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.

Lectionary Reference: 374

Upcoming dates: June 25, 2026, June 27, 2030

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.

The readings for Thursday of the 12th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 call us to reflect on leadership, faith, and trust. In 2 Kings, we see the consequences of failed leadership and its impact on others. In the Gospel, Jesus reminds us to build our lives on the solid foundation of His words. Together, these readings encourage us to stay rooted in faith, especially in difficult times.

The Impact of Failing Leadership

In the first reading, King Jehoiachin is taken into exile because of his failures as a leader. His decisions not only affect him but also lead to suffering for many people. The people of Judah lose their land and their freedom. His actions show how the failure of a leader can have lasting consequences for others.

This is true in all areas of life, including the Church. When leaders fail to act wisely or faithfully, it can hurt the people they are meant to serve. A lack of integrity or poor decisions can lead others astray or cause harm to communities. Leadership comes with responsibility, and it is important to follow God’s ways.

Thursday of the 12th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 reminds us to pray for leaders and hold them accountable. We are also called to reflect on our own influence. Even if we are not in leadership positions, our actions can still affect others. How can we lead by example in our daily lives and bring others closer to God?

Building a Strong Foundation

In the Gospel, Jesus speaks about building on rock or sand. He says those who act on His words are like a wise person building on rock. The house stands firm in the storms. But those who hear His words and do not act are like someone building on sand. The house on sand cannot survive the storms.

This parable challenges us to think about what we are building our lives on. Are we living according to Jesus’ teachings, or are we only listening without putting them into practice? A strong foundation in faith comes from hearing His words and following them. This is what gives us the strength to face challenges.

Thursday of the 12th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 invites us to examine our lives. Are we building on the rock of faith, trust, and obedience to God? Or are we building on the sand of selfishness, fear, or inaction? Jesus calls us to live with purpose and to make Him the foundation of our lives.

Trusting God in Difficult Times

Both readings show how important it is to trust God, even when life is difficult. In the first reading, the people of Judah are exiled and their kingdom falls apart. They may have felt abandoned, but God’s promises to His people never fail. In the Gospel, Jesus reminds us that a life built on Him can withstand any storm.

Difficult times test our faith and trust. When things fall apart, like in the story of Judah, it can feel hard to believe that God is still with us. But just as the house built on rock stands firm, faith in God gives us strength to endure. His presence is a foundation that does not shift or crumble.

Thursday of the 12th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 encourages us to hold on to God during challenges. Whether we face storms or feel like life is falling apart, we can trust that God remains faithful. Building on Him gives us hope and security, no matter what comes our way.

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Thursday of the 12th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 invites us to examine our own foundations and how we influence those around us. Whether we lead or follow, we are called to live faithfully, trust God’s promises, and act on His teachings. Let us commit to building our lives on the rock of faith in Christ.

Prayer

Lord, help us to build our lives on the firm foundation of Your word. Teach us to act on Your teachings and trust in You during challenges. Guide leaders to follow Your ways and protect those they serve. Strengthen our faith so we can be lights in the world around us. Amen.

Reflection Questions

• How do my choices and actions influence others around me?
• Am I building my life on the rock of faith and obedience to Jesus’ teachings?
• What steps can I take to trust God more during difficult times?
• How can I encourage and support faithful leadership in my community?

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.