Monday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time
Monday August 18, 2025
A Warning and a Call
The readings for Monday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 give us a clear message. They speak about turning away from God, the pain that follows, and the way back. We see people who forget God and choose their own way. But we also see God’s mercy when they cry out to Him.
In the reading from Judges, the people of Israel worship false gods. They stop listening to the Lord. Trouble comes. Still, God does not leave them. He sends help through the judges. The pattern repeats, but God’s care remains.
The psalm tells the same story in another way. It reminds us that God rescues His people even when they sin. He hears their cries. He is faithful even when they are not. This shows His patience and care.
In the Gospel, a rich young man speaks with Jesus. He wants eternal life, but he is not ready to give up his wealth. His story is part of the bigger message of Monday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1. We are reminded to trust God, turn away from false hopes, and follow Him with open hearts.
Daily Mass Readings for Monday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1
- First Reading – Judges 2:11-19: The children of Israel offended the LORD by worshiping false gods, provoking His anger. The LORD delivered them to their enemies and raised judges to save them, but they continued to disobey and follow other gods.
- Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 106: Despite God’s commands, the people mingle with other nations and fall into idolatry, angering the LORD. Yet, He rescues them multiple times, responding to their cries of affliction.
- Gospel – Matthew 19:16-22: A young man asks Jesus how to gain eternal life. Jesus instructs him to keep the commandments and, if he is seeking perfection, to sell his possessions and give to the poor. The man leaves sadly, attached to his wealth.
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 20th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2.
Teacher, what good must I do to gain eternal life?
Matthew 19:16
Themes for the Readings for Monday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1
On Monday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, the readings speak to the human tendency to turn away from God and the call to follow Him fully. These themes show the struggle and the call to return to God’s path.
- Idolatry and Consequences: The Israelites turned to false gods, which led to their suffering. This highlights the danger of turning away from God.
- God’s Mercy: Despite their disobedience, God raised up judges to save the Israelites. This shows God’s willingness to forgive and help His people.
- Call to Obedience: The readings emphasize the importance of following God’s commandments. Obedience leads to a life aligned with God’s will.
- Human Weakness: The Israelites repeatedly fell into sin. This demonstrates human weakness and the need for God’s guidance.
- Jesus’ Challenge: In the Gospel, Jesus challenges the rich young man to give up his possessions. This shows the need to prioritize God over material wealth.
- Cost of Discipleship: Following Jesus requires sacrifice. The rich young man’s sadness shows the difficulty of giving up earthly attachments for the Kingdom of Heaven.
These themes remind us of the importance of staying true to God and the challenges of following Him. They encourage reflection on our own lives and our commitment to God’s path.
Reflection for Monday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1
The readings for Monday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 invite us to reflect on important themes in our faith journey. These include the dangers of turning away from God, the challenge of prioritizing Him over material wealth, and the importance of obeying His commandments. Each theme offers valuable lessons for our daily lives and our relationship with God.
The Danger of Turning Away from God
On Monday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, we read about the Israelites turning to false gods. They abandoned the Lord who brought them out of Egypt and followed the gods of the people around them. This disobedience led to their suffering. God allowed their enemies to oppress them as a result. This shows the serious consequences of turning away from God.
Despite their disobedience, God showed His mercy. When the Israelites cried out for help, God raised up judges to save them. These judges were leaders who helped the people return to God. This act of mercy shows that God is always willing to forgive us and bring us back to Him. His love and patience are evident even when we fail.
The story of the Israelites reminds us to stay faithful to God. We might not worship idols, but we can still turn away from God in other ways. We might prioritize work, money, or pleasure over our relationship with Him. This reading calls us to examine our lives and see if we have put anything above God.
We can apply this lesson by making God the center of our lives. Regular prayer, attending Mass, and reading Scripture can help us stay close to Him. When we make mistakes, we should remember God’s mercy and seek His forgiveness. He is always ready to welcome us back.
The readings for Monday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 remind us of the importance of staying true to God. Turning away from Him leads to suffering, but He is always ready to forgive us. Let us strive to keep God at the center of our lives and trust in His mercy.
Prioritizing God Over Material Wealth
The Gospel for Monday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 tells the story of the rich young man. He asked Jesus what he must do to gain eternal life. Jesus told him to follow the commandments, which he had done since his youth. But then Jesus challenged him to sell his possessions and give to the poor. This made the young man sad because he had many possessions.
This story shows the difficulty of prioritizing God over material wealth. The rich young man was good and followed the commandments, but his wealth was a barrier to fully following Jesus. Jesus used this moment to teach about the dangers of attachment to material things. Wealth can prevent us from giving our whole heart to God.
