Tuesday of the 19th Week in Ordinary Time
Tuesday August 14, 2029
God Is Always With Us
On Tuesday of the 19th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, we hear about courage, trust, and care. These readings help us see how God walks with His people. Whether they are leading others or feeling lost, God stays near. He does not leave us alone.
Moses tells the people that he cannot cross into the Promised Land. But he reminds them that God will still be with them. He tells Joshua to be brave and strong. God will lead them forward. This message is still true for us today.
In the Gospel, Jesus talks about children and lost sheep. He teaches that every person matters. Even those who feel small or forgotten. Jesus wants us to welcome others with kindness and care.
Tuesday of the 19th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 gives us a simple message. Be brave. Be humble. Trust that God is with us—every step of the way.
Daily Mass Readings for Tuesday of the 19th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1
- First Reading – Deuteronomy 31:1-8: Moses, unable to cross the Jordan, assures Israel that God will lead them and destroy their enemies. He encourages Joshua to be strong and brave, reminding him that God will always be with him.
- Responsorial Psalm – Deuteronomy 32: The LORD’s people are his portion. Sing of his greatness and perfect deeds. Remember the past and ask the elders. The LORD chose Jacob and Israel as his own, leading them alone.
- Gospel – Matthew 18:1-5, 10, 12-14: Jesus teaches that to be the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven, one must be humble like a child. He emphasizes the importance of every individual, comparing them to a lost sheep that is joyfully found.
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 19th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2.
Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 18:4
Themes for the Readings for Tuesday of the 19th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1
On Tuesday of the 19th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, we reflect on important lessons from Deuteronomy and the Gospel of Matthew. These readings remind us of God’s guidance and the importance of humility and care for others.
- God’s Faithfulness: God promises to be with His people and never abandon them. This assurance brings comfort and strength, especially in times of fear or uncertainty.
- Encouragement in Leadership: Moses encourages Joshua to be brave as he leads the Israelites. This shows the importance of supporting and strengthening our leaders.
- Humility: Jesus teaches that we must become like children to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Humility and simplicity are key virtues in following Christ.
- Care for the Vulnerable: Jesus warns not to look down on little ones. This reminds us to protect and care for the weak and defenseless in our communities.
- God’s Search for the Lost: The parable of the lost sheep shows God’s great love for each person. God actively seeks out and rejoices over those who are lost and return to Him.
- Trust in God’s Plan: The readings show that God has a plan for each of us. Trusting in His guidance helps us face challenges with confidence and peace.
- Importance of Obedience: Obedience to God’s commands is emphasized. Following God’s will leads to blessings and protection.
These themes encourage us to trust in God’s presence, care for others, and live with humility. Reflecting on these lessons can help us grow in faith and love.
Reflection for Tuesday of the 19th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1
On Tuesday of the 19th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, we explore key themes from the readings that speak to God’s faithfulness, care for the vulnerable, and His search for the lost. These reflections help us understand how these messages apply to our lives and guide us in living out our faith.
Reflection on God’s Faithfulness
On Tuesday of the 19th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, we read about God’s promise to always be with His people. Moses tells the Israelites that God will never leave them. This promise gives the people comfort as they prepare to enter the Promised Land without Moses.
God’s faithfulness is a source of strength for us. Even when we face challenges and feel afraid, we can trust that God is with us. His presence provides peace and courage.
In our daily lives, we can remember this promise during difficult times. When we feel alone or unsure, recalling God’s faithfulness can help us move forward with confidence. His constant presence reassures us that we are never truly alone.
Reflection on Care for the Vulnerable
Tuesday of the 19th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 also highlights the importance of caring for the vulnerable. Jesus tells His disciples not to look down on little ones. He reminds us that every person is valuable to God.
This teaching encourages us to be mindful of those who are weak or defenseless. We are called to protect and care for them, just as Jesus does. Our actions should reflect this love and concern.
In our communities, we can practice this care by helping those in need and standing up for the marginalized. By doing so, we follow Jesus’ example and show that we value every person. This care strengthens our communities and brings us closer to God.
Reflection on God’s Search for the Lost
On Tuesday of the 19th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, the parable of the lost sheep is a powerful reminder of God’s love. In this story, the shepherd leaves the ninety-nine sheep to find the one that is lost. This shows how much God cares for each individual.
God actively seeks out those who are lost or have strayed away. He rejoices when they return to Him. This parable illustrates God’s relentless love and mercy.
