Saturday of the 19th Week in Ordinary Time
Saturday August 16, 2025
Choose, Trust, and Welcome
Saturday of the 19th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 gives us a strong message. In the first reading, Joshua tells the people of Israel to decide. Will they follow the Lord or not? The people say yes. They remember all the good things God has done for them. Joshua marks their choice with a stone, so they will not forget.
The psalm today is a prayer of trust. It says that the Lord is our safe place. He gives us joy and shows us the way. Even when things are hard, we are not alone. God walks with us and helps us find peace.
In the Gospel, Jesus welcomes children. Others try to stop them, but Jesus says no. He tells the people that the Kingdom belongs to those who are like children. He blesses the little ones and reminds us that faith is simple.
Saturday of the 19th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 brings together three ideas. We must choose God, trust Him, and welcome others. These are not big or fancy things. They are simple but real.
Daily Mass Readings for Saturday of the 19th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1
- First Reading – Joshua 24:14-29: Joshua gathers the tribes of Israel and urges them to serve the LORD sincerely, rejecting other gods. The people affirm their allegiance to the LORD, recounting His miracles and protection. Joshua warns of God’s jealousy and sets a covenant, marking it with a stone.
- Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 16: I find refuge in the LORD, my inheritance. Guided by His counsel and undisturbed with Him at my side, He shows me the path to life and eternal delight.
- Gospel – Matthew 19:13-15: Children were brought to Jesus for blessings. The disciples tried to stop them, but Jesus insisted on welcoming them, saying the Kingdom of heaven belongs to such as the little ones.
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 Saturday of the 19th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2.
Children were brought to Jesus that he might lay his hands on them and pray.
Matthew 19:13
Themes for the Readings for Saturday of the 19th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1
The readings for Saturday of the 19th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 include Joshua 24:14-29 and Matthew 19:13-15. These passages offer many themes to reflect on. Here are six themes based on these readings:
- Faithfulness to God: Joshua calls the people to be faithful to God and reject other gods. This theme emphasizes the importance of loyalty to God alone.
- Commitment: Joshua challenges the people to commit to serving the Lord. It highlights the need to make a firm decision to follow God.
- Choice and Consequences: Joshua warns the people about the consequences of their choices. This theme shows that choosing God brings blessings, while rejecting Him leads to negative outcomes.
- Legacy of Leadership: Joshua’s leadership and his death are noted. This theme reminds us of the importance of good leaders who guide us in faith.
- Blessing of Children: Jesus welcomes and blesses the children. This theme highlights the value and importance of children in the eyes of God.
- Humility and Trust: Jesus teaches that we must be like children to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. This theme emphasizes the need for humility and trust in God.
Reflecting on these themes can deepen our understanding of the readings. They help us see the importance of faithfulness, commitment, and humility in our lives.
Reflection for Saturday of the 19th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1
The readings for Saturday of the 19th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 offer deep insights into our faith journey. In Joshua 24:14-29, we hear about faithfulness and the importance of our choices. In Matthew 19:13-15, Jesus teaches us about humility, trust, and the value of children. These themes call us to reflect on our relationship with God and how we live out our faith.
Faithfulness and Commitment to God
In the first reading for Saturday of the 19th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, Joshua speaks to the people about their need to be faithful to God. He calls them to reject other gods and serve the Lord with all their hearts. This message is clear: loyalty to God must be complete and unwavering.
Joshua challenges the people to make a firm decision to follow God. He understands that commitment is not something that can be halfway. Serving the Lord requires dedication and a clear choice to turn away from anything that pulls us away from Him.
Joshua’s call to faithfulness is a reminder for us, too. We face many distractions and temptations in life. Joshua’s words urge us to examine our own commitment to God and to renew our dedication to serve Him fully and faithfully.
Choice and Consequences
Joshua’s warning to the people about the consequences of their choices is a key theme in the first reading for Saturday of the 19th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1. He makes it clear that choosing to serve God brings blessings, while rejecting Him leads to negative outcomes. This theme underlines the importance of our decisions in our relationship with God.
Joshua wants the people to understand that their actions have real effects. Choosing God means life and blessings, but turning away from Him can bring trouble and suffering. This is a truth that applies to us as well.
Our choices every day affect our closeness to God. By choosing to follow Him and keep His commandments, we open ourselves to His blessings. Ignoring His call can lead us away from His grace. Joshua’s message is a powerful reminder to choose wisely and stay close to God.
Humility, Trust, and the Blessing of Children
In the Gospel reading for Saturday of the 19th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, Jesus welcomes and blesses the children. This action shows their value in God’s eyes. Jesus emphasizes that we must be like children to enter the Kingdom of Heaven, which teaches us about humility and trust.