We can reflect on our own lives and see if we have similar attachments. Do we value our possessions more than our relationship with God? Are we willing to make sacrifices for our faith? Jesus calls us to put Him first, above all else. This might mean letting go of some things we hold dear.
Applying this teaching can be challenging. It requires a shift in our priorities and values. We might need to simplify our lives and focus more on our spiritual growth. Acts of charity and generosity can help us detach from material wealth and prioritize God.
The Gospel for Monday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 encourages us to examine our attachments. Jesus asks us to put God first, even above our wealth. By doing so, we can follow Him more closely and grow in our faith.
The Importance of Obedience to God’s Commandments
On Monday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, the readings emphasize the importance of following God’s commandments. The Israelites turned away from God’s laws and suffered as a result. Their story teaches us that obedience to God leads to a life aligned with His will. When we follow His commandments, we live in harmony with His plan for us.
God’s commandments are not just rules but guidelines for a fulfilling life. They help us love God and our neighbor. By obeying them, we show our trust and love for God. The Israelites’ failure to obey led them to misery, but when they turned back, they found peace and help from God.
In the Gospel, Jesus also highlights the importance of following the commandments. The rich young man had kept the commandments, which was good. But Jesus asked him to go further by giving up his possessions. This shows that obedience to God involves both following His laws and being willing to make sacrifices for Him.
We can apply this lesson by striving to follow God’s commandments in our daily lives. This means being honest, kind, and loving to others. It also means putting God first and seeking His will in all we do. Obedience to God’s commandments brings us closer to Him and helps us live as He desires.
The readings for Monday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 remind us of the importance of obedience to God’s commandments. By following His laws, we align our lives with His will and find true peace and fulfillment. Let us strive to be obedient and trust in God’s plan for us.
The reflections for Monday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 call us to deepen our faith and trust in God. By avoiding the pitfalls of idolatry, prioritizing God over material wealth, and obeying His commandments, we can live a life aligned with His will. Let us take these lessons to heart and strive to grow closer to God each day.
Prayer
Lord, help us stay faithful to You. Guide us to put You first in all things and obey Your commandments. Grant us the strength to let go of worldly attachments and follow You fully. Amen.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways we might turn away from God in our daily lives, even unintentionally?
- How can we prioritize God above material possessions or worldly concerns?
- Are there specific commandments that challenge us the most in our journey of faith?
- How can we seek and trust in God’s mercy when we fail or make mistakes?
Homilies and Commentaries for Monday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1
A Very Good Question
In her reflection for Monday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, Sr. Magdalen Coughlin asks what it really means to follow Jesus’ command to give up possessions and care for the poor. She wonders if selling everything and joining the poor in their struggles would truly help. Instead, she points to the daily choices we can make, such as resisting consumer culture and being mindful about how we use our money.
Sr. Magdalen Coughlin encourages us to remember that even the smallest act of generosity matters. Choosing not to buy something unnecessary and giving even a few dollars to someone in need can bring real hope and joy. She reminds us that no gift is too small when it is given with love. In this way, we take Jesus’ words to heart and live out our faith in practical, meaningful ways.
Pushing Jesus
The story of the rich young man reminds us that following Jesus is not just about keeping the commandments. The young man kept asking, pushing Jesus again and again for something more. Only then did Jesus tell him to give up his possessions and follow him. His persistence showed a deep hunger for eternal life, even if he struggled to accept the answer.
In his reflection for Monday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, Matthew Kelly points out that we are much like this young man. We live with many blessings, and we too can ask Jesus what more is needed. Kelly invites us to see the beauty in the man’s desire for God and to nurture that same desire in our own hearts. Even if we stumble, we can keep pressing closer to Jesus, trusting that he leads us toward heaven.
The Quest for Fulfillment in God
Bishop Robert Barron’s reflection for Monday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time deals with the universal human longing for moral integrity, as exemplified by a young man’s question to Jesus about gaining eternal life. Barron highlights that the question isn’t about rules but the full meaning of life. Jesus’ response underscores that the ultimate good or truth is found only in God, not elsewhere.
Bishop Barron draws attention to the biblical theme that fulfillment comes from recognizing that we are made in God’s image, echoing Augustine’s famous insight that our hearts remain restless until they rest in God.
True Wealth
This USCCB video reflection for Monday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time reflects on true wealth, contrasting a grandfather’s apparent affluence with his actual poverty. Despite owning a butcher shop, he was poor like his neighbors but seemed wealthy due to his generosity. This sets the stage for a discussion of Jesus’s call to give up material possessions to follow Him.
