031, June 20, 2033

I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, so that you will be a blessing.

Genesis 12:2

On Monday of the 12th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, we reflect on themes that highlight obedience to God and self-awareness in our actions. These readings remind us to follow God’s call and be mindful of our own shortcomings.

• Trusting in God: Abram trusted God’s call to leave his homeland. This shows the importance of faith and trust in God’s plan.
• Obedience to God’s Call: Abram obeyed God’s command to go to Canaan. This teaches us to listen and respond to God’s direction in our lives.
• God’s Promises: God promised Abram that his descendants would inherit the land. This shows that God keeps His promises and blesses those who follow Him.
• Self-Reflection: Jesus tells us to look at our own faults before judging others. This reminds us to focus on improving ourselves first.
• Avoiding Judgment: Jesus warns against judging others. This teaches us to be compassionate and understanding instead of critical.
• Personal Growth: Jesus encourages us to address our own faults. This helps us grow and become better people.

Reflecting on these themes for Monday of the 12th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 helps us understand the importance of trusting and obeying God. It also encourages us to work on our own faults before judging others.

The readings for Monday of the 12th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 offer us lessons about trust, humility, and obedience. Abram’s trust in God and Jesus’ teaching about judgment challenge us to examine our faith and actions. These reflections explore how we can live out these lessons in our daily lives.

Trusting God’s Call

In the first reading for Monday of the 12th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, Abram shows great trust in God. God tells him to leave his home and go to a new land. Abram does not know where he is going or what will happen, but he listens to God. He trusts that God has a good plan for him.

This trust can inspire us when God asks us to do something difficult. Sometimes, God’s call may lead us to leave our comfort zone. We might need to make a big change or take a step into the unknown. Like Abram, we can trust that God will guide us.

When we trust God’s plan, we grow closer to Him. We learn to rely on His wisdom instead of our own. Abram’s story reminds us that following God may not always be easy, but it is always worth it. God promises to be with us, just as He was with Abram.

Looking at Our Own Faults

In the Gospel for Monday of the 12th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, Jesus warns us not to judge others. He tells us to take the plank out of our own eye before trying to remove the speck from someone else’s eye. This teaching is clear and practical.

It is easy to see the faults of others. We might criticize their choices or actions without thinking about our own behavior. Jesus tells us to focus on ourselves first. We need to look honestly at our own sins and work to change them.

When we stop judging others, we can show more kindness and patience. We can help people in a gentle way instead of criticizing them. Jesus reminds us that none of us are perfect. We all need God’s mercy and forgiveness.

Obedience to God’s Word

Both readings for Monday of the 12th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 show the importance of obedience to God. Abram obeyed God by leaving his home and going to a new land. In the Gospel, Jesus tells us to obey God by living without judgment and focusing on our own faults.

Obedience can be challenging. It often means putting God’s will above our own. Abram’s example shows us that obedience requires trust. He did not know where God was leading him, but he followed anyway.

Jesus teaches us that obedience also involves humility. We obey God when we focus on our own need for forgiveness instead of judging others. By doing this, we can live in a way that pleases God.

When we obey God, we open our hearts to His grace. Abram’s journey and Jesus’ words remind us that obedience leads to blessings and a deeper relationship with God.

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These reflections remind us that God’s guidance is always there, even when it is difficult to follow. By trusting, examining our hearts, and obeying His word, we grow closer to Him. Let us strive to live with faith and humility, always seeking to follow His plan for us.

Prayer

Lord, help me to trust You as Abram did. Teach me to focus on my own need for mercy before judging others. Give me the strength to obey Your will in all things. May my actions always reflect Your love and lead me closer to You. Amen.

Reflection Questions

• How can Abram’s example of trust inspire you in your own life?
• Why is it important to examine your own faults before judging others?
• What areas of your life is God calling you to trust and obey Him more?
• How can humility help you grow in your relationship with God?

Word on Fire: Reflection on Self-Reflection

In his reflection for the Mass on Monday of the 12th week in Ordinary Time, Bishop Robert Barron emphasizes the psychological and spiritual depth of Jesus’ parable. He acknowledges humanity’s inclination to criticize others, deriving a sense of elevation from pointing out their flaws. However, he invites us to turn the mirror on ourselves and question why specific sins or traits in others bother us.

Jesus implies that our annoyance often stems from recognizing similar failings within ourselves. Bishop Barron shares an experience where a retreat director prompted individuals to identify irritating qualities in others and then seek forgiveness for those same faults in themselves. This exercise was both unsettling and enlightening, echoing the profound impact of Jesus’ teachings.

USCCB Reflection: Gaining Insight for Life

In this USCCB video reflection for Monday of the 12th week in Ordinary Time, a priest shares a childhood memory of a doctor who smoked while discussing a healthy lifestyle. Reflecting on the past, he emphasizes the importance of working on various aspects of our lives, including healthy eating, exercise, forgiveness, and letting go of past hurts.

He encourages a deeper understanding and personal insight, rather than relying solely on external lectures. He reminds us of the need to examine ourselves honestly, seek God’s grace and mercy, and gain a true vision for spiritually and physically healthier lives. He encourages us to preach the Gospel through our words and actions.

What date is Monday of the 12th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

The next date is Monday June 23, 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 Monday of the 12th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2.

What are the Mass readings for Monday of the 12th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

The Mass readings for Monday June 23, 2025 are:
First Reading  – Genesis 12:1-9: The Call of Abram
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 33: Happy the People Chosen by God
Gospel – Matthew 7:1-5: Remove Your Own Plank

Why did God tell Abram to leave his homeland in the first reading for Monday of the 12th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

God wanted Abram to trust Him and follow His plan. By leaving his homeland, Abram showed his faith in God’s promise to make him a great nation.

What can we learn from Abram’s journey to Canaan?

We learn the importance of trusting and obeying God. Even when we don’t know the outcome, we should follow God’s direction.

How does Abram’s obedience to God relate to our lives today?

Abram’s obedience teaches us to trust God’s plan. Even when it is difficult, following God brings blessings.

What does the Gospel for Monday of the 12th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 mean when it says not to judge others?

Jesus tells us not to judge others because we all have our own faults. He wants us to focus on improving ourselves first.

How can we apply the message of not judging others to our lives?

We should be more understanding and compassionate. Instead of criticizing others, we should look at our own actions and try to be better.

What is the “speck” and the “plank” in the Gospel reading for Monday of the 12th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

The “speck” represents small faults in others. The “plank” represents bigger faults in ourselves that we often ignore.

Why is it important to look at our own faults?

By recognizing our own faults, we can work on improving ourselves. This helps us become better people and avoid being critical of others.

What is the main lesson from Monday of the 12th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

The main lesson is to trust in God and avoid judging others. We should focus on our own faults and follow God’s call with faith.

How can we grow in our faith based on these readings?

We can grow in faith by trusting God like Abram did and by being self-aware like Jesus teaches. This helps us become stronger in our faith journey.