Thursday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time
Thursday July 8, 2027
God’s Plan Through the Pain
On Thursday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, we hear one of the most moving moments in the story of Joseph. He finally tells his brothers who he is. They had sold him long ago, but now he is in a place to help them. Joseph tells them not to be afraid. God used it all for good.
The psalm reminds us that even when bad things happen, God is still working. Joseph was taken to Egypt, but God was with him. He gave him wisdom and strength. In time, Joseph helped save many lives, even the lives of the very people who hurt him.
In the Gospel, Jesus sends out the Apostles with a mission. He tells them to bring healing and peace. He warns them not everyone will welcome them, but they must still go. They are to rely on God’s care and not worry about things.
Thursday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 calls us to trust that God is at work, even in the hard parts of life. It also reminds us to share the peace and mercy we’ve been given.
Daily Mass Readings for Thursday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1
- 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.
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.
As you enter a house, wish it peace.
Matthew 10:12
Themes for the Readings for Thursday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1
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.
Reflection for Thursday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1
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?
Homilies and Commentaries for Thursday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1
Authentic Itinerant Preaching
Fr. Clifton Harris reflects on Jesus’ call to the apostles in Matthew’s Gospel to preach the kingdom, heal the sick, and give freely. He reminds us that true preaching isn’t just about words, but how we live. St. Dominic saw this when he chose a life of poverty and simplicity to better reflect the Gospel message. Our lifestyle speaks before our words ever do.
On this Thursday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, Fr. Harris invites us to live as missionary disciples. He says we don’t need to be perfect to share Jesus. We are called to bring peace, joy, and healing through small acts of love and kindness. The world needs real witnesses of Christ—people whose lives reflect what they believe.
Do You Really Trust God?
Jesus sends his disciples out with almost nothing—no money, no extra clothes, no supplies. He tells them to rely on God and trust that others will care for them. This kind of mission requires deep faith in God’s providence and in the kindness of people. The reading also highlights the gift of peace and the freedom to move on if their message is not accepted.
Matthew Kelly reflects on how this Gospel reminds him of his early speaking days, when he stayed with families who welcomed and helped him. He talks about Christian hospitality and how it shows up in big and small ways. Whether it’s opening our homes or just helping someone in need, hospitality is a beautiful part of our faith. On this Thursday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, he reminds us that serving others with love and care is one way we live out the Gospel.
Called to Heal and Set Free
Jesus sends the apostles to proclaim the kingdom of God by healing, raising the dead, and freeing people from evil. The same mission belongs to the Church today. We are called to help others know Jesus by how we live. We must care for the outcast, those struggling with sin, and those trapped in things like addiction, materialism, or anger. All of us are called to bring hope and healing in our own way.
Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers reflects on what it means to be a disciple. We must be free from attachments that hold us back from living out the Gospel. Jesus asks us to trust God’s will and be at peace in that call, even when it’s hard. On this Thursday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, we are reminded to share the love of Christ in word and action, and to walk away peacefully when others are not ready to receive it.
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.
Resources
The Book of Genesis: Joseph’s Forgiveness and God’s Plan
In Genesis 44:18–21, 23b–29; 45:1–5, we reach a key turning point in the Joseph story. His tearful reunion with his brothers shows the power of reconciliation. The passage also reflects the larger Genesis theme that God’s purposes unfold even through human weakness and sin. Joseph’s words make it clear: though his brothers sold him, God used the situation to bring about life and survival. This reveals God’s quiet guidance at work in family stories, even messy ones.
This section of Genesis teaches about providence. The focus is not only on personal forgiveness, but also on how God’s promises to Abraham’s descendants continue, even through famine and betrayal. On this Thursday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, the reading reminds us that God’s saving hand can be at work even when we feel abandoned. Joseph’s rise prepares the way for the family of Israel to thrive in Egypt.
Psalm 105: God’s Hand Through Hardship
Psalm 105 recalls the story of Joseph as part of God’s faithfulness to His people. It tells how Joseph was enslaved but later freed and honored, all under God’s care. This psalm praises the Lord’s faithfulness in keeping His promises to the descendants of Abraham. Even in suffering, God’s plan moves forward. Joseph’s suffering was not the end of the story, but the path to new life for many.
This psalm fits into the larger theme of Psalm 105: remembering and proclaiming the great deeds of God throughout history. It connects to the covenant and shows that God’s word does not fail. On this Thursday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, the psalm invites us to trust that God is still active in our lives, even in times of difficulty and change.
The Gospel of Matthew: Mission, Simplicity, and Trust
In Matthew 10:7–15, Jesus sends out his Apostles with clear instructions: proclaim the Kingdom, heal the sick, and depend on others’ hospitality. The message is urgent. The Apostles are not to be weighed down by possessions or distracted by comforts. Their task is part of something bigger—God’s plan to gather and restore His people. The Gospel of Matthew highlights Jesus as the fulfillment of Israel’s hopes and the teacher of a new way of life.
This passage shows the importance of trust in God and being prepared for rejection. Jesus does not promise comfort. He promises meaning and purpose. On this Thursday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, the reading challenges us to live generously and walk simply. It reflects Matthew’s broader message of discipleship rooted in humility, faith, and action.
Social Media Graphics and Bulletin Images
Go Without Gold: Walking the Way of the Gospel
This colorful image captures the spirit of mission in Matthew 10:7–15, showing the feet of those sent out to proclaim the Kingdom. Perfect for highlighting themes of discipleship, evangelization, or the call to serve. Use this artwork in your bulletins or newsletters to inspire your community and celebrate the path of faithful witness. Download and share today.
Paid subscribers may download a large copy this digital artwork without watermarks, suitable for use in bulletins, social media, newsletters, etc., free of charge by clicking here. You must be logged in as a paid subscriber to access the file.
Only current paid subscribers have the rights to use the artwork.
Joseph, Keeper of Dreams
Bring the story of Joseph to life with “Joseph, Keeper of Dreams.” Available as a poster, card, canvas print, home décor, and digital download. A thoughtful addition to homes, churches, or classrooms, it encourages trust in God’s plan even through hardship.
Click on the image for more information on how to get the full sized artwork.
Paid subscribers may download a large copy this digital artwork without watermarks, suitable for use in bulletins, social media, newsletters, etc., free of charge by clicking here. You must be logged in as a paid subscriber to access the file.
Only current paid subscribers have the rights to use the artwork.
Questions and Answers for Thursday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1
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.
Forgiveness and Spreading the Message
The readings for Thursday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 show us the power of forgiveness and the importance of sharing God’s message. In Genesis, we hear the emotional story of Joseph revealing his identity to his brothers. They had sold him into slavery, but now he stands before them as a leader in Egypt. Instead of seeking revenge, Joseph forgives them. He tells them that God used their actions for good, to save many lives during the famine. This story reminds us that forgiveness is a powerful act that brings healing and peace.
In the Gospel, Jesus instructs His disciples to go out and proclaim that the Kingdom of Heaven is near. He gives them the authority to heal the sick, raise the dead, and drive out demons. He tells them to rely on God for their needs and not to take unnecessary possessions. Jesus emphasizes the importance of their mission and warns them to leave any town that does not welcome them. This shows us that sharing the Good News requires trust in God and a willingness to face rejection.
These readings teach us two important lessons. First, forgiveness can bring reconciliation and healing. Second, we are called to share God’s message with others, trusting in His guidance and care.
Your Turn
Take time to reflect on Thursday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1. Are there people you need to forgive to bring peace to your heart? How can you share God’s message with trust and faith?
Share your thoughts in the comments. Let’s support one another in living out the lessons of forgiveness and spreading God’s love.