Tuesday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time
Tuesday August 26, 2025

Daily Mass Readings for Tuesday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1
- First Reading – 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8: Paul and his companions courageously shared the Gospel without deceit or greed, seeking to please God. They treated the Thessalonians with gentleness and shared their lives, showing deep affection.
- Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 139: God intimately knows and understands our every action and thought, even before we speak. His knowledge of us is complete and beyond our understanding, surrounding us with His presence.
- Gospel – Matthew 23:23-26: Jesus criticizes the scribes and Pharisees for their hypocrisy. They focus on minor rituals but ignore justice, mercy, and faithfulness. He urges them to cleanse their hearts, not just outward appearances.
Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You cleanse the outside of cup and dish, but inside they are full of plunder and self-indulgence.
Matthew 23:25
Themes for the Readings for Tuesday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1
Tuesday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 focuses on living a sincere faith and avoiding hypocrisy. The readings encourage believers to prioritize their spiritual life and truly love and serve others.
- Sincerity in Faith: Paul reminds the Thessalonians that he spoke the gospel to them honestly. This encourages believers to live and speak their faith with sincerity, not just for show.
- Avoiding Hypocrisy: Jesus warns against focusing on minor rules while neglecting important matters like justice and mercy. This teaches the importance of a consistent and genuine faith life.
- True Service: Paul shows his love for the Thessalonians by sharing not just the gospel but also his life. This highlights the importance of truly caring for others in our service.
- Focus on Inner Purity: Jesus criticizes the Pharisees for being clean on the outside but dirty inside. This stresses the need to focus on inner holiness, not just external appearances.
- Justice and Mercy: Jesus calls out those who neglect justice and mercy while following other religious practices. This theme calls for balancing religious observance with compassion for others.
- Living the Gospel: Paul talks about how he and his companions lived among the Thessalonians to show them how to live the gospel. This emphasizes the importance of setting a good example in our daily lives.
These themes for for Tuesday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 encourage believers to live authentically and focus on the core aspects of faith. By embracing these teachings, we can grow closer to God and live a life of true service and love.
Reflection for Tuesday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1

Tuesday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 invites us to reflect on key aspects of our faith life, including sincerity, the balance between religious practices and justice, and authenticity. The readings from 1 Thessalonians and the Gospel of Matthew challenge us to live out our beliefs with genuine love and care for others. These reflections explore how we can apply these lessons in our daily lives.
Sharing the Gospel and Our Lives
On Tuesday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, Paul speaks about how he shared the gospel with the Thessalonians, not only through words but also by sharing his life. This act shows deep love and commitment to the community. It teaches us that evangelization is not just about preaching; it’s also about building relationships and being present in others’ lives. When we share our lives with others, we offer them a glimpse of Christ’s love in a tangible way.
Paul’s example challenges us to be generous with our time and care. It’s easy to give advice or teach others about faith, but it requires more effort to walk alongside them in their struggles and joys. True service involves a willingness to be vulnerable and open, sharing not just the good times but also the challenges we face. This kind of sharing builds trust and deepens our connections with others, making our witness to the gospel more effective.
In our daily lives, we can follow Paul’s example by being more open and available to those around us. This might mean listening to a friend who is struggling or spending time with someone who feels lonely. It could also involve sharing our own experiences and how our faith helps us navigate life. By doing so, we demonstrate the love and care that Paul showed to the Thessalonians.
Paul’s approach teaches us that true service goes beyond just meeting physical needs. It involves sharing our whole selves, including our faith and our personal journeys. This kind of service can be challenging, as it requires us to be authentic and sometimes uncomfortable. However, it is also deeply rewarding, as it allows us to experience the joy of giving and receiving love.
As we reflect on Tuesday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, let us ask God for the courage and grace to share our lives with others. May we be inspired by Paul’s example to be more generous and open in our relationships, and to serve others with the same love and care that Christ has shown us.
Balancing Justice, Mercy, and Religious Practice
On Tuesday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, Jesus calls out the Pharisees for neglecting justice and mercy while strictly following religious rules. This teaches us the importance of balancing our religious practices with compassion and fairness. Following the rules is important, but we must also care for others and show mercy. This balance is crucial in living out our faith authentically.
