Thursday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time

• First Reading – Genesis 44:18-21, 23b-29; 45:1-5: In a tearful reunion, Joseph reveals himself to his brothers who sold him into Egypt. He comforts them, saying it was God’s plan to save lives that led him here ahead of them.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 105: The Lord sent Joseph to Egypt during a famine. Though he was enslaved, his predictions came true, and the king released and elevated him.
• Gospel – Matthew 10:7-15: Jesus instructed his Apostles to proclaim the Kingdom of heaven, heal the sick, and give freely. He told them to travel light, stay with worthy people, and leave places that reject them.

Lectionary Reference: 386

Upcoming dates: July 10, 2025, July 8, 2027, July 12, 2029, July 10, 2031, July 7, 2033

As you enter a house, wish it peace. 

Matthew 10:12

Thursday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 shows us God’s plan and Jesus’ teachings. We see how God works through difficult times and how Jesus guides His followers to share the good news.

• God’s Plan: Joseph tells his brothers that it was God’s plan for him to be in Egypt. This shows that God can bring good out of bad situations.
• Forgiveness: Joseph forgives his brothers for selling him. This teaches us the importance of forgiving others, even when they hurt us deeply.
• Trust in God: Joseph trusted God even when he was sold into slavery. This reminds us to trust God in hard times.
• Mission of the Apostles: Jesus sends His Apostles to proclaim the Kingdom of heaven. This shows the importance of spreading God’s message.
• Healing and Helping: Jesus instructs the Apostles to heal the sick and help others. This highlights the need to care for those in need.
• Travel Light: Jesus tells the Apostles to travel light and rely on the hospitality of others. This encourages us to depend on God and not be weighed down by material things.
• Offering Peace: Jesus tells His Apostles to offer peace to those who welcome them. This shows the importance of bringing peace and goodwill wherever we go.

Thursday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 reminds us of God’s guiding hand and Jesus’ clear instructions. We learn to forgive, trust, help others, and share God’s message.

Thursday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 teaches us about God’s plan, forgiveness, trust, and the mission of spreading the Gospel. Through the stories of Joseph and the instructions of Jesus, we learn important lessons for our lives.

God’s Plan and Forgiveness

Joseph’s story in the first reading for Thursday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 shows how God can turn bad situations into good ones. His brothers sold him into slavery, but God used that to save many lives. Joseph’s ability to forgive his brothers is a powerful lesson for us.

Forgiveness is not always easy, but it is necessary. Joseph’s willingness to forgive his brothers shows great strength. We are called to forgive others, just as Joseph did.

God’s plan is often beyond our understanding. Joseph’s life shows that even in hard times, God is working for good. Trusting in God’s plan can help us find peace and purpose in our lives.

Trust in God

Joseph’s trust in God never wavered, even when he was sold into slavery. He believed that God had a purpose for him. This trust helped him endure many hardships and eventually rise to a position of power.

We face many challenges in life. Trusting in God, as Joseph did, can help us through difficult times. It reminds us that God is always with us, guiding and protecting us.

Trusting God also means believing that He knows what is best for us. Like Joseph, we may not always see the bigger picture. But we can have faith that God’s plan is good and that He is leading us in the right direction.

Mission of the Apostles

In the Gospel for Thursday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, Jesus sent His Apostles to proclaim the Kingdom of heaven. He instructed them to heal the sick and help others. This mission shows us the importance of spreading God’s message and serving others.

Jesus told the Apostles to travel light and depend on others for support. This teaches us to rely on God and not be burdened by material things. It reminds us to keep our focus on our mission.

Offering peace to those who welcome us is another important lesson. Jesus wanted His Apostles to bring peace and goodwill wherever they went. We are also called to be peacemakers in our own lives.

---

Thursday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 gives us valuable lessons on God’s plan, forgiveness, trust, and our mission as followers of Jesus. By reflecting on these readings, we can better understand how to live our faith. Let us take these teachings to heart and apply them in our daily lives.

Prayer

Lord, help us to trust in Your plan, even when we do not understand it. Give us the strength to forgive others as Joseph did. Guide us to spread Your message and bring peace to those around us. Amen.

