Tuesday of the 16th Week in Ordinary Time

• First Reading – Exodus 14:21-15:1: Moses parted the sea, allowing the Israelites to escape on dry ground. The Egyptians pursued but were swept away when the sea returned. Israel saw the LORD’s power and believed in Him.
• Responsorial Psalm – Exodus 15: The Lord’s breath piled up the waters, and the enemy boasted of victory. But when the Lord’s wind blew, they sank. He brought His people to His holy mountain.
• Gospel – Matthew 12:46-50: While speaking to the crowds, Jesus said those who do God’s will are his true family, not just his biological relatives.

Lectionary Reference: 396

Upcoming dates: July 20, 2027, July 24, 2029, July 19, 2033

Here are my mother and my brothers.

Matthew 12:49

On Tuesday of the 16th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, we reflect on the themes in the readings from Exodus and Matthew. These themes highlight God’s power and the importance of doing His will.

• God’s Power Over Nature: God showed His power by parting the sea for the Israelites. This demonstrates His control over nature and His ability to save His people.
• Faith and Trust: The Israelites saw the LORD’s power and believed in Him. This shows the importance of trusting God even in difficult situations.
• Deliverance from Enemies: God saved the Israelites from the Egyptians by drowning them in the sea. This theme highlights God’s protection and deliverance from our enemies.
• Obedience to God’s Will: Jesus teaches that those who do God’s will are His true family. This emphasizes the importance of living according to God’s commandments.
• Spiritual Family: Jesus explains that His followers are His family. This means our spiritual connections in Christ are more important than biological ties.
• Recognizing God’s Miracles: The Israelites recognized God’s hand in their escape. This teaches us to see and acknowledge God’s works in our lives.

In these readings, we see God’s power and care for His people. They remind us to trust in God and live according to His will, forming a true family in Christ.

On Tuesday of the 16th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, we reflect on the powerful readings from Exodus and Matthew. These readings reveal God’s mighty acts and Jesus’ teachings on true family. Through these reflections, we can deepen our faith and understanding of God’s will.

God’s Power Over Nature

In Exodus, we see God parting the Red Sea for the Israelites. This miraculous event shows His control over the natural world. God uses His power to save His people from danger.

When the Egyptians chased the Israelites, God closed the sea over them. This act protected the Israelites and destroyed their enemies. It is a clear reminder of God’s ability to protect us from harm.

The Israelites’ response was faith and trust in God. They saw His power and believed in Him. This teaches us to recognize God’s works in our lives and to trust in His protection and guidance.

True Family in Christ

In Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus redefines what it means to be family. He says that those who do God’s will are His true family. This shows that our spiritual bonds are stronger than blood relations.

Jesus teaches that obedience to God’s will is crucial. Following God’s commandments makes us part of His family. Our actions and choices matter more than our lineage.

By doing God’s will, we become brothers and sisters in Christ. This spiritual family is united by faith and love. We are called to support and love each other as true family members.

Recognizing God’s Miracles

The Israelites recognized God’s hand in their escape from Egypt. They saw the parted sea and the destruction of their enemies as acts of God. This acknowledgment strengthened their faith.

We are also called to see and acknowledge God’s works in our lives. Recognizing His miracles helps us to trust and believe in Him more deeply. It opens our eyes to His constant presence and care.

Gratitude for God’s actions deepens our relationship with Him. It reminds us of His power and love. We should always be mindful of the ways God intervenes in our lives and give thanks for His blessings.

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The readings for Tuesday of the 16th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 remind us of God’s power and the importance of doing His will. They teach us about true family in Christ and recognizing God’s works in our lives. May these reflections deepen our faith and trust in God.

Prayer

Lord, thank You for Your mighty works and protection. Help us to trust in You and do Your will. May we always recognize and give thanks for Your presence in our lives. Amen.

Word On Fire: Putting God First

From Bishop Robert Barron for Tuesday of the 16th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1. Over and again, the Bible places the goods of the world into question—even something as good as family relationships. Why? Because family isn’t God. It is not that which you should serve with your whole heart; it doesn’t belong in the center of your life.

What date is Tuesday of the 16th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

The next date is Tuesday July 20, 2027.

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 16th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2.

What are the Mass readings for Tuesday of the 16th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

The Mass readings for Tuesday July 20, 2027 are:
First Reading – Exodus 14:21-15:1: The Parting of the Sea
Responsorial Psalm – Exodus 15: God’s Mighty Power
Gospel – Matthew 12:46-50: True Family in Christ

What is the main event in the first reading for Tuesday of the 16th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 from Exodus?

In the first reading, God parts the Red Sea. This allows the Israelites to escape from the Egyptians on dry ground. When the Egyptians follow, the sea returns and they are drowned.

Why did God part the Red Sea?

God parted the Red Sea to save the Israelites from the Egyptians. This shows His power and care for His people. It is a reminder that God can make a way even in impossible situations.

How did the Israelites react to the parting of the Red Sea?

The Israelites saw the power of God and believed in Him. They trusted Him more after witnessing this miracle. It strengthened their faith and trust in God.

What should we learn from the Israelites’ experience at the Red Sea?

We should learn to trust in God’s power and protection. Just as God saved the Israelites, He can help us in our difficulties. We need to believe in His ability to guide and save us.

What does the parting of the Red Sea teach us about God’s power?

The parting of the Red Sea teaches us that God has control over nature. He can do miracles to protect and guide His people. It reminds us of His unlimited power.

What does Jesus mean by saying His true family are those who do God’s will in the Gospel for Tuesday of the 16th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

Jesus means that spiritual relationships are more important than biological ones. Those who follow God’s commandments are considered His true family. It emphasizes the importance of obedience to God’s will.

How can we be part of Jesus’ true family?

We can be part of Jesus’ true family by doing God’s will. This means following His commandments and living according to His teachings. Our actions and faith make us members of His spiritual family.

How can we apply the message of Jesus about true family to our lives?

We can apply this message by prioritizing our spiritual relationships. We should support and love those who follow God’s will. Our faith community should be like a family to us.

Why is recognizing God’s works in our lives important?

Recognizing God’s works helps us to trust and believe in Him. It shows that He is active and present in our lives. Being aware of His actions can strengthen our faith.

What does Tuesday of the 16th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 remind us to do?

Tuesday of the 16th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 reminds us to trust in God’s power and follow His will. It teaches us about true family in Christ and recognizing God’s works in our lives. We are encouraged to deepen our faith and live according to His teachings.