Jesus’ criticism of the Pharisees highlights a common pitfall in religious life: focusing too much on external practices while neglecting the core values of our faith. The Pharisees were very careful about small rules, but they missed the bigger picture of what it means to live justly and mercifully. This serves as a reminder to examine our own lives and ensure that our actions align with the values of justice, mercy, and love.
In our own faith journey, we can sometimes get caught up in rituals and rules, forgetting the more important aspects of compassion and fairness. Jesus challenges us to look beyond the surface and prioritize what truly matters. This means being kind to others, standing up for what is right, and showing mercy, even when it’s difficult. These are the true markers of a life lived in faith.
We can apply this lesson by being mindful of how we treat others, especially those in need or who are marginalized. It’s not enough to attend church or follow religious rules if we are not also acting with love and justice. We should strive to be consistent in our faith, making sure that our actions reflect our beliefs. This can be a challenging balance to maintain, but it is essential for living a sincere and authentic faith life.
As we reflect on Tuesday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, let us ask God to help us balance our religious practices with justice and mercy. May we always remember that true faith is not just about following rules, but about loving others and acting justly. Let us seek to live out our faith in a way that honors God and serves our neighbors.
Authenticity in Faith and Action
On Tuesday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, both Paul and Jesus emphasize the importance of authenticity in faith. Paul shares his genuine care for the Thessalonians, not just in words but through his actions. Jesus criticizes the Pharisees for their hypocrisy, urging them to clean their hearts and not just their outward appearances. This theme reminds us to live our faith sincerely, without pretense or hypocrisy.
Authenticity in faith means aligning our actions with our beliefs. It’s not enough to say we believe in justice, mercy, and love; we must also live these values every day. Jesus’ critique of the Pharisees shows that merely going through the motions of religious practices is not what God desires. He wants us to have pure hearts and to act with integrity, ensuring that our inner life matches our outward behavior.
In our lives, we can sometimes fall into the trap of doing things for show, whether in our spiritual practices or in how we present ourselves to others. Jesus’ words remind us that God sees beyond the surface and knows our true intentions. We are called to be honest with ourselves and with others, ensuring that our actions are motivated by genuine faith and love, not by a desire to impress or gain approval.
Paul’s example of sharing his life with the Thessalonians further illustrates what it means to live authentically. He didn’t just preach; he invested in the lives of those he ministered to, showing true care and commitment. We are called to do the same, being present for others in real and meaningful ways. This kind of authenticity builds trust and demonstrates the love of Christ in a tangible manner.
As we reflect on Tuesday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, let us ask God for the grace to be authentic in our faith. May we live with integrity, ensuring that our actions align with our beliefs. Let us strive to be sincere in our dealings with others, showing them the love and care that comes from a genuine faith in God.
As we consider the teachings from Tuesday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, let us strive to live authentically and sincerely in our faith. By balancing our religious practices with justice and mercy, and by sharing our lives with others, we can truly embody the love and teachings of Christ. May these reflections inspire us to grow in our faith and serve others with a pure heart.
Prayer
Lord, help us to live our faith sincerely and with true love. Guide us to balance our religious practices with justice and mercy. Teach us to be authentic and genuine in all our actions, reflecting Your love in everything we do. Amen.
Reflection Questions
- How can you follow Paul’s example and share not only the gospel but also your life with others?
- Are there ways in which you prioritize religious practices over showing justice and mercy to others?
- How can you ensure that your faith is authentic and that your actions align with your beliefs?
- What steps can you take to balance compassion and fairness with your daily spiritual practices?
Homilies and Commentaries for Tuesday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1
Are We Ministers of God’s Mercy?
On Tuesday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, Fr. Nick Punch reflects on Jesus’ strong words to the Pharisees and scribes, criticizing their hypocrisy. They focused on following the smallest details of the law while neglecting justice, mercy, and faith. Jesus challenges them to clean their hearts first, rather than worrying only about outward appearances. Fr. Nick highlights that our role as Christians is to be agents of God’s love and mercy, not enforcers of strict laws that exclude others.
