Tuesday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time
Tuesday July 1, 2031
Daily Mass Readings for Tuesday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1
- First Reading – Genesis 19:15-29: The angels urged Lot to flee Sodom. Lot escaped to Zoar. God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, but Lot’s wife looked back and became a pillar of salt.
- Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 26: I ask God to test my heart and keep me away from sinners. I walk in integrity and will bless the LORD in the assemblies.
- Gospel – Matthew 8:23-27: Jesus calms a violent storm after his disciples, fearing for their lives, wake him. They are amazed at his power over nature.
Why are you terrified, O you of little faith?
Matthew 8:26
Themes for the Readings for Tuesday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1
The readings for Tuesday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 teach us about trust in God and the consequences of our choices. These stories highlight the power of God and the importance of obedience and faith.
- Obedience to God: The angels tell Lot to leave Sodom, and he obeys. This shows the importance of listening to God’s warnings.
- Consequences of Disobedience: Lot’s wife looks back and becomes a pillar of salt. This shows the consequences of not following God’s instructions.
- Trust in God’s Protection: Lot flees to Zoar and is safe. This shows that trusting God leads to protection.
- God’s Power Over Nature: Jesus calms the storm, showing his power. The disciples are amazed, realizing Jesus controls even the weather.
- Faith in Difficult Times: The disciples fear the storm but wake Jesus for help. This shows we should turn to Jesus when we are afraid.
- God’s Mercy: God spares Lot and his family from destruction. This shows God’s mercy to those who follow him.
These themes from Tuesday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 remind us of the importance of trust and obedience to God. They show God’s power and mercy in our lives.
Reflection for Tuesday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1
The readings for Tuesday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 remind us of God’s power and care in the face of fear, uncertainty, and challenges. In the story of Lot’s escape and the calming of the storm, we see lessons about trusting God, letting go, and turning to Jesus in difficult times. These reflections help us see how these messages apply to our lives.
The Danger of Looking Back
In the first reading for Tuesday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, Lot’s wife looks back as her family flees Sodom and Gomorrah. Her hesitation to leave behind her old life costs her everything. She becomes a pillar of salt, a powerful image of what happens when we resist God’s call to move forward.
This moment reminds us of the importance of trusting God’s instructions. Sometimes, God asks us to leave behind habits, relationships, or comforts that are not good for us. Letting go can be painful or frightening, but looking back keeps us from receiving what God has planned.
Lot’s wife’s story challenges us to reflect on our own lives. Are we clinging to something we need to leave behind? Are we hesitating when God calls us to move forward? Trusting God often means focusing on where he is leading us, not where we have been.
Turning to Jesus in Fear
In the Gospel for Tuesday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, the disciples face a terrible storm. They are terrified and believe they are about to die. In their fear, they wake Jesus and cry out for help. Jesus calms the storm and asks why they doubted.
This story shows us that fear is natural, but we are never alone. When the storms of life overwhelm us, we should turn to Jesus. The disciples didn’t have the strength to calm the storm themselves, but they knew Jesus could help.
This reading encourages us to ask for help when we are afraid. Life can feel overwhelming, but Jesus is always with us. Whether we are dealing with struggles at home, work, or in our faith, we can call on him. Like the disciples, we will find peace when we trust him.
Trusting God’s Power to Save
Both readings for Tuesday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 remind us of God’s power to save. In Genesis, God rescues Lot and his family from destruction. In the Gospel, Jesus calms the storm with a word. In both stories, people face danger but find safety in God’s care.
This theme reminds us that God is in control, even when life feels chaotic. Lot and his family had to leave everything behind, but God protected them. The disciples feared the storm, but Jesus brought peace. These stories show us that God is always working for our good.
Sometimes, we forget how much God can do. We try to handle things on our own, but these readings encourage us to trust God’s power. When we face challenges, we can turn to him, knowing he will guide us through any storm or trial.
These stories from Tuesday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 remind us that God is always present and active, even in our struggles. Whether we need to let go of the past, trust in God’s care, or turn to Jesus in fear, we are not alone. Let us reflect on these lessons and open our hearts to God’s guidance.
