Tuesday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time

Tuesday July 15, 2025

Daily Mass Readings for Tuesday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1

First Reading – Exodus 2:1-15a: Moses, hidden as a baby and found by Pharaoh’s daughter, later killed an Egyptian oppressor and fled to Midian to escape Pharaoh’s wrath.
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 69: Amidst affliction and pain, I call upon the Lord. He hears the cries of the poor and grants deliverance. Seek God, find gladness, and revive your hearts.
Gospel – Matthew 11:20-24: Jesus rebuked the towns where he performed many miracles for not repenting. He warned that on the day of judgment, it would be easier for notorious sinful cities than for them.

Upcoming dates: July 15, 2025, July 13, 2027, July 17, 2029, July 15, 2031, July 12, 2033

If the mighty deeds done in your midst had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would long ago have repented in sackcloth and ashes.
Matthew 11:21

Themes for the Readings for Tuesday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1

On Tuesday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, the readings focus on key moments in Moses’ life and Jesus’ warnings to unrepentant towns. These themes highlight important lessons for our faith and actions.

God’s Protection: God protected Moses as a baby by having him hidden and later found by Pharaoh’s daughter. This shows that God cares for and protects His chosen ones even in dangerous times.
Righteous Anger: Moses showed anger against injustice when he killed the Egyptian oppressor. This teaches us that it is important to stand against wrongdoing, but also to be mindful of our actions.
Fleeing from Danger: Moses fled to Midian to escape Pharaoh’s wrath. Sometimes, we must leave situations to preserve our safety and well-being.

Call to Repentance: Jesus rebuked the towns where He performed miracles for not repenting. Repentance is essential to respond to God’s works in our lives.
Judgment Warning: Jesus warned that it would be easier for notorious sinful cities on judgment day than for the unrepentant towns. This highlights the seriousness of rejecting God’s call to change our ways.
Miracles and Faith: The towns witnessed many miracles but lacked faith. Witnessing God’s power should lead us to deeper faith and transformation.

These themes for Tuesday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 remind us of God’s protection, the importance of standing against injustice, and the call to repentance. They encourage us to recognize God’s works and respond with faith.

Reflection for Tuesday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1

On Tuesday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, the readings offer us valuable lessons. They speak about God’s protection, the need for repentance, and the consequences of rejecting God’s call. These reflections will help us understand and apply these teachings to our lives.

God’s Protection

In the first reading, we see how God protected Moses from danger. As a baby, Moses was hidden to save his life. Pharaoh’s daughter found him and raised him as her own. This shows that God watches over us and takes care of us, even when we are unaware of His presence.

We can trust that God is always with us. Even in difficult times, He has a plan for us. Just as He protected Moses, He will protect us and guide us through our struggles.

God’s protection does not mean we will never face problems. It means He will be with us, helping us overcome them. We can find comfort and strength in knowing that God is always by our side.

Call to Repentance

In the Gospel, Jesus rebukes the towns where He performed many miracles. Despite seeing His works, the people did not repent. Jesus warns them that it will be easier for sinful cities on judgment day than for them.

This teaches us the importance of repentance. We must respond to God’s call to change our ways. When we see His works in our lives, we should turn to Him and ask for forgiveness.

Repentance is more than saying sorry. It means changing our hearts and actions. We should strive to live according to God’s will and seek His mercy when we fall short.

Consequences of Rejecting God

Jesus’ warning to the unrepentant towns shows the seriousness of rejecting God. Despite witnessing miracles, these towns did not believe. Their refusal to repent had severe consequences.

We should not take God’s call lightly. Ignoring His call can lead to spiritual danger. We must be open to His guidance and ready to change our ways.

God wants us to grow closer to Him. By accepting His call and repenting, we can strengthen our relationship with Him. This will lead us to a more fulfilling and faithful life.

Tuesday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 teaches us about God’s protection, the need for repentance, and the consequences of rejecting God’s call. These lessons remind us to trust in God’s care, respond to His call for repentance, and take His warnings seriously. By doing so, we can grow in our faith and live according to His will.

Prayer

Lord, help us to trust in Your protection and care. Guide us to repentance and change our hearts to follow Your will. Strengthen our faith and keep us close to You. Amen.

Reflection Questions

How have you experienced God’s protection and care in your life?
Are there areas in your life where you need to turn back to God and seek His forgiveness?

How do you respond when you see God working in your life or in the lives of others?
What steps can you take to avoid ignoring God’s call and to grow closer to Him?

