Tuesday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time

• First Reading – 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6, 9-11: Be alert and ready for the day of the Lord, which will come unexpectedly. We are children of light, destined for salvation through Jesus, so encourage and support each other.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 27: I trust that I will see the Lord’s goodness in my life. The Lord is my light, salvation, and refuge. I seek to live in His presence and wait for Him with courage.
• Gospel – Luke 4:31-37: In Capernaum, Jesus taught with authority, astonishing the people. He cast out an unclean spirit from a man, and the people marveled at his power. News about Jesus spread quickly.

What is there about his word? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and they come out.

Luke 4:36

On Tuesday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, we reflect on God’s teachings through Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians and the Gospel of Luke. These readings help us understand key themes that guide our faith and actions.

• Vigilance and Readiness: Paul urges the Thessalonians to be alert and watchful. We are reminded to stay prepared for the Lord’s coming.
• Living in the Light: Paul contrasts light with darkness, encouraging believers to live as children of the light. This means following Christ and rejecting sin.
• Encouragement and Building Up: Paul tells the Thessalonians to encourage one another and build each other up. This fosters a strong, supportive community.
• Jesus’ Authority: In Luke, people are amazed by Jesus’ authority. This shows Jesus’ power over both teaching and evil spirits.
• Jesus’ Teaching: Jesus teaches in the synagogue with wisdom and clarity. His words are powerful and touch the hearts of those who hear Him.
• Freedom from Evil: Jesus drives out an unclean spirit, freeing a man from its hold. This demonstrates Jesus’ power to liberate us from sin and evil.

Reflecting on these themes helps us grow in faith and understanding. Tuesday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 calls us to live in the light, encourage one another, and trust in Jesus’ authority and power.

On Tuesday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, we reflect on key themes found in Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians and the Gospel of Luke. These themes guide us to live as children of the light, recognize the power of Jesus’ teaching, and encourage one another in our faith journey.

Living as Children of the Light

On Tuesday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, Paul tells us to live as children of the light. He contrasts light with darkness, urging believers to follow Christ and reject sin. This imagery helps us understand the difference between living a good life and falling into wrongdoing.

Living in the light means we need to be honest, kind, and loving. It means making choices that reflect Jesus’ teachings. When we live in the light, we bring goodness to the world and help others see Christ through our actions.

We can apply this by examining our daily actions and choices. Are we kind to others? Are we honest in our dealings? By making small changes and choosing to follow Christ each day, we can live as children of the light.

The Power of Jesus’ Teaching

Tuesday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 includes a Gospel where Jesus teaches in the synagogue. His words are powerful and touch the hearts of those who hear him. This shows that Jesus speaks with wisdom and clarity.

Jesus’ teaching is different because it comes with authority. People recognize this and are amazed. His words not only teach but also inspire and challenge us to live better lives.

We can take Jesus’ teachings to heart by reading and reflecting on the Gospel. When we listen to his words and try to follow them, we grow in faith. Jesus’ teaching guides us and helps us make good choices in our lives.

Encouragement and Building Up

On Tuesday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, Paul encourages believers to support one another. He emphasizes the importance of building each other up. This theme connects with Jesus’ actions in the Gospel, where his teachings and miracles uplift and strengthen the community.

Encouraging one another means being there for each other in times of need. It means offering a kind word, a helping hand, or a prayer. This support helps us grow stronger in faith and creates a loving community.

Jesus sets an example of encouragement by healing and teaching with compassion. We can follow his example by being kind and supportive to those around us. By building each other up, we fulfill our calling as followers of Christ and strengthen our community of faith.

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Reflecting on Tuesday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 helps us understand how to live faithfully and support one another. By living in the light, listening to Jesus’ powerful teaching, and encouraging each other, we grow stronger in our faith and closer to Christ.

Prayer

Lord, help us live as children of the light, guided by Your teachings. Give us the strength to encourage and support one another. May we always follow Your example of love and kindness. Amen.

Reflection Questions

• How can you live as a child of the light in your daily life?
• What steps can you take to better understand and follow Jesus’ teachings?
• How can you encourage and support others in their faith journey?
• Are there areas in your life where you need to let go of darkness and choose the light of Christ?

Jesus’ Authority in Teaching

In Bishop Robert Barron’s reflection for Tuesday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, he explains why Jesus’ teaching amazed people in Capernaum. Unlike other teachers who relied on past authorities like Moses, Jesus spoke with His own authority.

This was evident in the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus claimed authority over the Torah itself. By saying, “You have heard it said…but I say,” Jesus positioned Himself above traditional teachings, which astonished the people.

What date is Tuesday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

The next date is Tuesday September 2, 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 22nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2.

What are the Mass readings for Tuesday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

The Mass readings for Tuesday September 2, 2025 are:
First Reading – 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6, 9-11: Living in the Light of Christ
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 27: The Lord is My Light and Salvation
Gospel – Luke 4:31-37: The Authority of Jesus

What does Paul mean by being alert and watchful in the first reading for Tuesday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

Paul tells the Thessalonians to stay alert and ready for the Lord’s coming. We should always live in a way that shows we are prepared for Jesus to return.

How can we live as children of the light?

Living as children of the light means following Jesus and doing what is right. We should avoid sin and try to live good lives.

What does Paul mean by encouraging one another?

Paul wants the Thessalonians to support each other. We can encourage others by being kind, helpful, and positive.

How can we apply the idea of building each other up?

We can build each other up by encouraging and supporting one another. This creates a strong and loving community.

Why does Paul talk about living in light and avoiding darkness?

Paul uses light and darkness to show the difference between good and bad. Living in the light means choosing what is right and rejecting sin.

Why were people amazed by Jesus’ authority in the Gospel for Tuesday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

People were surprised because Jesus taught with power and confidence. He also showed his authority by casting out evil spirits.

How can Jesus’ teaching help us today?

Jesus’ teaching guides us on how to live rightly. We can follow his words to make good choices and grow in faith.

What does it mean that Jesus drove out an unclean spirit?

Jesus freed a man from an evil spirit. This shows that Jesus has power over all evil and can help us overcome sin.

What is the importance of Jesus teaching in the synagogue?

Jesus teaching in the synagogue shows that he is a true teacher of God’s word. We can learn from him and follow his example.

How do these readings connect with our daily lives?

The readings for Tuesday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 remind us to live ready for Jesus, support each other, and follow his teachings. They guide us to live good and faithful lives.