Tuesday of the 23rd Week In Ordinary Time
Tuesday September 9, 2025
Chosen and Made New
On Tuesday of the 23rd Week In Ordinary Time Cycle 1, we hear readings that remind us of the strength we find in Christ.
Paul tells the Colossians to stay rooted in faith. He explains that Jesus has canceled every debt of sin and conquered all powers by the cross. This is a message of hope and freedom.
The psalm praises God for his kindness and mercy. It calls us to give thanks and to speak of his greatness. These words help us remember that God’s care extends to all creation. Every person and every creature is held in his love.
The Gospel shows Jesus praying all night before choosing the twelve apostles. Then crowds from many places gather to hear him and to be healed. His power goes out to all who come near. On Tuesday of the 23rd Week In Ordinary Time Cycle 1, we are reminded that Jesus still calls us, heals us, and sends us to share his love.
Daily Mass Readings for Tuesday of the 23rd Week In Ordinary Time Cycle 1
- First Reading – Colossians 2:6-15: Live in Christ, rooted in faith, and resist false teachings. Through Christ, God has forgiven our sins, canceled our debt, and triumphed over all powers by the cross.
- Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 145: I praise God daily, recognizing his kindness and mercy toward all creation. May everyone give thanks to him, speak of his Kingdom, and declare his power.
- Gospel – Luke 6:12-19: Jesus prayed all night, then chose twelve Apostles. Crowds from across the region came to hear him and be healed. His power went out to heal everyone who touched him.
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 23rd Week In Ordinary Time Cycle 2.
When day came, he called his disciples to himself, and from them he chose Twelve, whom he also named Apostles.
Luke 6:13
Themes for the Readings for Tuesday of the 23rd Week In Ordinary Time Cycle 1
Tuesday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 1, presents key themes that guide our faith and actions. The readings encourage us to deepen our understanding of Christ and to live out our faith in our daily lives.
- Living in Christ: St. Paul urges us to live our lives rooted in Christ. We are called to let our faith shape all that we do, just as the Colossians were instructed to remain steadfast in their faith.
- Beware of False Teachings: Paul warns against being deceived by hollow and misleading philosophies. This reminds us to stay grounded in the true teachings of Christ.
- Fullness in Christ: Paul emphasizes that all fullness dwells in Christ. We are reminded that in Him, we find everything we need for salvation.
- Victory Over Sin: Paul speaks of Christ’s victory over sin and death. By His sacrifice, we are freed from the power of sin.
- Christ’s Call to Prayer: In the Gospel, Jesus spends the night in prayer before choosing His apostles. This shows the importance of prayer in making decisions and seeking God’s will.
- Jesus Heals: The Gospel recounts how people came to Jesus for healing and deliverance. This highlights Christ’s power to heal and His compassion for those in need.
These themes remind us of the importance of staying close to Christ and trusting in His power and love. By reflecting on these readings, we can deepen our faith and live more fully in accordance with the Gospel.
Reflection for Tuesday of the 23rd Week In Ordinary Time Cycle 1
Tuesday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 1, offers us valuable lessons about living our faith, seeking God’s guidance, and serving others. Through the readings, we see how being rooted in Christ can guide our decisions, how prayer is essential in making choices, and how we are called to bring healing and love to those around us. These reflections help us to deepen our understanding of how to live as followers of Christ.
Rooted in Faith
On Tuesday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 1, the readings remind us to make Christ the foundation of our lives. St. Paul encourages the Colossians to be rooted in faith, letting their belief in Christ shape everything they do. When our faith is strong, it guides our decisions and actions, helping us to remain steady even when challenges arise.
Being rooted in faith means trusting in Christ completely. It means allowing His teachings to influence our choices and interactions with others. Just as roots provide stability to a tree, our faith in Christ provides stability to our lives. Without strong roots, a tree can easily be toppled by a storm. Similarly, without a strong faith, we may struggle to stay grounded in difficult times.
Tuesday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 1, calls us to examine the foundation of our lives. Are we rooted in faith? Do we allow Christ to guide us in all that we do? By making Christ the center of our lives, we can stand firm in our faith and bear good fruit in the world.
