Monday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time
Monday August 25, 2025

Daily Mass Readings for Monday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1
- First Reading – 1 Thessalonians 1:1-5, 8b-10: We thank God for your faith, love, and hope. Your genuine belief has spread far and wide, drawing others toward the living God and away from idols.
- Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 149: Let’s sing a new song to celebrate our Maker. Dance and play instruments, for the Lord adores us, especially the humble. This joy and praise is the glory of all who are faithful.
- Gospel – Matthew 23:13-22: Jesus condemns the scribes and Pharisees for their hypocrisy, saying they lock heaven’s gate and mislead followers. He also criticizes their flawed understanding of what is truly sacred.
Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You lock the Kingdom of heaven before men. You do not enter yourselves, nor do you allow entrance to those trying to enter.
Matthew 23:13
Themes for the Readings for Monday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1
On Monday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, the readings from 1 Thessalonians 1:1-5, 8b-10 and Matthew 23:13-22 offer important lessons. These passages encourage us to reflect on our faith, our actions, and our relationship with God and others.
- Faith and Works: Paul praises the Thessalonians for their faith and actions. He shows that true faith leads to good works and a faithful life.
- Receiving the Gospel: The Thessalonians accepted the Gospel with joy despite hardships. This shows that accepting God’s word brings peace and strength, even in tough times.
- Witness to Others: The Thessalonians’ faith became known to others. Our actions and faith should be a witness to those around us.
- Avoiding Hypocrisy: In the Gospel, Jesus warns against hypocrisy. We should not just follow religious rules outwardly but live sincerely and justly.
- True Worship: Jesus criticizes the Pharisees for focusing on the wrong things. True worship means loving God and others with our hearts, not just following rituals.
- God’s Judgement: Jesus speaks of the consequences of leading others astray. We should be careful in our actions and teachings to reflect God’s love and truth.
These themes help us reflect on how we live our faith each day. They encourage us to be sincere, faithful, and witnesses to God’s love in our lives.
Reflection for Monday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1

On Monday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, we reflect on the readings from 1 Thessalonians and the Gospel of Matthew. These passages offer important lessons about living our faith genuinely, being good examples to others, and understanding true worship. Through these reflections, we can deepen our understanding of how to follow Christ in our daily lives.
The Power of a Good Example
On Monday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, Paul praises the Thessalonians for their strong faith, which became known to others. He says they became an example for other believers. This shows the importance of living out our faith in a visible way. When we live according to God’s teachings, others can see the difference in our lives.
We are called to be witnesses of God’s love. This means our actions should reflect our faith. People should see kindness, honesty, and love in how we treat others. This is not about showing off but living authentically as followers of Christ.
It’s not always easy to be a good example. We face challenges and temptations that can lead us astray. However, remembering the Thessalonians can inspire us to stay strong. Their faith shone brightly, and so can ours.
Living our faith publicly also means being courageous. Sometimes, we might fear judgment or rejection. But like the Thessalonians, we are called to stand firm and let our light shine.
In conclusion, Monday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 teaches us that our faith should be visible. We are to be examples to others, showing God’s love in all we do. By living our faith openly, we can inspire and encourage others to do the same.
True Worship Beyond Rituals
In the Gospel reading for Monday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, Jesus criticizes the Pharisees for focusing on the wrong things. They were more concerned with following rituals than loving God and others. Jesus teaches us that true worship is about our hearts, not just our actions.
The Pharisees were good at following religious rules, but they missed the point. They did not show love, mercy, or justice. Jesus calls us to go beyond just following rules and truly care for others. This is what God desires from us.
Rituals and traditions can be good. They help us remember our faith and connect with God. However, they are not enough on their own. Our worship must come from a sincere heart that loves God and our neighbors.
On Monday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, we are reminded to examine our own worship. Are we just going through the motions, or are we genuinely seeking to love and serve? True worship means putting our faith into action, not just performing rituals.
In summary, Jesus teaches us that true worship is more than rituals. It is about loving God and others with a sincere heart. On Monday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, we are called to look beyond the outward actions and focus on what truly matters.
Living Faithfully and Avoiding Hypocrisy
A common theme in both readings for Monday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 is the importance of sincere faith and avoiding hypocrisy. Paul praises the Thessalonians for their genuine faith, while Jesus warns the Pharisees against being hypocritical. This theme teaches us to live our faith honestly and without pretense.
The Thessalonians were known for their faith because it was real and heartfelt. They did not just pretend to believe; their actions showed their commitment to God. This is in contrast to the Pharisees, who appeared religious but lacked true faith and love.
Hypocrisy is a danger for all of us. It means pretending to be something we are not. In our faith, this can look like following rules or attending church without letting God’s love change us. Jesus warns that this kind of behavior is empty and wrong.
On Monday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, we are called to examine our own hearts. Are we living out our faith genuinely? Or are we more concerned with how we appear to others? True faith involves a sincere relationship with God and a commitment to loving others.
In conclusion, both readings for Monday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 remind us to avoid hypocrisy. We are called to live our faith genuinely, without pretense. By being sincere in our faith, we honor God and show others what it means to truly follow Christ.