Children are humble and trusting by nature. Jesus uses them as an example to show what our attitude should be towards God. We need to trust God completely and humble ourselves before Him.
Jesus’ blessing of the children also highlights their importance. In a world that often overlooks the value of children, Jesus’ actions remind us that they are precious and worthy of love and care. By being humble and trusting like children, we too can receive God’s blessings and enter His Kingdom.
The reflections on the readings for Saturday of the 19th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 guide us to think deeply about our faith. Joshua’s words and Jesus’ actions call us to faithfulness, wise choices, and humility. As we meditate on these themes, let us strive to live out our commitment to God each day.
Prayer
Lord, help us to be faithful to You and make wise choices in our lives. Teach us to be humble and trusting like children. May we always value Your blessings and follow Your path. Amen.
Reflection Questions
- How can I renew my commitment to being faithful to God in my daily life?
- What choices am I making that bring me closer to God or pull me away from Him?
- How can I develop a more humble and trusting attitude like a child in my relationship with God?
- In what ways can I show greater care and respect for children and those who are vulnerable?
Homilies and Commentaries for Saturday of the 19th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1
The Eternal Child
In her reflection for Saturday of the 19th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, Sr. Mary Jeremiah Gillett speaks about what it means to be like children in the eyes of God. She explains that children have qualities such as simplicity, trust, love, and the ability to forgive. These are the qualities that Jesus asks his disciples to live by. While the world often values independence and power, Jesus shows us that the way to his kingdom is through childlike humility and openness.
Sr. Mary Jeremiah Gillett also reminds us that through baptism we become adopted children of God and members of his divine family. We are called to grow daily in this life of grace, not just once but again and again in the choices we make. Living as God’s children means sharing in his life and becoming more like him. This is the great gift God gives to each of us.
Choosing the True God
False gods are not only ancient idols from past civilizations. They are also the things we let control our lives now, like greed, power, fear, and the endless desire for more. These false gods can seem attractive but they pull us away from trusting in the Lord. Joshua once called the people of Israel to turn away from such empty gods and follow the Lord alone. Jesus also shows us that God values the poor, the powerless, and children who live without hate or fear.
Dr. Delmonico explains that the message of Saturday of the 19th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 reminds us to reject the false gods of our world. Jesus shows us a different way, where trust, humility, and love guide us instead of wealth or fear. Serving God may be challenging, but it brings true peace and freedom. God lifts up the lowly and offers a light yoke filled with hope.
See the Hand of God!
Jesus welcomes children even when the disciples try to turn them away. They see the children as an interruption, but Jesus sees them as important and worth his time. Throughout the gospels, many of Jesus’ most meaningful moments happen when he is interrupted. Instead of being annoyed or avoiding them, he turns these moments into opportunities for love and teaching.
In his reflection for Saturday of the 19th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, Matthew Kelly encourages us to rethink how we handle interruptions. He explains that what feels inconvenient might actually be the hand of God at work. Just as Jesus embraced these moments, we can choose to welcome interruptions and look for the good they may bring. By seeing them as part of God’s plan, we may find that the most unexpected moments become the most meaningful in our lives.
Childlike Qualities and Spiritual Connection
Bishop Robert Barron’s reflection for Saturday of the 19th Week in Ordinary Time emphasizes the childlike quality that Jesus says should characterize those who belong to the kingdom of heaven. Children, according to Bishop Barron, don’t hide the truth and act in harmony with their nature, mirroring stars, flowers, or animals. They can lose themselves in simple joys without concern for others’ reactions.
Being childlike doesn’t mean being unsophisticated or childish; it’s about being rooted in what God wants us to be. Bishop Barron cites Thomas Aquinas, described as “childlike” and “innocent,” as an example of this pure connection to one’s God-given purpose.
Rejecting False Gods
This USCCB video reflection for Saturday of the 19th Week in Ordinary Time brings attention to the difference between false gods and the God of Jesus Christ. False gods are not limited to ancient deities but extend to modern obsessions with consumption, wealth, power, and fear.
These false idols deceive us into thinking we need more, creating harm to others and the environment. The fear leads to suspicion, hate, and division. The reflection calls for a rejection of these false gods, urging us to follow the example of Joshua and to recognize the love and peace found in the one true God.
Resources
The Book of Joshua: A Covenant Sealed in Stone
In Joshua 24:14-29, read on Saturday of the 19th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, Joshua challenges Israel to choose the Lord over false gods. This moment comes at the end of Joshua’s leadership, highlighting the book’s focus on covenant faithfulness. He reminds them of God’s deeds and urges sincere worship rooted in loyalty, not just words.
