Tuesday of the 19th Week in Ordinary Time

• 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.

Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 18:4

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.

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.

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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?

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.

What date is Tuesday of the 19th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

The next date is Tuesday August 12, 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 19th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2.

What are the Mass readings for Tuesday of the 19th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

The Mass readings for Tuesday August 12, 2025 are:
First Reading  – Deuteronomy 31:1-8: Moses Encourages Israel and Joshua
Responsorial Psalm – Deuteronomy 32: The Lord’s People
Gospel – Matthew 18:1-5, 10, 12-14: The Greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven

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.