Monday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time

• First Reading (Cycle 1) – Exodus 32:15-24, 30-34: Moses broke the tablets when he saw the Israelites worshiping a golden calf. He confronted Aaron and pleaded with God for forgiveness, but God promised to punish only the sin.
• Responsorial Psalm (Cycle 1) – Psalm 106: Our fathers worshipped a calf, forsaking God’s glory. They forgot His saving deeds in Egypt and at the Red Sea. Moses interceded to avert destruction. Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good.
• Gospel – Matthew 13:31-35: Jesus used parables to explain the Kingdom of heaven. He compared it to a small mustard seed growing into a large plant and to yeast leavening dough, revealing hidden truths.

“The Kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that a person took and sowed in a field. 

Matthew 13:31

On Monday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, the readings focus on lessons from Moses and Jesus. They show God’s expectations and how small beginnings can lead to great outcomes.

• Idolatry Warning: Moses saw the Israelites worshiping a golden calf. This teaches us the danger of turning away from God.
• Leadership Responsibility: Moses confronted Aaron about the golden calf. Leaders must guide people towards God and correct them when they stray.
• Forgiveness Seeking: Moses pleaded with God for the people’s forgiveness. We must always seek God’s mercy when we sin.
• Faith Growth: Jesus compared the Kingdom of heaven to a mustard seed. Faith may start small but can grow large and strong.
• God’s Kingdom Hiddenness: Jesus said the Kingdom is like yeast in dough. The Kingdom of heaven starts small but has a big effect.
• Parables Teaching: Jesus used parables to teach about the Kingdom. Parables help us understand God’s truth in simple ways.

The readings on Monday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 remind us of our need for God. They show how faith and God’s Kingdom can grow from small beginnings.

On Monday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, we reflect on the readings from Exodus 32:15-24, 30-34 and Matthew 13:31-35. These readings remind us of important lessons about idolatry, leadership, forgiveness, and the growth of God’s Kingdom. Let us explore these themes to deepen our faith and understanding.

The Danger of Idolatry

Moses broke the tablets when he saw the Israelites worshiping the golden calf. This act shows the severity of turning away from God. Idolatry takes many forms and always leads us away from true worship.

When we place anything above God, we are guilty of idolatry. This can be money, power, or even other people. Just as Moses confronted this sin, we must also recognize and turn away from our idols.

Moses’ anger was not just about the calf but what it represented. It was a betrayal of God’s love and commands. We must be vigilant in keeping our faith pure and our worship focused on God alone.

The Role of Leadership

Moses confronted Aaron about the golden calf. Aaron’s failure as a leader led the people astray. This teaches us about the responsibility of those who lead.

Leaders must guide people towards God and correct them when they stray. Aaron’s example shows that even good intentions can go wrong if they are not aligned with God’s will. Leadership is not about pleasing people but about leading them to the truth.

True leadership requires courage and dedication to God’s commands. Moses’ example reminds us that leaders must sometimes make difficult choices to bring people back to God. Our leaders need our prayers and support as they guide us in faith.

Growth of God’s Kingdom

Jesus used parables to explain the Kingdom of heaven. He compared it to a mustard seed and yeast. These small things grow and have a big impact.

The mustard seed starts tiny but grows into a large plant. Our faith may begin small but can grow strong and influential. Jesus teaches that even the smallest acts of faith can make a big difference.

Yeast works quietly in the dough, making it rise. God’s Kingdom works in hidden ways, growing slowly but surely. We should trust that our small efforts for God’s Kingdom will have a lasting impact.

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The readings for Monday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 teach us about the dangers of idolatry, the responsibility of leadership, and the growth of God’s Kingdom. These lessons help us stay true to our faith and trust in God’s plan. Let us reflect on these teachings and apply them in our daily lives.

Prayer

Lord, help us turn away from idols and keep our faith focused on You. Guide our leaders to make wise choices and lead us in Your truth. May our small acts of faith grow into a strong witness of Your Kingdom. Amen.

Word On Fire: Understanding the Complexity of Evil

From Bishop Robert Barron for Monday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1. As the Body of Jesus, the Church embodies his love and purpose, carrying the nonviolent and forgiving love of God to a hungry world. Through Baptism, all believers become organically related to Christ and to each other, sharing the responsibility to transform the world. Rather than merely making itself accessible, the Church’s mission is to be like a mustard seed, growing and spreading, and like yeast, permeating and leavening society. When authentically embodying Jesus’ spirit, the Church becomes compelling, convincing, and fulfills its mission to make God’s love present in the world.

What date is Monday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

The next date is Monday July 28, 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 17th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2.

What are the Mass readings for Monday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

The Mass readings for Monday July 28, 2025 are:
First Reading (Cycle 1) – Exodus 32:15-24, 30-34: Moses’ Anguish and Intercession
Responsorial Psalm (Cycle 1) – Psalm 106: Remembering God’s Mercy
Gospel – Matthew 13:31-35: Parables of the Mustard Seed and Yeast

Why did Moses break the tablets in the first reading for Monday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

Moses broke the tablets because he was very upset. The Israelites were worshiping a golden calf. This act was against God’s commandments.

What is the golden calf in Exodus 32?

The golden calf was an idol. The Israelites made it and worshiped it while Moses was on Mount Sinai.

Why did Aaron let the people make the golden calf?

Aaron was afraid of the people. He gave in to their demands.

What did Moses do after he saw the golden calf?

Moses confronted Aaron. He also prayed to God to forgive the people.

What did God say about the sin of the golden calf?

God said He would punish those who sinned. He promised to hold them accountable.

How can we apply Exodus 32 to our lives?

We should stay faithful to God. We should not follow false idols or peer pressure.

What is the meaning of the mustard seed parable in the Gospel for Monday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

The mustard seed shows how God’s Kingdom grows. It starts small but becomes very big.

Why did Jesus use parables in His teachings?

Jesus used parables to explain hidden truths. They helped people understand the Kingdom of heaven.

What does the yeast in Matthew 13:33 represent?

The yeast shows how God’s Kingdom spreads. A small amount can affect the whole dough, just like God’s Word spreads in the world.

How can we apply the parables in Matthew 13 to our lives?

We should trust in small beginnings. We should spread God’s Word in our actions and words.