The story emphasizes the need for excitement in faith, Jesus’s loving gaze, and the challenge of using wealth for good. It concludes with a call to embrace a poverty that serves the kingdom, mirroring the richness of generosity and selflessness.
Resources
The Book of Judges: A Cycle of Disobedience
In the book of Judges, we see a repeating pattern: the people fall into sin, suffer under enemies, cry out to God, and are rescued by a judge. The reading for Monday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 fits this theme. Israel turns from God, worships false gods, and ends up in trouble once again.
This reading shows how the people quickly forget God’s help and return to disobedience. Judges reminds us that God’s mercy is real, but human hearts are stubborn. The story is not just about punishment. It is about God’s desire to bring people back to Him, again and again.
Psalm 106: Remembering God’s Mercy
Psalm 106 retells the story of Israel’s failures and God’s mercy. It connects closely to the reading from Judges for Monday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1. Even when the people mix with other nations and turn to idols, God listens to their cries and saves them.
The psalm is a confession and a reminder. It highlights God’s faithfulness despite human sin. Like Judges, it shows the deep pattern of rescue that runs through Israel’s history. It invites the community to remember, repent, and return to God.
The Gospel of Matthew: The Cost of Discipleship
The Gospel for Monday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 fits into Matthew’s larger message about the kingdom of God and true righteousness. Jesus is teaching that life with God means more than rule-following. It requires a heart fully given to God, free from attachment.
Matthew often emphasizes inner transformation and trust in God over outward appearances. The young man’s sadness reveals how wealth can block us from following Jesus fully. The Gospel invites us to examine what we truly value.
Social Media Graphics and Bulletin Artwork
The Crossroads of the Heart
This colorful image for Monday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 captures the moment of decision—will we follow God or chase after wealth?
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Questions and Answers for Monday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1
FAQ for the Readings for Monday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1
Why did the Israelites worship other gods?
The Israelites worshipped other gods because they forgot God’s commandments and followed the customs of the people around them. This led them away from God’s path.
What was God’s response to the Israelites’ disobedience?
God allowed their enemies to oppress them because of their disobedience. But He also raised up judges to save them when they cried out for help.
What is the main lesson from the first reading for Monday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?
The main lesson is that turning away from God leads to suffering. We should stay faithful to God’s commandments.
What does the role of judges in the first reading for Monday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 signify?
The judges were raised by God to save the Israelites when they repented. This signifies God’s mercy and readiness to help us when we turn back to Him.
How can we apply the first reading for Monday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 to our lives?
We can apply it by staying faithful to God and avoiding the distractions that lead us away from Him. We should remember God’s commandments and live by them.
How can we stay on God’s path?
We can stay on God’s path by being obedient to His commandments and avoiding things that lead us away from Him. Regular prayer and reading Scripture also help.
Why did Jesus ask the rich young man to sell his possessions in the Gospel for Monday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?
Jesus wanted to show the rich young man that following Him requires giving up earthly attachments. Jesus challenged him to prioritize God over wealth.
What does the rich young man’s reaction teach us?
The rich young man was sad because he had many possessions. This teaches us that it can be hard to give up material things to follow Jesus fully.
What does the Gospel teach about wealth?
The Gospel teaches that wealth can be a barrier to fully following Jesus. We should be willing to give up our attachments to material things.
How can we follow Jesus more closely?
We can follow Jesus more closely by prioritizing Him above everything else. This may mean making sacrifices and letting go of things we value.
Choosing Faithfulness and Trust
On Monday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, the readings guide us to reflect on faithfulness to God, the challenge of material attachments, and obedience to His commandments. These themes remind us of the importance of staying close to God and making choices that align with His will.
In the first reading, we see how the Israelites turned away from God and suffered the consequences of their actions. Despite their disobedience, God responded with mercy when they cried out for help. This highlights God’s patience and His willingness to bring His people back to Him.
The Gospel presents the story of the rich young man who struggles to prioritize God over his possessions. Jesus’ words challenge us to reflect on our own attachments and whether we are willing to put God first. His teaching encourages us to let go of what holds us back from following Him fully.
Obeying God’s commandments is another key theme. Both readings show that faithfulness to God involves not only following His laws but also trusting in His mercy. When we align our lives with His teachings, we find peace and purpose. Monday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 calls us to examine our priorities and strengthen our commitment to God.
Your Turn
The lessons from Monday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 invite us to reflect on our faith journey. Are we putting God first in our lives? Take some time to think about areas where you might be placing other priorities above your relationship with Him.
Consider reading the Scripture passages again and ask yourself how they speak to your life. Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments. By discussing these themes, we can encourage each other to grow in faith and trust in God’s guidance.
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