Seeking God’s Guidance in Prayer
On Tuesday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 1, we see Jesus praying before making a big decision—choosing His Apostles. This moment teaches us the importance of seeking God’s guidance through prayer, especially when we face important choices in our own lives. Jesus shows us that before we act, we should first connect with God to seek His wisdom and direction.
When we take time to pray before making decisions, we open ourselves to God’s will. It allows us to quiet our minds and listen for His voice, helping us to make choices that align with His plans for us. Jesus spent the night in prayer, demonstrating how important it is to dedicate time to seek God’s guidance, especially in moments that will shape our future.
Tuesday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 1, encourages us to follow Jesus’ example. Whether we are making a small decision or facing a significant life change, prayer should be our first step. Through prayer, we find the clarity and strength to make decisions that reflect God’s will.
Healing and Service
Another theme in the readings for Tuesday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 1, is the call to heal and serve others. After spending time in prayer, Jesus begins His ministry by healing all who came to Him. This shows us that our faith is not just about our relationship with God, but also about how we serve those around us.
Jesus’ actions remind us that we are called to be His hands and feet in the world. After nurturing our faith through prayer and communion with God, we must step out and bring healing to others. This might not always mean physical healing, but it can mean offering comfort, support, and love to those in need.
Tuesday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 1, invites us to think about how we can serve others in our daily lives. Whether it’s by listening to someone who is hurting, mending a broken relationship, or simply being present for a friend, we are called to bring God’s healing love into the world. By following Jesus’ example, we can make a difference in the lives of those around us.
As we reflect on Tuesday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 1, we are reminded to stay rooted in faith, seek God’s guidance in prayer, and serve others with love. These readings challenge us to let our faith influence every part of our lives, from the choices we make to the way we interact with others. By following Christ’s example, we can grow closer to God and make a positive impact in the world.
Prayer
Lord, help us to be rooted in faith, trusting You in all that we do. Guide us in our decisions, and fill our hearts with Your love. May we bring healing and hope to those we encounter, following the example of Your Son. Amen.
Reflection Questions
- How can you deepen your faith and make Christ the foundation of your life?
- Do you take time to seek God’s guidance in prayer before making important decisions?
- In what ways can you bring healing and comfort to those around you?
- How can you follow Jesus’ example of balancing prayer and service in your daily life?
Homilies and Commentaries for Tuesday of the 23rd Week In Ordinary Time Cycle 1
The Twelve Apostles: A Sign of Unity
Bishop Robert Barron’s reflection for Tuesday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 1, explains why Jesus chose twelve Apostles. N.T. Wright clarifies that for first-century Jews, the arrival of God’s kingdom meant the restoration of the temple, the proper worship of God, and the gathering of Israel’s tribes.
Jesus chose twelve disciples to represent the twelve tribes, signaling the gathering of Israel and, eventually, all nations. The Apostles were meant to be the first community of unity in God’s kingdom.
Finding Strength in Communion with God
The USCCB video reflection for Tuesday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 1, emphasizes the importance of spending time in prayer and communion with God, just as Jesus did before selecting His Apostles. The reflection encourages us to find our own “mountaintop” moments with God to be nourished and strengthened.
After being filled with God’s love and grace, we are called to go out and heal others in our daily lives, whether by listening, mending relationships, or offering support. This daily connection with God prepares us to do His work in the world.
Resources
The Letter to the Colossians: Rooted in Christ
In Colossians 2:6-15, Paul urges the believers to remain firmly grounded in Christ. This fits the letter’s focus on reminding the Colossians that Christ alone is the source of salvation. False teachings threatened the community, but Paul points them back to the truth: Christ’s death and resurrection are enough. On Tuesday of the 23rd Week In Ordinary Time Cycle 1, we hear this call to stand strong in faith.
This passage also connects to the larger theme of God’s victory through the cross. Paul explains that Christ has forgiven sins, erased debts, and conquered all powers. The Colossians are invited to live in this freedom. The wider letter highlights Christ’s supremacy over all things, reminding the Church that they are complete in him.
Learn more in this reflection on the Letter to the Colossians.
