Thursday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time

• First Reading – 1 Thessalonians 3:7-13: We are encouraged by your faith during our trials and pray for you night and day. We ask God to increase your love for one another and make you blameless in holiness.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 90: We seek God’s love and mercy, asking for wisdom, compassion, and joy, while hoping for His blessing on our work and lives.
• Gospel – Matthew 24:42-51: Jesus teaches the importance of being vigilant and faithful, as we don’t know when He will return. Faithful servants are rewarded, while those who are careless and indulge in sin will face severe consequences.

When this falls on August 29, the gospel for the Memorial of the Passion of Saint John the Baptist is used.

Stay awake! For you do not know on which day your Lord will come.

Matthew 24:42

On Thursday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 1, the readings remind us to stay strong in faith and be prepared for the Lord’s coming. The First Reading from 1 Thessalonians 3:7-13 and the Gospel from Matthew 24:42-51 offer guidance on living faithfully and watching for Christ’s return.

• Strength in Faith: Paul encourages the Thessalonians to stand firm in their faith, even amid trials. This theme reminds us to support one another in difficult times.
• Encouragement in Love: Paul prays that the Thessalonians grow in love for each other. Loving others helps us reflect God’s love and strengthens our community.
• Holiness and Purity: Paul urges the Thessalonians to live holy lives, pleasing to God. Striving for holiness means seeking to follow God’s ways and avoiding sin.
• Watchfulness: Jesus teaches about being watchful and prepared for His return. This means living each day faithfully and not becoming complacent.
• Faithful Stewardship: Jesus speaks of a faithful servant who takes care of his master’s household. We are called to be responsible with the gifts and responsibilities God has given us.
• Unpredictable Timing: Jesus warns that we do not know the day or hour of His return. This encourages us to live every day as if it were our last, always ready to meet Him.

These themes help us reflect on our faith and actions as we prepare for Christ’s return. By staying faithful and loving, we live according to God’s will and are ready for His coming.

On Thursday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, the readings invite us to reflect on key aspects of our faith journey. Paul encourages the Thessalonians to grow in love and live holy lives, while Jesus emphasizes being watchful and faithful. These reflections explore the themes of love, readiness, and stewardship, offering practical insights for living out these teachings.

Growing in Love

Paul prays that the Thessalonians grow in love for each other. Loving others is a key message in the First Reading for Thursday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1. Paul knows that love builds a strong community, reflecting God’s love among people.

When we love others, we follow Jesus’ commandment to love one another. This love isn’t just about feelings but actions—caring for others, being patient, and forgiving. Growing in love means making an effort to help and support each other daily.

Reflecting on Paul’s prayer, we can see how important it is to build relationships rooted in love. For Thursday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, let’s ask God to help us grow in love, making our community stronger and more united. By doing so, we reflect God’s love in our actions and words.

Always Ready

Jesus warns that we do not know the day or hour of His return. This message from the Gospel for Thursday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 encourages us to be ready at all times. We are reminded to live each day as if it were our last.

Living ready means being faithful in our daily lives, making good choices, and keeping our focus on God. It’s about being prepared spiritually and not getting distracted by things that don’t matter. Jesus wants us to stay alert and watchful, knowing He could return at any moment.

This readiness isn’t about fear but about living with purpose and direction. On Thursday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, we can reflect on how we can be more attentive to our faith and actions. Being ready means living a life that is pleasing to God, always expecting His return.

Faithful Stewardship

A common theme in both readings for Thursday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 is being faithful stewards. Paul talks about living in a way that pleases God, while Jesus speaks about the faithful servant who responsibly takes care of what is given.

Faithful stewardship means using our time, talents, and resources wisely. We are called to be responsible with what God has entrusted to us, whether it’s our family, work, or community. This theme reminds us that everything we have is a gift from God and should be used for His glory.

Reflecting on this, we see that being a good steward is part of our daily faith. For Thursday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, we can ask ourselves how we can better manage what we have. Are we using our gifts to serve others and honor God? Let’s strive to be faithful stewards, knowing that we are accountable to God for how we live our lives.

---

As we meditate on the messages from Thursday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, we are reminded of the importance of love, being prepared, and faithfully managing what God has entrusted to us. By embracing these themes, we draw closer to God and strengthen our faith. Let us strive to apply these lessons in our daily lives, growing in love, watchfulness, and stewardship.

Prayer

Lord, help us grow in love for one another and live faithfully each day. Give us the wisdom to use our gifts wisely and the courage to always be ready for Your return. Guide us in all our actions and strengthen our faith. Amen.

Reflection Questions

• How can you grow in love for others in your daily life?
• Are there areas in your life where you need to be more watchful and spiritually prepared?
• How are you using your gifts and resources to honor God and serve others?
• What steps can you take to be a more faithful steward of what God has entrusted to you?

Staying Awake Spiritually

In a USCCB video reflection for Thursday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, the message focuses on staying spiritually awake and alert. It compares the need for essential workers to stay awake during night shifts with the Christian duty to be prepared for Christ’s coming.

It warns against being lulled into complacency by worldly concerns or false prophets. Instead, it encourages us to keep watch over our hearts and souls, using our freedom to choose God. This readiness will prepare us to meet the Lord with faith, hope, and love.

What date is Thursday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

The next date is Thursday August 28, 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 Thursday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2.

What are the Mass readings for Thursday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

The Mass readings for Thursday August 28, 2025 are:
First Reading – 1 Thessalonians 3:7-13: Faith, Love, and Steadfastness
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 90: Divine Love and Joyful Praise
Gospel – Matthew 24:42-51: The Parable of the Faithful and Wise Servant

What does “standing firm in the Lord” mean in the first reading?

In the First Reading from 1 Thessalonians 3:7-13, “standing firm in the Lord” means keeping strong in faith and not giving up, even when life is tough. It’s about trusting God and staying committed to following Jesus, no matter what challenges come our way.

Why does Paul pray for the Thessalonians to increase in love?

Paul prays for the Thessalonians to increase in love so they can better support and care for each other. For Thursday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, this teaches us the importance of growing in love and kindness in our own lives, helping us build stronger relationships.

What does Paul mean by living holy lives?

Living holy lives, as Paul mentions, means living in a way that pleases God. On Thursday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, it means avoiding sin and striving to do what is right and good according to God’s teachings.

What does Jesus mean by “be watchful” in the Gospel?

In the Gospel of Thursday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, Jesus says to “be watchful” to remind us to always be ready for His return. This means living our lives with faith and good actions, as we don’t know when He will come back.

Who is the faithful servant in Jesus’ teaching?

The faithful servant in Jesus’ teaching on Thursday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 is someone who responsibly takes care of what they are given. This teaches us to be trustworthy and diligent in our duties, using our talents and resources wisely.

What does Jesus warn about the “unpredictable timing”?

Jesus warns about the “unpredictable timing” of His return, saying that no one knows the exact time. On Thursday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, this means we should always live in readiness, making sure our lives are in line with God’s will.

How can we apply the message of being ready for Jesus’ return?

We can apply the message of being ready for Jesus’ return by living each day with purpose, love, and faithfulness. This means following Jesus’ teachings, helping others, and keeping our relationship with God strong.

Why is faith important according to the readings?

Faith is important because it helps us stay connected to God and gives us strength during hard times. On Thursday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, it reminds us that faith is a foundation for living a good and meaningful life.