Thursday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time

Thursday July 31, 2025

Daily Mass Readings for Thursday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1

First Reading – Exodus 40:16-21, 34-38: Moses set up the tabernacle as God commanded. The cloud and glory of the LORD filled it, guiding the Israelites on their journey by day and by night.
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 84: My soul longs for the courts of the LORD. Even the birds find a home at your altars. Blessed are those who live in your house. One day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere.
Gospel – Matthew 13:47-53: Jesus compared the kingdom of heaven to a fishing net that collects all kinds of fish, which are later sorted. At the end of the age, angels will separate the wicked from the righteous.

Upcoming dates: July 31, 2025, July 29, 2027, August 2, 2029, July 31, 2031, July 28, 2033

The Kingdom of heaven is like a net thrown into the sea, which collects fish of every kind.
Matthew 13:47

Themes for the Readings for Thursday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1

On Thursday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, we reflect on God’s presence and the call to live according to His will. The readings from Exodus and Matthew highlight key themes for our spiritual growth and understanding.

God’s Guidance: God guides His people. In Exodus, the cloud covers the tent of meeting, showing God’s presence leading the Israelites.
Obedience to God: Moses follows God’s commands exactly. This shows the importance of doing what God asks without question.
God’s Presence: The cloud and the glory of the Lord fill the tabernacle. This reminds us that God is always with us, especially in our worship.

The Kingdom of Heaven: Jesus compares the kingdom to a net that catches all kinds of fish. This teaches us that the kingdom is open to everyone, but there will be a time of judgment.
Judgment Day: The good fish are kept, and the bad are thrown away. This shows that we must live righteously to be part of God’s kingdom.
Understanding Jesus’ Teachings: Jesus asks if the disciples understand His parables. This encourages us to seek understanding of His teachings and apply them to our lives.

Reflecting on these themes for Thursday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 helps us grow closer to God. We learn to follow His guidance, live obediently, and understand His kingdom better.

Reflection for Thursday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1

On Thursday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, we are invited to reflect deeply on God’s presence, our obedience to His commands, and the reality of His kingdom. These reflections help us to grow in our faith and better understand our relationship with God.

God’s Presence with His People

In Exodus 40:16-21, 34-38, we see that God is with His people. The cloud covering the tent and the glory of the Lord filling the tabernacle show that God wants to be close to us. This helps us remember that God is always near, guiding us through our lives.

God’s presence is a source of comfort and strength. Just as the Israelites felt God’s presence in the cloud, we can feel His presence in our lives. When we pray, go to Mass, or read the Bible, we connect with God and feel His closeness.

Knowing that God is always with us can change how we face our problems. We do not have to be afraid or feel alone. God is with us, guiding us and giving us strength to face any challenge.

Obedience to God’s Commands

In the reading from Exodus, Moses did exactly what God commanded. He did not question or change God’s instructions. This shows us the importance of obeying God’s commands fully and faithfully.

Obedience to God means trusting that He knows what is best for us. When we follow His commands, we show our love and trust in Him. Sometimes it can be hard to understand why God asks us to do certain things, but we must trust in His wisdom.

Our obedience brings us closer to God. It helps us live in harmony with His will. By obeying God, we open our hearts to His grace and grow in our relationship with Him.

The Reality of God’s Kingdom

In Matthew 13:47-53, Jesus tells a parable about a net that catches all kinds of fish. This parable teaches us about the kingdom of heaven. The net represents the kingdom, which is open to everyone, but there will be a time of judgment.

The parable reminds us that we are all invited to be part of God’s kingdom. However, we must live according to His teachings to be counted among the good fish. Our actions and choices determine our place in the kingdom.

This parable calls us to reflect on our lives. Are we living in a way that honors God? Are we following His teachings and being good examples to others? By living righteously, we can be part of God’s kingdom and experience His love forever.

Reflecting on these themes from Thursday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 helps us grow closer to God. We learn to recognize His presence, obey His commands, and understand His kingdom better.

Prayer

Dear God, help us to feel Your presence in our lives. Give us the strength to obey Your commands and live righteously. Guide us to be part of Your kingdom and share Your love with others. Amen.

Reflection Questions

How do you feel God’s presence in your daily life, and how does it comfort you?
Are there areas in your life where you struggle to fully obey God’s commands?