Fr. Nick shares how Pope Francis emphasizes mercy over rigid rules, encouraging the Church to welcome and care for everyone, especially those who feel excluded. He recounts helping people in Australia return to the sacraments by focusing on God’s forgiving love instead of harsh judgment. On Tuesday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, we are reminded to prioritize mercy, justice, and compassion in living out the Gospel.
The Call for Inner Change
In this reflection for Tuesday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time, Bishop Robert Barron discusses Jesus’ call for the Pharisees and us to change both heart and behavior. Using St. Augustine’s concept of sin as being “caved in” around oneself, Bishop Barron emphasizes the importance of self-examination and honesty in recognizing what needs to change.
This dual awareness, both of our flaws and our godlike potentials, acts as a catalyst for genuine transformation or “metanoia.” Without it, we risk remaining complacent or cynical about the possibility of meaningful change.
Questions and Answers for Tuesday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1
What date is Tuesday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?
The next date is Tuesday August 26, 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 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2.
What are the Mass readings for Tuesday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?
The Mass readings for Tuesday August 26, 2025 are:
First Reading – 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8: Authentic Ministry
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 139: The All-Knowing God
Gospel – Matthew 23:23-26: True Righteousness
What does Paul mean by “our exhortation was not from delusion or impure motives” in the first reading for Tuesday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?
Paul is saying that his message is sincere and not for personal gain. He preached the gospel truthfully and purely to help others know God.
How can we apply the lesson about sincerity in faith from 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8?
We can strive to live honestly and share our faith with others without seeking personal praise. This means being genuine in our actions and words.
How can we practice true service like Paul did in the first reading for Tuesday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?
We can show true service by caring for others and being willing to share not just our words, but also our lives with them. This means genuinely helping others and being there for them.
Why does Jesus criticize the Pharisees for tithing mint and other herbs in the Gospel for Tuesday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?
Jesus points out that they focus on small things but neglect justice, mercy, and faith. He teaches that while rules are important, we should not ignore the bigger moral issues.
What does clean the inside of the cup mean in Matthew 23:26?
Jesus uses this to symbolize inner purity. He encourages us to focus on being good and honest inside, not just appearing good outwardly.
What does Jesus mean by justice, mercy, and faith in Matthew 23:23?
Jesus is emphasizing important aspects of our faith that involve how we treat others and trust in God. He wants us to prioritize fairness, kindness, and belief in our lives.
Why is inner purity more important than outer appearance according to Jesus?
Inner purity reflects our true character and intentions. Jesus teaches that God cares more about our hearts and actions than just following rules outwardly.
Why does Jesus use the example of a clean cup in the Gospel for Tuesday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?
The cup represents a person’s life. Jesus uses it to show that focusing only on outward cleanliness is not enough; we need to be pure and good on the inside as well.
What is the main message of the readings for Tuesday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?
The main message is to live a genuine faith, focusing on inner purity and true service to others. It reminds us to prioritize love, justice, and mercy in our lives.
How can we balance following religious practices with showing mercy and justice?
We can follow religious practices while also making sure we are kind and fair to others. It’s important to remember that how we treat others is a key part of our faith.
Living Faithfully and Authentically
The readings for Tuesday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 encourage us to live our faith sincerely and with care for others. In the first reading, Paul talks about how he shared not only the gospel but also his life with the Thessalonians. His love and commitment to the community show us that faith is more than words—it is about building relationships and being present for others.
In the Gospel, Jesus criticizes the Pharisees for focusing on appearances while neglecting justice and mercy. He reminds us that true faith is not about following rules for show but about having a pure heart and acting with compassion. Jesus calls us to balance our religious practices with love for others, especially those in need.
Both readings highlight the importance of authenticity in faith. Tuesday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 challenges us to align our beliefs with our actions. Faith is not only about what we say or how we look; it is about how we live and treat others. By living sincerely and sharing our lives with those around us, we reflect the love of Christ in meaningful ways.
Your Turn
The readings for Tuesday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 remind us to live our faith with sincerity and care. Take time to reflect on how you can balance religious practices with justice and mercy. Ask yourself if your actions truly reflect your beliefs.
We invite you to share your reflections. How do these readings inspire you to live more authentically? Share your thoughts in the comments and encourage others to grow in faith and love. Let’s support one another in living out these important lessons.
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