Thursday of the 12th Week in Ordinary Time

• First Reading – Genesis 16:1-12, 15-16: Sarai, unable to have children, gave her maid Hagar to Abram. Hagar became pregnant and fled after being mistreated. An angel told Hagar to return and promised many descendants through her son, Ishmael.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 106: Thank the Lord for his eternal mercy. Blessed are those who do right. Seek the Lord’s favor and saving help to share in his people’s joy and success.
• Gospel – Matthew 7:21-29: Jesus taught that only those who do God’s will enter heaven. He compared those who act on his words to a wise man building on rock, and those who don’t to a fool building on sand.

Lectionary Resource: 374

Upcoming dates: June 26, 2025, June 28, 2029, June 26, 2031

Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. 

Matthew 7:24

On the Thursday of the 12th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, we reflect on the daily Mass readings. The first reading from Genesis tells us about Hagar and Ishmael. The Gospel from Matthew emphasizes doing God’s will. Here are some themes from these readings.

• Faith and Obedience: Sarai gave Hagar to Abram, showing a struggle with faith. Jesus teaches us that true faith means doing God’s will.
• God’s Will: Hagar was told by an angel to return to Sarai. This teaches us to trust and follow God’s plan even when it’s hard.
• God’s Promise: The angel promised many descendants through Hagar’s son, Ishmael. This shows that God keeps His promises to those who trust Him.
• Listening to God’s Word: Jesus said that only those who do God’s will enter heaven. This means we must listen to and act on His words.
• Foundation of Faith: Jesus compared those who act on His words to a wise man building on rock. Our faith must be strong and based on Jesus’ teachings.
• Consequences of Actions: Jesus also warned about those who ignore His words, comparing them to a fool building on sand. Ignoring Jesus’ teachings leads to a shaky foundation in life.

Reflecting on these themes helps us understand the importance of faith and obedience. Following God’s will and building our lives on His teachings are essential.

The readings for Thursday of the 12th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 teach us about trust, obedience, and the strength that comes from faith. In Genesis, Hagar learns to trust God’s promise even in her struggles. In the Gospel, Jesus speaks of building a strong foundation by acting on His words. These lessons remind us to place our faith in God’s plan and follow His guidance.

Trusting God’s Plan

In the first reading, Hagar is told by an angel to return to Sarai, even though she is fleeing from mistreatment. The angel promises that her son, Ishmael, will have many descendants. This shows that God has a plan even when situations are difficult. Hagar listens and obeys, trusting in God’s promise for her and her child.

This story reminds us that trusting God is not always easy. Hagar was in a hard situation, but she chose to believe in God’s words. Like Hagar, we may face challenges that make us want to give up or run away. This passage encourages us to trust that God sees us and has a purpose for our lives.

Thursday of the 12th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 reminds us to rely on God’s plan, even when it’s hard to understand. Hagar’s story shows that God hears us in our struggles and provides guidance and hope. We are called to follow Him with faith, even when the road is uncertain.

Building on a Strong Foundation

In the Gospel, Jesus compares those who act on His words to a wise man who builds his house on rock. When storms come, the house stands firm. But the person who hears His words and does not act is like someone who builds on sand. That house cannot withstand the storm.

This teaching reminds us that faith must be lived out. It is not enough to hear Jesus’ words. We must act on them. A strong faith is built on obeying Jesus and following His teachings. This foundation will help us stand firm when life is difficult.

Thursday of the 12th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 challenges us to think about what we are building our lives on. Are we following Jesus’ teachings and letting Him guide us? A life built on faith and obedience will give us strength and stability, no matter what storms come our way.

God’s Faithfulness in Uncertain Times

Both the first reading and the Gospel show God’s faithfulness during uncertain times. Hagar is assured by the angel that her son will have a future and that God has not forgotten her. In the Gospel, Jesus promises that a strong foundation in Him will help us weather life’s storms.

These readings remind us that God is always with us, even when life feels uncertain. Hagar’s story shows that God sees and hears us in our struggles. Jesus’ teaching about the rock and sand shows that faith in Him gives us the strength to endure. Both readings invite us to place our trust in God’s promises.

Thursday of the 12th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 encourages us to rely on God, knowing He is faithful. Whether we face challenges like Hagar or storms like in Jesus’ parable, we can trust that God will sustain us. Our role is to build our lives on the solid foundation of His word and His love.

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On Thursday of the 12th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, we are reminded that God is faithful in all situations. Whether we face challenges like Hagar or life’s storms as Jesus describes, we can trust in God’s promises. May we commit to building our lives on the firm foundation of faith and obedience to His word.

Prayer

Lord, help us trust Your plan even in difficult times. Teach us to build our lives on the solid foundation of Your word. Strengthen our faith and guide our actions so we may live with confidence and hope. Be with us in all challenges and lead us in Your ways each day. Amen.

Reflection Questions

• How can I trust God when life feels uncertain?
• What foundation am I building my life on?
• How do my actions show that I am following Jesus’ teachings?
• When have I experienced God’s faithfulness in a difficult situation?

USCCB Reflection: Building on Rock with Patience

The USCCB reflection for Thursday of the 12th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 encourages us to build our house on rock by practicing patience daily. We face many chances to be patient with others, in situations like traffic and lines. We also need patience with ourselves, especially when trying to change. Patience is crucial in supporting family members and friends as they grow and improve.

This reflection emphasizes that building a strong foundation in life requires patience with both ourselves and others.

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

The next date is Thursday June 26, 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 12th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2.

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

The Mass readings for Thursday June 26, 2025 are:
First Reading  – Genesis 16:1-12, 15-16: Hagar and Ishmael
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 106: Give Thanks to the Lord
Gospel – Matthew 7:21-29: Building on a Solid Foundation

Why did Sarai give Hagar to Abram?

Sarai gave Hagar to Abram because she couldn’t have children. She hoped Hagar would have a child for her.

Why did Hagar run away?

Hagar ran away because she was mistreated after becoming pregnant. She felt alone and scared.

What did the angel tell Hagar?

The angel told Hagar to return to Sarai. The angel promised many descendants through her son, Ishmael.

What can we learn from Hagar’s story?

We learn to trust in God’s plan even when life is hard. God cares for everyone, even when they feel alone.

What does Jesus mean by doing God’s will?

Doing God’s will means listening to Jesus’ words and living by them. It means following His teachings in our daily lives.

What is the lesson of building on rock or sand?

Building on rock means living by Jesus’ words. This gives us a strong foundation in life. Building on sand means ignoring His words, which leads to trouble.

How can we build a strong faith?

We build a strong faith by following Jesus’ teachings. Listening to His words and acting on them gives us strength.

Why are faith and obedience important?

Faith and obedience are important because they help us trust God and follow His plan. This leads to a strong and fulfilling life.

What does Thursday of the 12th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 teach us?

Thursday of the 12th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 teaches us to trust God and follow Jesus’ teachings. It reminds us that faith and obedience are key to a strong spiritual life.

How can we apply these readings to our lives?

We can trust God even in hard times, like Hagar did. We can also follow Jesus’ teachings to build a strong foundation in our lives.