For us, this means that no matter how far we feel from God, He is always looking for us. He wants us to return to Him and will welcome us back with joy. This understanding can inspire us to seek God and trust in His love, knowing that we are always valued and cherished.
Reflecting on the readings for Tuesday of the 19th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, we see the depth of God’s faithfulness, the call to care for the vulnerable, and the joy in seeking and finding the lost. These reflections guide us in living out our faith with trust, compassion, and a deep sense of being loved by God.
Prayer
Lord, thank You for Your faithfulness and love. Help us to trust in Your presence, care for the vulnerable, and seek the lost with compassion. May we always remember Your promises and live according to Your will. Amen.
Reflection Questions
- How does God’s promise to never leave you give you strength in difficult times?
- In what ways can you show care and support for the vulnerable in your community?
- How does the parable of the lost sheep help you understand God’s love for you?
- When have you felt lost, and how did you experience God’s guidance in your life?
Homilies and Commentaries for Tuesday of the 19th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1
Children as Models of the Kingdom
Tuesday of the 19th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 shares Fr. Aniedi Okure’s reflection on Jesus using children to teach about greatness in God’s kingdom. In a world focused on power, rank, and status, Jesus pointed to those with little or no social standing. Children, often overlooked, show the true values of the kingdom through humility, trust, and a forgiving heart.
Fr. Okure explains that children rely completely on their parents, forgive easily, and see others as friends. They do not boast about achievements or claim success by their own power. Jesus calls us to live with the same spirit, countering the unfair and divisive norms in our culture. The reflection challenges us to ask which values we must resist and who among us is treated as if they do not matter, so that we can live as true followers of Christ.
Childlike Trust in Christ
In Matthew 18, Jesus teaches that the greatest in heaven are those who are like children. He calls us to be innocent, humble, and dependent on God, not burdened by pride or self-reliance. We are invited to trust Him completely and allow Him to guide our lives. When our innocence is lost, Christ still seeks us out, ready to bring us back to safety.
Deacon Miller shares a personal story from his childhood about the tragic murder of Emmett Till. This painful moment revealed the presence of evil in the world and shattered his innocence. He reflects on Christ as a fierce protector who battles for us, rescuing us from danger and bringing us into the light. Now at 80, Deacon Miller says his greatest joy is knowing that Jesus has been fighting for him every step of the way. This is the message for Tuesday of the 19th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1.
The Myth of Self-Reliance
Tuesday of the 19th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 invites us to see what it means to be childlike. Children know they depend on others for safety and care. They pay close attention to what adults do and say because they know their well-being depends on it. This trust and awareness is what Jesus calls us to in our relationship with God.
Matthew Kelly shares a story of his young son taking his hand in a crowded stairwell, knowing he needed protection. He explains that we are the same with God, even if we forget it. We may think we are self-reliant, but our very existence depends on Him. God is always ready to take our hand and guide us. When we remember our dependence, we slow down, trust more, and follow His lead with the same faith a child has in a loving parent.
Seeing Christ in the Least
Tuesday of the 19th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 shares Jesus’ teaching that God does not want any of His little ones to be lost. This message is shown in a story from the early life of Mother Teresa. By Bishop Barron, it tells how she took in a starving, blind child brought to her by a man who threatened to leave him to die.
Mother Teresa cared for the boy with love and saw in him the words of Jesus: whoever receives a child in His name receives Him. Bishop Barron explains that this became central to her way of life. Serving the poorest and most vulnerable was, for her, serving Christ Himself. This simple yet deep truth calls us to look for Jesus in those who are suffering and to treat every person with the same love and care we would give to the Lord.
Priorities of the Kingdom
The USCCB video reflection for Tuesday of the 19th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 discusses two teachings from Matthew’s Gospel. Jesus says to be humble like a child and never despise little ones. He also compares God’s love to a shepherd leaving 99 sheep to find one lost sheep. These teachings challenge both Jesus’ time and our time to prioritize the vulnerable and the lost, showing God’s immense love for each individual. The reflection reminds us to protect and care for the vulnerable, and to reassess our own priorities in light of the Kingdom.
Resources
The Book of Deuteronomy: Moses Hands Off the Mission
In Deuteronomy 31, Moses prepares the people for life without him. Though he cannot cross into the Promised Land, he reminds them that God remains faithful. This passage, read on Tuesday of the 19th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, points to a major theme of Deuteronomy—trusting God’s presence in times of transition.