The reflections on Monday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 encourage us to live our faith sincerely and be witnesses to God’s love. They remind us to prioritize genuine worship over mere rituals and avoid hypocrisy. By embracing these teachings, we can grow closer to God and lead others to Him through our example.
Prayer
Lord, help us to live our faith with sincerity and love. Guide us to be true examples of Your teachings, showing kindness and honesty to all. May we worship You with genuine hearts and avoid hypocrisy in our actions. Strengthen us to follow You faithfully every day. Amen.
Reflection Questions
- How can you be a good example of faith to those around you, like the Thessalonians were?
- In what ways can you show God’s love through your actions, rather than just words or rituals?
- Are there areas in your life where you might be focused on outward appearances instead of genuine faith?
- How can you make your worship more sincere and centered on loving God and others?
Homilies and Commentaries for Monday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1
The Dual Role of Jesus
In his reflection on the Gospel for Monday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time, Bishop Robert Barron unpacks Jesus’ harsh criticism of the scribes and Pharisees. According to Bishop Barron, Jesus is both the forgiving hand that the Father extends to sinners and the judge who exposes the world’s hypocrisy.
His criticism illuminates the divide between God’s loving intentions and the actions of those in positions of religious authority who perpetuate “structures of darkness.” Jesus’ dual role magnifies the disparity between God’s mercy and the realities of a world complacent in sin.
Navigating Frustration with Faith
This reflection for Monday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time, touches on the theme of frustration, particularly how Jesus expresses it in the gospel. It suggests that the key lies in how we deal with our own frustrations and their impact on others. Jesus criticizes people for locking the Kingdom of Heaven, advising against forced faith and calling out “blind guides.”
We should reflect on whether we are the cause of frustration in our spiritual lives and the lives of others. “Holy frustration” can actually deepen our faith and open our hearts.
Questions and Answers for Monday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1
What date is Monday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?
The next date is Monday August 25, 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 Monday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2.
What are the Mass readings for Monday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?
The Mass readings for Monday August 25, 2025 are:
First Reading – 1 Thessalonians 1:1-5, 8b-10: Growing Faith and Love
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 149: Joy in Praise
Gospel – Matthew 23:13-22: Warnings to Hypocrites
What does it mean when Paul says the Gospel came in “power and in the Holy Spirit”?
Paul is saying that the message of Jesus brought real change to the Thessalonians. It wasn’t just words; the Holy Spirit worked in their hearts, helping them believe and live differently.
Why does Paul praise the Thessalonians for their “work of faith”?
Paul praises them because their faith wasn’t just talk; they showed it through their actions. They lived out their faith by helping others and following Jesus.
What does Paul mean by saying the Thessalonians “became an example to all the believers”?
Paul means that the Thessalonians’ faith was so strong and evident that other believers looked up to them. On Monday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, we are encouraged to live in a way that others can see God’s love through us.
What does it mean to “turn to God from idols”?
In Monday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, this means the Thessalonians stopped worshiping false gods and started following the one true God. For us, it means putting God first and not letting anything else take His place in our lives.
What does Jesus mean by “woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites”?
Jesus is calling out the religious leaders for pretending to be good while doing wrong things. On Monday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, we are reminded not to be hypocritical but to be honest and sincere in our faith.
Why does Jesus criticize the Pharisees for making oaths?
The Pharisees made promises to impress others without meaning them. Jesus teaches us, especially on Monday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, to be honest and straightforward in our words and actions.
What does it mean to “strain out a gnat but swallow a camel”?
This means focusing on small, unimportant rules while ignoring bigger issues. On Monday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, we learn to prioritize love, justice, and mercy over minor details.
How can we apply the lessons from Monday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 to our daily lives?
We can live our faith genuinely, without hypocrisy, and be good examples to others. We should focus on loving God and others, not just following rules for the sake of appearance.
Why is it important to avoid hypocrisy as Jesus taught?
Hypocrisy leads to mistrust and dishonesty. Jesus’ warning on Monday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 reminds us to live with integrity and truthfulness in all we do.
How do we know if we are putting God first in our lives?
We can examine our priorities and see if they align with God’s teachings. On Monday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, we are called to put God above all else and live according to His ways.
Living Faithfully and Sincerely
The readings for Monday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 teach us about living our faith with sincerity and avoiding hypocrisy. In the first reading, Paul praises the Thessalonians for their genuine faith. Their actions show their commitment to God, making them examples to others. This reminds us that our faith should be visible in how we live, not just in what we say.
In the Gospel, Jesus warns the Pharisees against focusing on outward rituals while neglecting true worship. They appeared religious but lacked love and mercy. Jesus teaches that true faith is about more than following rules. It is about loving God and others from the heart.
Both readings encourage us to examine our own lives. Are we living our faith in a way that honors God and inspires others? Or are we more concerned with appearances? Monday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 calls us to be sincere, live our faith honestly, and let our actions reflect God’s love.
Your Turn
The readings for Monday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 remind us to live out our faith with sincerity. Take some time to reflect on your actions. Are you a good example to others? Are you worshiping God from the heart?
We would love to hear your reflections. How do these readings inspire you to live more authentically? Share your thoughts in the comment section and encourage others to grow in faith alongside you.
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