Reflection Questions

• How can you trust in God’s plan, even during difficult or uncertain times?
• Are there people in your life that you need to forgive? What steps can you take to offer forgiveness?
• How can you rely more on God and less on material things in your daily life?
• In what ways can you bring peace and goodwill to those around you?

Word on Fire: The Essential Gospel

In this reflection for Thursday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, Bishop Robert Barron emphasizes the significance of proclaiming Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection in today’s Gospel. He discusses how evangelization can lose its true essence when this essential message is not at its core.

Bishop Barron refers to the concerns raised by Peter Maurin and Stanley Hauerwas about a diluted and uninspiring faith lacking the power of Jesus’ resurrection. The reflection highlights the need for a vibrant and engaging proclamation of this pivotal event to revitalize the faith and avoid a shallow religiosity influenced by the surrounding culture.

USCCB Reflection: Proclaiming the Kingdom of God

This USCCB video reflection for Thursday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 emphasizes the Church’s role in extending the Kingdom of God through Jesus’ mission. Baptism and confirmation empower believers to proclaim the kingdom through their words and actions, bringing healing and freedom to the spiritually dead and marginalized. It encourages discerning God’s will, being at peace amidst hardships, and avoiding confrontations.

Believers are challenged to examine their attachment to possessions and strive for a fully Catholic life aligned with the Gospel’s vision. Ultimately, the reflection calls for seeking the Lord’s face and fulfilling His mission.

What date is Thursday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

The next date is Thursday July 10, 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 14th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2.

What are the Mass readings for Thursday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

The Mass readings for Thursday July 10, 2025 are:
First Reading – Genesis 44:18-21, 23b-29; 45:1-5: The Revealing of Joseph
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 105: Joseph’s Journey to Glory
Gospel – Matthew 10:7-15: Instructions for the Twelve

Why did Joseph forgive his brothers after they sold him into slavery in the first reading for Thursday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

Joseph forgave his brothers because he saw that God had a bigger plan. He believed that God used their actions to save many lives. This teaches us the importance of forgiveness and trusting God’s plan.

How can we trust God in difficult times like Joseph did?

Trusting God means believing that He is always with us, even when times are hard. Like Joseph, we can find comfort in knowing that God has a purpose for our struggles. Prayer and reading Scripture can help us strengthen our trust in God.

What can we learn from Joseph’s story about God’s plan?

Joseph’s story shows that God can bring good out of bad situations. Even when things seem difficult, God is working for our good. This helps us trust in God’s plan for our lives.

What does Joseph’s story teach us about handling betrayal?

Joseph’s story teaches us to forgive and trust in God’s plan. Even when we are betrayed, we can find strength in God. It shows that God can use our hardships for a greater purpose.

How does forgiveness benefit us, like it did for Joseph?

Forgiveness frees us from anger and resentment. It allows us to move forward with peace. Joseph’s forgiveness of his brothers shows that letting go of past hurts can lead to healing and reconciliation.

What does it mean to “travel light” as Jesus told the Apostles in the Gospel for Thursday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

Jesus wanted the Apostles to depend on God and others, not on material things. “Travel light” means focusing on our mission and not being distracted by possessions. This teaches us to keep our lives simple and trust in God’s care.

Why did Jesus tell the Apostles to offer peace to those who welcome them?

Jesus wanted the Apostles to bring peace and goodwill wherever they went. Offering peace shows respect and kindness. This teaches us to be peacemakers in our own lives.

How does Jesus’ mission for the Apostles apply to us today?

Jesus’ mission for the Apostles to proclaim the Kingdom and help others is also our mission. We are called to share God’s love and care for those in need. This reminds us to live our faith through our actions.

What does it mean to “heal the sick” in our context today?

Healing the sick means caring for those who are suffering. This can include praying for them, helping them with their needs, and showing compassion. It reminds us to be kind and supportive to those around us.

Why is it important to spread God’s message as the Apostles did?

Spreading God’s message helps others know His love and truth. It is an important part of our faith. By sharing the Gospel, we bring hope and light to the world.