The encouragement to Joshua ties into the book’s focus on leadership rooted in obedience to God. Moses models how to pass on authority in humility and hope. The people are not to fear, because the Lord will fight for them.
Responsorial Psalm: God’s Care for His People
The canticle from Deuteronomy 32, used as the Responsorial Psalm for Tuesday of the 19th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, celebrates God’s special care for Israel. The imagery reminds the people that they are God’s own possession. It calls them to remember how He guided and protected them in the wilderness.
This song echoes a major theme in Deuteronomy: memory. Israel must never forget who they are or how God has acted on their behalf. This remembrance helps them stay faithful.
To explore more, read this overview of the Book of Deuteronomy.
The Gospel of Matthew: The Humble Are the Greatest
In Matthew 18, read on Tuesday of the 19th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, Jesus shifts the focus to humility and care for the least. By placing a child in their midst, He calls His disciples to value vulnerability. The greatest in the kingdom is not the most powerful, but the most trusting and openhearted.
The parable of the lost sheep connects to a central theme in Matthew: God’s desire to bring all into His kingdom, especially the forgotten. It shows that every person matters. God seeks out the lost with joy.
Learn more by visiting this article about the Gospel of Matthew.
Social Media Graphics and Bulletin Artwork
The Shepherd Finds the One
This beautiful image for Tuesday of the 19th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 shows the deep care of the Good Shepherd. It reflects Jesus’ teaching about seeking the one who is lost.
You can download this artwork for use in parish bulletins, newsletters, or classroom materials. Share the message that every person is seen, loved, and welcomed by God.
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Questions and Answers for Tuesday of the 19th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1
What is the main message in the first reading for Tuesday of the 19th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?
In Deuteronomy 31:1-8, Moses tells the Israelites that God will be with them. He encourages Joshua to be strong and courageous as the new leader.
Why does Moses tell Joshua to be brave in Deuteronomy 31:1-8?
Moses tells Joshua to be brave because he will lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. He assures Joshua that God will be with him.
How can we apply the message of God’s faithfulness from Deuteronomy 31:1-8 to our lives?
We can trust that God is always with us, even in hard times. This trust can give us strength and courage.
What does trusting in God’s plan look like according to Deuteronomy 31:1-8?
Trusting in God’s plan means believing that He knows what is best for us. It means following His guidance without fear.
What does it mean to have humility like a child as taught in the Gospel for Tuesday of the 19th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?
Having humility like a child means not thinking too highly of ourselves. It means being open to learning and trusting God completely.
What does Jesus mean by becoming like children in Matthew 18:1-5?
Jesus means we should be humble and trusting like children. This humility helps us enter the Kingdom of Heaven.
Why does Jesus warn against looking down on little ones in Matthew 18:10?
Jesus warns against looking down on little ones to remind us to protect and value the weak and defenseless. Every person is important to God.
What is the lesson of the lost sheep in Matthew 18:12-14?
The lesson of the lost sheep is that God cares deeply for each person. God rejoices when even one lost person returns to Him.
How can we care for the vulnerable as suggested in Matthew 18:10?
We can care for the vulnerable by helping those in need and standing up for those who are weak. This shows love and compassion.
Why is obedience to God important as seen in the readings for Tuesday of the 19th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?
Obedience to God is important because it leads to blessings and protection. Following God’s commands helps us live a good and faithful life.
Trusting in God’s Care
On Tuesday of the 19th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, the readings remind us of God’s promise to be with His people. Moses encourages the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land, reminding them that God will never leave them. This promise gives them courage as they face an uncertain future. It is a message of hope that still speaks to us today.
In the Gospel, Jesus teaches His disciples the importance of caring for the weak and lost. He tells them not to look down on little ones, showing that every person is important in God’s eyes. Jesus also shares the parable of the lost sheep. The shepherd leaves the ninety-nine sheep to find the one that is lost. This shows God’s great love for every individual.
Tuesday of the 19th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 reminds us that we are never alone. God is always with us, guiding us through challenges. He values each of us and calls us to care for others with the same love. These readings encourage us to trust in God, knowing that He is always searching for us and welcoming us back with joy.
Your Turn
Tuesday of the 19th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 invites us to reflect on God’s faithfulness and His love for each person. We are reminded to trust in Him and to care for those who are vulnerable or feel lost. Take time to consider how you can show kindness and support to those in need.
How has God guided you through difficult times? Have you ever felt lost and then experienced God’s love calling you back? Share your thoughts and reflections in the comments. Your words may encourage someone else in their faith journey.
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