How can you live in a way that prepares you for God’s kingdom and final judgment?
What steps can you take to be a better example of faith and righteousness to others?

Homilies and Commentaries for Thursday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1

Word On Fire: Embracing the Kingdom’s Mystery

From Bishop Robert Barron for Thursday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1. The first parable speaks of the final gathering of all creation at the end of time, emphasizing the need for readiness and alignment with God’s rule. The second parable illustrates the balance between tradition and innovation in the kingdom.

Jesus’ ministry builds upon the past while introducing something new and unprecedented through the work of the Holy Spirit. Those learned in the ways of the kingdom appreciate the heritage of faith and remain open to the Spirit’s guidance for new revelations. As we journey in the kingdom, let us be watchful, responsive, and receptive to God’s unfolding plan.

USCCB Reflection: Hidden Treasures in God’s Kingdom

In this USCCB video reflection for Thursday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, the analogy of flea markets and garage sales is used to illustrate the concept of hidden treasures in God’s kingdom. Just as people find valuable items amidst discarded things, Jesus reminds us that the kingdom of God works similarly, picking up both treasure and junk.

We are called to recognize our priceless worth as part of God’s artwork and radiate His love and grace in our everyday lives, even in seemingly ordinary surroundings. Embracing our identity as valuable treasures in God’s kingdom can bring light and beauty to the world around us.

Questions and Answers for Thursday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1

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

The next date is Thursday July 31, 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 Thursday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2.

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

The Mass readings for Thursday July 31, 2025 are:
First Reading – Exodus 40:16-21, 34-38: The Dwelling and God’s Presence
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 84: Yearning for God’s Dwelling Place
Gospel – Matthew 13:47-53: Parable of the Net

What is the main message in the first reading for Thursday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

The main message is that God is always with His people. The cloud and the glory of the Lord show God’s presence guiding the Israelites.

Why is Moses’ obedience important in Exodus 40:16-21?

Moses’ obedience is important because it shows his trust in God. He follows God’s commands exactly, which teaches us to trust and obey God fully.

Why did the cloud fill the tabernacle in Exodus?

The cloud filled the tabernacle to show that God was present with His people. It was a sign that God was guiding and protecting them.

How does the cloud covering the tent relate to our lives?

The cloud covering the tent shows that God is near. It reminds us that God is always with us, guiding and protecting us in our daily lives.

How can we apply the message of obedience from Exodus to our lives?

We can apply this message by trusting and following God’s commands. Obeying God helps us live in harmony with His will and grow closer to Him.

What does the net in the Gospel for Thursday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 represent?

The net represents the kingdom of heaven. It shows that everyone is invited to God’s kingdom, but there will be a time of judgment.

What can we learn from the good and bad fish in Matthew 13:47-53?

The good and bad fish teach us that our actions matter. We need to live righteously to be part of God’s kingdom.

How does Jesus’ parable about the net help us understand God’s kingdom?

The parable helps us understand that God’s kingdom is open to all, but we must live according to His teachings. It calls us to reflect on our actions and strive to be good and faithful followers.

What should we do to be part of God’s kingdom as taught in the readings for Thursday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

To be part of God’s kingdom, we should live righteously, follow Jesus’ teachings, and strive to do good in our daily lives.

God’s Presence and the Final Judgment

In the first reading from Exodus, Moses sets up the Tabernacle exactly as God commands. The cloud of God’s presence fills the Tabernacle, showing that God is with His people. The Israelites follow the cloud, which guides them on their journey. When the cloud moves, they move; when it stays, they stay. This shows the importance of trusting and following God’s guidance.

In the Gospel, Jesus compares the Kingdom of heaven to a net cast into the sea. The net gathers all kinds of fish, and at the end, the good fish are kept, while the bad ones are thrown away. This parable reminds us that there will be a final judgment. God will separate the good from the bad based on how we live our lives.

These readings for Thursday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 teach us to trust in God’s presence and guidance and to live in a way that prepares us for His judgment. They remind us that God is always with us, leading us and calling us to follow His ways.

Your Turn

Take a moment to reflect on the readings for Thursday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1. Are you following God’s guidance in your life? How are you preparing for the final judgment by living out your faith?

Share your thoughts in the comments. Let’s encourage one another to trust in God’s presence and live according to His ways.