Tuesday of the 23rd Week In Ordinary Time

• 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.

Lectionary Reference: 438

Upcoming dates: September 9, 2025, September 7, 2027, September 11, 2029, September 9, 2031, September 6, 2033

When day came, he called his disciples to himself, and from them he chose Twelve, whom he also named Apostles.

Luke 6:13

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.

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.

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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?

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.

What date is Tuesday of the 23rd Week In Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

The next date is Tuesday September 9, 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 23rd Week In Ordinary Time Cycle 2.

What are the Mass readings for Tuesday of the 23rd Week In Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

The Mass readings for Tuesday September 9, 2025 are:
First Reading – Colossians 2:6-15: Christ’s Victory
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 145: Praise and Worship
Gospel – Luke 6:12-19: Choosing the Twelve

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.