Homilies and Commentaries for Tuesday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1

Word on Fire: Revealing Truth

On the Tuesday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, Bishop Robert Barron reflects on the Gospel, where Jesus rebukes unrepentant towns despite performing mighty deeds. Though uncomfortable, Jesus as a judge is evident in the New Testament. Statues of compassionate Jesus and righteous Judge symbolize this duality.

God’s order judges surrounding disorder, separating good from evil. Jesus, God’s Word, embodies judgment in every word and gesture. As the light of the world, He exposes darkness, setting truth apart from falsehood.

USCCB Reflection: Living the Gospel

In this USCCB video reflection for Tuesday of the 15th week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, the focus is on the Gospel passage from Matthew where Jesus expresses disappointment with those who have witnessed His miracles but have not repented.

The reflection emphasizes that as believers, we are called to live out the Gospel in every moment of our lives, both inside and outside the church building, showing love and acceptance to all, and reflecting God’s fatherly love to the world.

Questions and Answers for Tuesday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1

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

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

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

The Mass readings for Tuesday July 15, 2025 are:
First Reading – Exodus 2:1-15a: The Birth and Escape of Moses
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 69: Cry for Help in Desperation
Gospel – Matthew 11:20-24: Woe to the Unrepentant Cities

Why was Moses hidden as a baby in the first reading for Tuesday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

Moses was hidden as a baby to protect him from Pharaoh’s order to kill all Hebrew baby boys. His mother put him in a basket in the river, and Pharaoh’s daughter found him.

What does Moses killing the Egyptian show us?

Moses killing the Egyptian shows his anger against injustice. It reminds us that we should stand against wrongdoing but be careful with our actions.

Why did Moses flee to Midian?

Moses fled to Midian because Pharaoh wanted to kill him after he killed the Egyptian. Sometimes, we need to leave dangerous situations to stay safe.

What does God’s protection in Moses’ story teach us?

God’s protection in Moses’ story teaches us that God cares for us and watches over us. Even in difficult times, He has a plan and will guide us.

What is the main message in the Gospel for Tuesday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

The main message in the Gospel reading is about the need for repentance. Jesus rebukes the towns for not repenting despite witnessing His miracles.

Why did Jesus compare the unrepentant towns to sinful cities?

Jesus compared the unrepentant towns to sinful cities to warn them about the serious consequences of not repenting. He said it would be easier for those sinful cities on judgment day than for them.

How can we apply the lesson of repentance in our lives?

We can apply the lesson of repentance by turning away from our sins and asking for God’s forgiveness. We should strive to live according to His will.

Why is it important to respond to God’s works in our lives?

It is important to respond to God’s works in our lives because it shows our faith and gratitude. By repenting and changing our ways, we grow closer to God.

What are the consequences of rejecting God’s call in the Gospel for Tuesday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

The consequences of rejecting God’s call can be severe, as shown by Jesus’ warning to the unrepentant towns. Ignoring His call can lead to spiritual danger.

How can we strengthen our relationship with God?

We can strengthen our relationship with God by trusting in His protection, repenting for our sins, and living according to His will. This helps us grow in faith and stay close to Him.

God’s Protection and the Call to Repentance

The readings for Tuesday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 remind us of God’s care and the importance of repentance. In the first reading from Exodus, we hear the story of Moses’ birth. His mother hides him to save him from Pharaoh’s order to kill all Hebrew baby boys. She places him in a basket on the river, where Pharaoh’s daughter finds him and raises him as her own. God protects Moses and uses him for a greater purpose.

As Moses grows older, he witnesses the suffering of his people. One day, he sees an Egyptian beating a Hebrew slave and kills the Egyptian. Fearing for his life, Moses flees to Midian. This part of the story shows how God can use even imperfect people to carry out His plan. Moses’ journey begins with struggle, but God is preparing him for a mission to save His people.

In the Gospel, Jesus speaks about the towns where He performed miracles but saw little repentance. He warns them that their lack of response will lead to judgment. Jesus’ message reminds us that God calls us to change our hearts and follow His ways. Ignoring this call has serious consequences.

These readings encourage us to trust in God’s care and to respond to His call with repentance and faith. They remind us that God has a purpose for us, even in difficult times, and that we are called to turn to Him with open hearts.

Your Turn

Reflect on Tuesday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1. How do you trust in God’s care, especially during challenging times? Are there areas in your life where you need to turn back to God with a repentant heart?

Share your thoughts in the comments. Let’s reflect together on God’s guidance and the ways we can respond to His call in our daily lives.