Prayer
Lord, help us to trust you in every part of our lives. When we are afraid, give us courage. When we hesitate, give us strength to move forward. Remind us of your love and power to guide us through every storm. Help us to place our faith in you always. Amen.
Reflection Questions
- Are there areas in your life where you are looking back instead of moving forward?
- How do you respond when you feel afraid or overwhelmed?
- What does it mean to trust in God’s power in difficult times?
- How can these readings encourage you to rely more on Jesus in your daily life?
Homilies and Commentaries for Tuesday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1
Our Next Right Step
In Matthew 8, Jesus calms a storm while His disciples panic. Sister Elyse Ramirez reflects on how we all face storms that shake our faith. Fear is real, and it often feels like our hope is small. But we are not alone in the boat. Like the disciples, we cry out to Jesus, even when we feel weak.
Sr. Elyse reminds us that the storm is not just outside, but in the world around us—where human dignity is ignored and creation is harmed. Still, we stay in the boat with Jesus. Holding on tight, we choose to keep saying yes to the gospel. Our fear may be strong, but so is our faith. On this Tuesday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, we are called to stay with Jesus and keep going. That is our next right step.
Christ Is in the Boat With You
In Matthew 8, the disciples cross the sea with Jesus and are caught in a violent storm. These men were expert fishermen, yet they were terrified. They woke Jesus, who calmed the wind and waves with a word. This story is not only about a storm on the sea. It reminds us that Jesus can also calm the storms inside us—our fear, pain, anger, and disappointment.
Deacon Arthur Miller reflects on how Jesus is always with us in our personal storms. No matter what boat we find ourselves in—sickness, fear, grief—Christ is there. He may not always fix things right away, but our faith brings healing over time. We are not alone. On Tuesday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, Deacon Miller reminds us that even in chaos, we can turn to Jesus and ask, “Lord, what are we going to do today?”
The Calm Your Soul Needs
In Matthew 8:23-27, Jesus calms a storm while His disciples panic in fear. The reading reminds us that storms will come in life, and we need to be rooted in faith before they hit. Trusting Jesus and turning to Him brings peace, even in chaos. A strong spiritual life gives us calm when everything else feels uncertain.
Matthew Kelly reflects on how the disciples wondered who Jesus really was. Even they struggled to understand His power and presence. He encourages us to build deep roots of faith by reflecting on the gospel daily.
Fear, Trust, and the Calming Power
In this reflection for Tuesday of the 13th week in Ordinary Time, Bishop Robert Barron explores the spiritual dynamics of fear and trust through the story of Jesus calming the storm at sea. The disciples’ reaction of fear symbolizes the ego’s limited reliance on itself when confronted with life’s trials. However, Jesus represents the divine energy that remains unaffected by fear, capable of bringing calm to the storm.
This narrative teaches us to awaken to God’s presence within us, to deepen our trust, and to live with a fundamental trust in God rather than succumbing to fear, enabling us to withstand even the most daunting challenges.
Recognizing Christ in Others
In this video reflection from the USCCB for Tuesday of the 13th week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, the common theme of being able to see God’s mercy is explored through readings from Matthew, Genesis, and the psalms.
The speaker shares a personal story about seeing God in a man asking for money and realizing the importance of their interaction. The reflection highlights the significance of seeing God in others and helping them see Christ in themselves, emphasizing the power of such encounters.
Resources
The Book of Genesis: Fire, Salt, and Mercy
In Genesis 19:15-29, read on Tuesday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, we see the dramatic rescue of Lot and the destruction of Sodom. This passage comes after Abraham had pleaded with God for mercy. Even though the cities were wicked, God still offered a way out for the innocent. Lot’s escape shows God’s justice paired with His mercy. But Lot’s wife’s fate reminds us that trust in God means moving forward, not looking back.
Genesis often focuses on covenant and relationship with God. This story highlights how God responds to sin and how He saves those who trust Him. The warning is clear: clinging to what God has called us to leave behind brings ruin. But walking in faith leads to life.
