Monday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time

• First Reading – Exodus 1:8-14, 22: A new king oppressed the Israelites, fearing their growth. They were forced into hard labor, but they continued to multiply. Pharaoh ordered all Hebrew boys to be thrown into the river.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 124: If the Lord had not been with us, we would have been overwhelmed by our enemies. Blessed be the Lord, who saved us from their trap and freed us.
• Gospel – Matthew 10:34-11:1: Jesus told his Apostles that his coming would cause division, not peace. He stressed the need to prioritize him above all else and promised rewards for those who support his followers.

Lectionary Reference: 389

Upcoming dates: July 14, 2025, July 12, 2027, July 16, 2029, July 14, 2031, July 11, 2033

Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.

Matthew 10:39

Monday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 reminds us of the challenges and commitments of following God’s will. The readings highlight themes of oppression, faithfulness, and the cost of discipleship.

• Oppression and Fear: The new king in Egypt feared the growing number of Israelites. He oppressed them with hard labor, showing how fear can lead to unjust actions.
• Perseverance in Faith: Despite harsh treatment, the Israelites continued to multiply. Their perseverance reminds us to stay faithful in difficult times.
• Sacrifice for God: Pharaoh’s command to throw Hebrew boys into the river was a grave sacrifice for the Israelites. This reflects the sacrifices we may face for our faith.
• Division in Following Christ: Jesus told his Apostles that his coming would cause division. Following him may separate us from others who do not share our faith.
• Prioritizing Jesus: Jesus stressed the need to put him above all else. This means making our relationship with him the most important part of our lives.
• Support for Believers: Jesus promised rewards for those who support his followers. Helping fellow Christians is a way to serve Jesus himself.

These themes remind us of the costs and rewards of following God’s path. On Monday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, we reflect on staying faithful despite challenges.

Monday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 reminds us of the importance of staying faithful to God, even in difficult times. The readings show us the challenges faced by the Israelites in Egypt and the teachings of Jesus about the cost of discipleship. Through these stories, we can find strength and guidance for our own lives.

Oppression and Trust in God

The Israelites faced harsh oppression under the new king of Egypt. He feared their growing numbers and subjected them to hard labor. This shows how fear can lead to unjust actions against others.

Despite their suffering, the Israelites continued to multiply. Their perseverance under such harsh conditions shows their trust in God. Even when it seems like everything is against us, we can trust that God is with us.

We might face our own struggles and feel oppressed by circumstances in life. In these moments, we can remember the Israelites’ faith and perseverance. Trusting in God gives us the strength to endure and hope for a better future.

The Cost of Discipleship

Jesus told his Apostles that his coming would cause division, not peace. This can be hard to understand because we often think of Jesus as the Prince of Peace. However, following Jesus sometimes means making difficult choices that others may not understand.

Jesus emphasized that we must put him above all else. This means our relationship with him should be the most important part of our lives. Sometimes this might separate us from others who do not share our faith.

The cost of discipleship can be high. We might lose relationships or face criticism. But Jesus assures us that the rewards of following him are far greater than the sacrifices we make.

Supporting Fellow Believers

Jesus promised rewards for those who support his followers. This teaches us the importance of helping each other. When we support fellow Christians, we are serving Jesus himself.

Simple acts of kindness and support can make a big difference. Offering help, a listening ear, or encouragement strengthens our community. It helps us grow closer to each other and to God.

Supporting others is a way to live out our faith. It shows the love of Christ to the world. On Monday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, we are reminded of the importance of community and support.

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The readings for Monday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 guide us to trust in God, understand the cost of discipleship, and support our fellow believers. They remind us that faith often involves challenges, but God’s presence and the support of our community help us to stay strong. We can take these lessons into our lives, knowing that we are not alone in our journey of faith.

Prayer

Dear Lord, help us to trust in You during difficult times. Give us the strength to follow You, even when it is hard. May we always support and love each other as members of Your family. Amen.

Reflection Questions

• How can you trust in God during times of struggle and uncertainty in your life?
• What does putting Jesus above all else look like in your daily decisions and relationships?
• In what ways can you support and encourage fellow believers in their faith journey?
• How do you stay committed to your faith, even when it leads to difficult choices or challenges?

Word on Fire: Detachment and Mission

In this reflection for Monday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, Bishop Robert Barron explains that when we choose to follow Jesus, all other claims to supremacy must be relinquished.

While we value many things in life, such as money, power, family, or our identity, these should not take the central place in our lives. Placing them at the core can lead to spiritual disarray. Jesus urges detachment from these attachments, not advocating hatred for them. Only by freeing ourselves from idolizing worldly goods can we truly prepare for our mission.

USCCB Reflection: Choosing Peace through Hospitable Reception

In this USCCB video reflection for Monday of the 15th week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, the message is clear: living the Gospel authentically requires a decisive commitment to be counter-cultural and stand for Christ and His Church.

Real peace is interconnected with a hospitable reception of others, as we welcome and care for those who challenge, inspire, and remind us of true priorities in life. Embracing this call to hospitality can lead us to everlasting life with Christ.

What date is Monday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

The next date is Monday July 14, 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 Monday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2.

What are the Mass readings for Monday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

The Mass readings for Monday July 14, 2025 are:
First Reading – Exodus 1:8-14, 22: Oppression in Egypt
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 124: Protection and Deliverance
Gospel – Matthew 10:34-11:1: Division and Commitment

Why did the new king oppress the Israelites in the first reading for Monday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

The new king of Egypt feared the growing number of Israelites. He thought they might become too powerful and join his enemies.

How did the Israelites respond to the oppression?

The Israelites continued to multiply despite the harsh treatment. They trusted in God and persevered through their suffering.

How can the story of the Israelites inspire us today?

The story of the Israelites inspires us to stay faithful, even when facing difficulties. It reminds us that God is always with us, giving us strength and hope.

What does Jesus mean by saying he brings division, not peace, in the Gospel for Monday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

Jesus means that following him can cause conflict, even within families. His message calls for total commitment, which can lead to disagreements with those who do not believe.

Why is it important to put Jesus above all else?

Putting Jesus above all else means making him the center of our lives. This helps us stay focused on our faith and make choices that honor God.

How can supporting fellow believers show our love for Jesus?

Supporting fellow believers is a way of serving Jesus. By helping others, we live out his teachings and show his love to the world.

What kind of support can we offer to other Christians?

We can offer support by listening, encouraging, and helping with their needs. Small acts of kindness can strengthen our faith community.

How can we stay strong in our faith during hard times?

We can stay strong by trusting in God and remembering the perseverance of the Israelites. Prayer, reading the Bible, and support from fellow believers also help us stay strong.

What lessons can we learn from Monday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

We learn the importance of trusting God, understanding the cost of discipleship, and supporting each other. These lessons guide us in living out our faith daily.

What rewards does Jesus promise for supporting his followers?

Jesus promises that those who support his followers will receive rewards. By helping others, we are serving Jesus, and he will bless us for our kindness.