Thursday of the 12th Week in Ordinary Time

• First Reading – 2 Kings 24:8-17: King Jehoiachin of Judah ruled for three months before surrendering to Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. Nebuchadnezzar deported Jehoiachin, his officials, and many people to Babylon, appointing Mattaniah as the new king, renaming him Zedekiah.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 79: O Lord, the nations have invaded and ruined your land. We are disgraced and mocked. Please forgive our past sins, show compassion, and save us for the glory of your name.
• Gospel – Matthew 7:21-29: Jesus warned that only those who do God’s will enter heaven. He compared those who follow his words to a wise man building on rock and those who don’t to a foolish man building on sand.

The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. But it did not collapse; it had been set solidly on rock.

Matthew 7:25

On Thursday of the 12th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, the readings highlight important themes. They focus on leadership, faith, and obedience to God’s will.

• Leadership and Responsibility: King Jehoiachin’s short reign and surrender show how leaders must act responsibly. Nebuchadnezzar’s takeover and appointment of a new king illustrate the consequences of poor leadership.
• Consequences of Actions: Jehoiachin and his people were deported due to their actions. This teaches us that our choices have serious consequences.
• Faith and Obedience: Jesus emphasizes that only those who do God’s will can enter heaven. This stresses the importance of living according to God’s teachings.
• Wisdom in Following Jesus: Jesus compares those who follow His words to a wise man building on rock. This shows the stability and strength that comes from following Jesus.
• Foolishness of Ignoring Jesus: Those who ignore Jesus’ teachings are like a foolish man building on sand. Their foundation is weak and will not stand in difficult times.

These themes remind us of the importance of responsible leadership and obedience to God. They encourage us to build our lives on the strong foundation of Jesus’ teachings.

On Thursday of the 12th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, we read about King Jehoiachin’s short reign. He ruled for only three months before surrendering to Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon. This shows how leaders can face big challenges and must make tough choices.

Nebuchadnezzar took Jehoiachin, his officials, and many people to Babylon. This event teaches us about the consequences of our actions. When leaders fail, it affects many people, not just themselves.

Nebuchadnezzar appointed Mattaniah as the new king and changed his name to Zedekiah. This reminds us that sometimes new leadership is needed. It also shows how powerful leaders can change people’s lives in big ways.

Building on a Strong Foundation

In the Gospel reading for Thursday of the 12th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, Jesus talks about doing God’s will. He warns that only those who follow God’s will can enter heaven. This is a clear call to live according to God’s teachings.

Jesus uses the example of a wise man building his house on rock. This man represents those who hear Jesus’ words and act on them. They have a strong foundation that can withstand life’s storms.

On the other hand, Jesus talks about a foolish man building his house on sand. This man represents those who ignore Jesus’ teachings. Their weak foundation will crumble when trouble comes.

Living Wisely and Faithfully

The readings for Thursday of the 12th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 call us to reflect on our own lives. Are we building on rock or sand? Are we following God’s will or ignoring it?

We can learn from Jehoiachin’s mistakes and from Jesus’ teachings. By making wise choices and obeying God, we can build a strong and stable life. This is how we can face challenges and remain faithful.

As we think about these readings, let’s ask God to help us live wisely. Let’s strive to follow His will and build our lives on a solid foundation. In doing so, we can find strength and stability in Him.

Prayer

Dear God, Help us to follow Your will every day. Guide us to make wise choices and live faithfully. Give us strength to build our lives on the rock of Your teachings. Amen.

USCCB Reflection: Building on Rock with Patience

On Thursday of the 12th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, the USCCB reflection emphasizes building our house on rock by practicing patience daily. This includes being patient in everyday situations like traffic and lines, and with ourselves as we strive to change. Patience is also necessary with others, especially family members, as they work to improve. Change takes time, and we need to patiently support one another. The gospel calls us to build our lives on a strong foundation through patience.

What date is Thursday of the 12th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

The next date is Thursday June 25, 2026.

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 Thursday of the 12th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1.

What are the Mass readings for Thursday of the 12th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

The Mass readings for Thursday June 25, 2026 are:
First Reading  – 2 Kings 24:8-17: The Fall of Jehoiachin
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 79: Deliver Us, O Lord
Gospel – Matthew 7:21-29: True Obedience

Why did King Jehoiachin surrender so quickly in the first reading for Thursday of the 12th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

King Jehoiachin surrendered because Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, was very powerful. Jehoiachin had no choice but to give in.

What happened to Jehoiachin and his people?

Jehoiachin and his people were taken to Babylon by Nebuchadnezzar. They were exiled because of their actions.

Who was made king after Jehoiachin?

Nebuchadnezzar made Mattaniah the new king. He renamed him Zedekiah.

What lessons can we learn from Jehoiachin’s story?

Jehoiachin’s story teaches us about the consequences of our actions. It shows the importance of responsible leadership and making wise decisions.

What does it mean to do God’s will?

Doing God’s will means following His teachings and living according to His commands. It means making choices that please God.

What is the meaning of the wise man building on rock?

The wise man building on rock represents people who follow Jesus’ words. Their lives are strong and stable because they trust in Jesus.

What is the meaning of the foolish man building on sand?

The foolish man building on sand represents people who ignore Jesus’ teachings. Their lives are weak and unstable, and they fall apart in hard times.

How can we apply these readings for Thursday of the 12th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 to our lives?

We can apply these readings by making wise choices and following God’s will. We should build our lives on the strong foundation of Jesus’ teachings.

How can we build a strong foundation in our lives?

We can build a strong foundation by listening to Jesus and following His teachings. This helps us stay strong and faithful in difficult times.

What should we do when we face challenges?

When we face challenges, we should trust in God and follow His will. Building our lives on Jesus’ words gives us strength to overcome difficulties.