Psalm 145: Praise Without End
Psalm 145 is a hymn of praise that celebrates God’s goodness, mercy, and faithfulness. On Tuesday of the 23rd Week In Ordinary Time Cycle 1, this psalm invites the faithful to lift their voices in gratitude. It fits the psalter’s purpose of teaching Israel to pray and remember God’s saving works in every generation. Worship is both personal and communal, uniting all creation.
The psalm also connects to the larger theme of God’s Kingdom. It proclaims God’s reign over all people and generations, highlighting his kindness to every creature. This links to the psalter’s vision of hope, where God’s power is revealed not through force but through mercy.
The Gospel of Luke: Called and Sent
In Luke 6:12-19, Jesus prays all night before choosing the twelve apostles. This moment reflects Luke’s strong emphasis on prayer and God’s guidance. On Tuesday of the 23rd Week In Ordinary Time Cycle 1, the passage shows that Jesus’ mission is not carried out alone. The apostles are chosen to share in his work and spread the message of the Kingdom.
The passage also highlights Luke’s theme of Jesus’ care for the crowds. People come from many places, and all who reach out to him are healed. This inclusiveness is central in Luke’s Gospel, where salvation and healing are offered freely. The Kingdom extends outward, showing God’s mercy to all.
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Rooted in Christ’s Victory
Bring the message of Tuesday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 to life with this vibrant image. The cross, rooted deep and surrounded by blossoms, reminds us of faith that grows strong in Christ.
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Questions and Answers for Tuesday of the 23rd Week In Ordinary Time Cycle 1
Why does Paul tell the Colossians to live in Christ in the first reading for Tuesday of the 23rd Week In Ordinary Time Cycle 1?
Paul tells the Colossians to live in Christ because our faith should guide how we live each day. When we live in Christ, we stay rooted in His teachings and grow in our relationship with Him.
What does it mean to be rooted in faith?
To be rooted in faith means that our belief in Christ should be the foundation of our lives. We see the importance of letting our faith guide our decisions and actions.
Why does Paul warn against false teachings?
Paul warns against false teachings because they can lead us away from the truth. This reminds us to be careful about what we believe and to stay close to the teachings of Christ.
What does Paul mean by fullness in Christ?
Paul says that all fullness dwells in Christ, meaning that in Jesus, we find everything we need. Jesus is enough for our salvation.
How does Christ’s victory over sin affect us?
Christ’s victory over sin means that we are no longer slaves to sin. We should live in the freedom that Christ has given us.
How can we apply Jesus’ example of prayer from the Gospel for Tuesday of the 23rd Week In Ordinary Time Cycle 1?
Jesus prays before making a big decision. This teaches us to pray for guidance in our own lives, especially when facing important choices.
Why did people seek out Jesus for healing?
People sought out Jesus for healing because they believed in His power to heal and help them. We must turn to Jesus in our times of need.
What can we learn from Jesus choosing His apostles?
Jesus chose His apostles after a night of prayer. Prayer should always be part of our decision-making process.
Rooted in Faith and Guided by Prayer
Tuesday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 reminds us to let Christ be the foundation of our lives. St. Paul encourages the Colossians to stay rooted in faith, trusting that their connection to Christ will guide their decisions and actions. Just as a tree needs strong roots to survive a storm, we need strong faith to stand firm in difficult times.
In the Gospel, Jesus spends the night in prayer before choosing His Apostles. This shows us how important it is to seek God’s guidance when making decisions. Prayer helps us connect with God’s will and make choices that align with His plan.
After praying, Jesus begins healing and helping those in need. His actions remind us that faith is not just about our relationship with God, but also about serving others. We are called to bring comfort and love to those around us, just as Jesus did.
Tuesday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 encourages us to stay close to Christ, seek guidance through prayer, and live out our faith by helping others. By following Jesus’ example, we can grow stronger in our faith and share God’s love with the world.
Your Turn
Tuesday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 calls us to stay rooted in faith, seek God’s guidance, and serve others. How can you let prayer guide your decisions and actions?
Take time to reflect on the readings and share your thoughts in the comments. How has faith helped you in tough times? How can you serve someone in need this week? Your reflection might encourage others to live their faith more fully.
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