For a deeper look at this book’s themes, visit this overview of the Book of Genesis.
Psalm 26: A Heart That Stays True
Psalm 26, used on Tuesday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, is a prayer of someone who wants to stay close to God. The psalmist asks God to test him, showing that his loyalty is not just on the outside. He wants to be known by God and separated from the wicked. This is a prayer for clean hands and a faithful heart.
The psalms often reflect themes of trust, worship, and the desire for holiness. Psalm 26 reminds us that living with integrity matters, even when others do not. In the midst of a broken world, the psalmist chooses to praise God in public and live in His presence.
The Gospel of Matthew: The Storm and the Savior
In Matthew 8:23-27, heard on Tuesday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, Jesus calms the sea while his disciples panic. This story shows not only Jesus’ power, but also the disciples’ lack of faith. Their fear stands in contrast to Jesus’ calm authority. He speaks, and nature obeys. The disciples are amazed, and maybe a little afraid, as they begin to grasp who He is.
This moment connects to a bigger theme in Matthew—Jesus as the promised Savior who brings the Kingdom of Heaven. He has power over sickness, demons, and even storms. His authority is not just in words, but in actions. This story encourages us to trust even when we feel overwhelmed.
For more on how this passage fits into the whole Gospel, read this summary of the Gospel of Matthew.
Questions and Answers for Tuesday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1
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 Tuesday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2.
Why did the angels tell Lot to leave Sodom?
The angels told Lot to leave Sodom because God planned to destroy the city due to its wickedness. Lot’s obedience saved him and his family.
What happened to Lot’s wife and why?
Lot’s wife looked back at Sodom, even though she was told not to. She turned into a pillar of salt as a result of her disobedience.
Why did Lot choose to flee to Zoar?
Lot chose to flee to Zoar because it was a small town nearby. He thought he could reach it quickly and be safe there.
How does the story of Lot relate to our lives?
The story of Lot teaches us to listen to God and follow His instructions. It shows the importance of obedience and trust in God.
What does Jesus calming the storm show about Him?
Jesus calming the storm shows His power over nature. It reminds us that He can bring peace to our lives, even in difficult times.
Why were the disciples afraid during the storm?
The disciples were afraid because the storm was strong and they feared for their lives. They did not yet fully understand Jesus’ power.
What can we learn from the disciples’ reaction to the storm?
We can learn to turn to Jesus when we are afraid. The disciples asked Jesus for help, and He saved them.
How do these readings encourage us to trust in God?
The readings for the Tuesday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 show God’s protection and mercy. They remind us to trust in God’s guidance and power.
Why is obedience to God important in these readings?
Obedience to God is important because it leads to safety and protection. Lot’s story shows that following God’s instructions is crucial.
How can we apply these readings to our daily lives?
We can apply these readings by trusting and obeying God. We should turn to Jesus in times of fear and remember His power and mercy.
Trusting God in the Storm
In the first reading from Genesis, we hear about the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. God sends angels to warn Lot to leave the city with his family. They hesitate, but the angels guide them to safety. Lot’s wife looks back and turns into a pillar of salt. This story reminds us to trust God and not cling to the past. God’s guidance leads to life, even when it is hard to leave what is familiar.
In the Gospel, Jesus calms a storm while on a boat with his disciples. The storm frightens them, and they wake Jesus, saying, “Save us, Lord, we are perishing!” Jesus questions their faith and speaks to the wind and waves, bringing peace. This moment shows that Jesus has power over all things. He asks us to trust him, even when we are afraid.
These readings show how God leads and protects his people. They call us to trust in his care, even when the future seems uncertain or frightening.
Your Turn
Take a moment today to reflect on the readings for Tuesday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time. In Genesis, God’s guidance led Lot and his family to safety, even when it was hard for them to trust. In Matthew, Jesus calmed the storm and asked his disciples to have faith. Both readings remind us to trust God, especially in difficult times.
How do these stories connect with your life? Have you ever faced a challenge that required you to let go of fear and trust God’s care? Share your experiences in the comments. Let’s learn from one another and grow in faith together.
Leave a Reply