This passage reflects one of the central themes of the Book of Joshua—God’s faithfulness and Israel’s response. Joshua makes their decision public and permanent, setting up a stone as witness. This covenant echoes earlier moments in the book when obedience led to blessing. It’s a call to remember, obey, and serve as God’s people in a land given by His hand.
Psalm 16: The Joy of Belonging to God
Psalm 16, proclaimed on Saturday of the 19th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, expresses deep trust in God. The psalmist speaks of refuge, guidance, and joy. This sense of closeness to God reflects a life fully rooted in faith. God is not just a protector but the very portion and path of life.
The psalm’s focus on inheritance and delight connects with the broader theme of confidence in God’s presence. In difficult times or in moments of decision, like Joshua’s farewell, this psalm gives voice to a faithful heart. It reminds us that peace and direction come from trusting God above all.
The Gospel of Matthew: Let the Children Come
Matthew 19:13-15, heard on Saturday of the 19th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, shows Jesus welcoming children, even when the disciples try to turn them away. This small moment reflects a bigger message in Matthew’s Gospel about humility, trust, and the upside-down nature of the Kingdom of heaven.
Matthew often highlights Jesus’ concern for the lowly and those considered unimportant. In this passage, Jesus not only welcomes the children but honors them. This reflects a core message in the Gospel: God’s Kingdom is for those with simple faith and open hearts. Children teach us how to receive the Kingdom.
Social Media Graphics and Bulletin Artwork
Reach of the Kingdom
This image for Saturday of the 19th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 captures the tender moment when Jesus welcomes a child with open arms. It reflects the Gospel reading where Jesus reminds us that the Kingdom belongs to the little ones.
Download this artwork to use in your parish bulletins or newsletters and share the beauty of simple, trusting faith.
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Questions and Answers for Saturday of the 19th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1
Why does Joshua ask the people to choose whom they will serve in the first reading for Saturday of the 19th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?
Joshua wants the people to make a clear choice to follow God. This shows their commitment and loyalty.
What does Joshua mean by rejecting other gods?
He means not to follow or worship false gods. They should only worship the one true God.
How does Joshua’s leadership help the people?
Joshua guides the people in faith. He sets a good example and leads them to follow God.
What are the consequences of not following God, according to Joshua?
Not following God leads to negative outcomes. Choosing God brings blessings.
Why is it important to be faithful to God alone?
Being faithful to God keeps us on the right path. It helps us live a life that pleases Him.
How can we show commitment to serving the Lord?
We can pray, read the Bible, go to Mass, and follow God’s commandments.
What does Jesus say about children in the Gospel for Saturday of the 19th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?
Jesus welcomes and blesses the children. He says we must be like them to enter the Kingdom of Heaven.
Why does Jesus say we should be like children?
Children are humble and trust easily. Jesus wants us to have the same humility and trust in God.
How can we apply the readings for Saturday of the 19th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 to our lives today?
We can choose to follow God, reject false idols, and trust in God with childlike faith.
What is the main message of the readings for Saturday of the 19th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?
The main message is to be faithful to God and follow His ways. It encourages commitment to serving the Lord.
Choosing to Follow God
On Saturday of the 19th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, the readings focus on making a choice to follow God and the importance of humility. In the first reading, Joshua speaks to the Israelites and asks them to decide whom they will serve. He reminds them of all that God has done for them and challenges them to stay faithful. This moment is a call for commitment. The people respond by declaring that they will serve the Lord.
Joshua warns them that serving God is not a casual decision. It requires loyalty and dedication. The people must turn away from false gods and commit fully to the Lord. This reminds us that faith is not just about words. It is a daily choice to follow God in all that we do. Joshua’s challenge invites us to reflect on our own commitment.
In the Gospel, Jesus welcomes little children and blesses them. His words show that the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are humble and trusting. This teaches us that faith requires simplicity and dependence on God. Just as children rely on their parents, we are called to rely on God with open hearts.
The readings for Saturday of the 19th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 encourage us to make a firm choice to serve God. They also remind us that humility and trust are key to entering His Kingdom. By following these lessons, we grow in faith and strengthen our relationship with God.
Your Turn
The readings for Saturday of the 19th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 invite us to reflect on our faith. Are we fully committed to following God, or do we allow distractions to pull us away? Joshua’s challenge reminds us that serving God is a decision we must make every day.
Take a moment to consider how you are living out your faith. Are you trusting God like a child, as Jesus teaches in the Gospel? Share your thoughts in the comment section. Let’s encourage one another to walk faithfully with God.
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