Thursday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time
Thursday September 10, 2026
Daily Mass Readings for Thursday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
- First Reading – 1 Corinthians 8:1b-7, 11-13: Love strengthens, while knowledge can lead to pride. Avoid actions, like eating meat sacrificed to idols, that could harm others’ consciences, even if you know there is only one true God.
- Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 139: The Lord knows me completely, from my actions to my innermost thoughts. He created me wonderfully. I ask Him to guide me in the right path and lead me forever.
- Gospel – Luke 6:27-38: Jesus teaches us to love our enemies, be merciful, and not judge or condemn. Treat others as you want to be treated, and you will receive abundant blessings in return.
To you who hear I say, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.
Luke 6:27-28
Themes for the Readings for Thursday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
On Thursday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, the readings focus on how we should treat others and live out our faith. They challenge us to love beyond what is easy and to act with compassion and humility.
- Love Your Enemies: Jesus calls us to love even those who do not love us. This means showing kindness and mercy to everyone, even those who hurt us.
- Avoid Judging Others: The Gospel warns us against judging others. We are reminded to look at our own faults before pointing out the faults of others.
- Building Up Others: In the first reading, Paul emphasizes the importance of helping others grow in their faith. We should avoid actions that might lead others into sin.
- Sacrifice for the Weak: Paul speaks about giving up our own rights to protect the faith of weaker believers. We should be willing to sacrifice our comforts for the sake of others.
- Golden Rule: Jesus teaches us to treat others as we want to be treated. This rule guides us to act with kindness and fairness in all situations.
- Generosity and Forgiveness: The Gospel encourages us to be generous and forgiving. When we give freely and forgive others, we reflect God’s mercy.
On Thursday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, these themes invite us to live out our faith with love and humility. We are called to follow Jesus’ teachings in our everyday interactions with others.
Thoughts for Thursday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
Thursday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 invites us to reflect on how we live out our faith in our daily lives. The readings challenge us to support others in their faith journey, focus on our own behavior instead of judging others, and practice love and forgiveness in practical ways. These reflections explore these themes and how they guide our actions as followers of Christ.
Supporting Others in Their Faith Journey
On Thursday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, Paul encourages us to support others in their faith. He reminds us that our actions can influence those around us. If we live out our faith with sincerity, we can inspire others to grow closer to God.
Supporting others means being mindful of how our behavior affects their faith. Paul speaks about avoiding actions that might cause someone else to stumble. This could mean refraining from certain habits or words that might be harmless to us but could be a challenge for someone else.
We can help others by setting a good example in our daily lives. When we show kindness, patience, and understanding, we make it easier for others to follow Christ. By thinking of others before ourselves, we help build a community of faith that supports everyone on their journey.
Focusing on Our Own Behavior
Thursday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 brings a strong reminder from Jesus not to judge others. Instead of focusing on the faults of those around us, we should pay attention to our own actions. This call to self-reflection helps us grow in humility and love.
Judging others can be easy, but it distracts us from our own need for growth. When we criticize others, we forget that we too have flaws that need attention. Jesus teaches us to look at our own lives honestly and work on becoming better people.
By focusing on our own behavior, we can make real changes in our lives. This doesn’t mean ignoring the wrongs around us, but it does mean recognizing that we are not perfect. When we focus on improving ourselves, we create a more loving and understanding environment for everyone.
Living Out Faith in Practical Ways
The readings for Thursday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 show us how to live our faith every day. They remind us that faith is not just about what we believe, but also about how we act towards others. Love, forgiveness, and mindfulness are key themes that guide our actions.
Love is central to these teachings. We are called to love not just those who love us, but everyone we meet, including our enemies. This love should be shown through our actions, such as being kind, patient, and understanding even in difficult situations.
Forgiveness is another important theme. Holding onto anger and grudges only hurts us and others. By forgiving those who wrong us, we can find peace and help others do the same. Being mindful of how we treat others in our daily interactions is a practical way to live out the teachings of Thursday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2.
As we reflect on Thursday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, we are reminded that faith is not just about belief, but about how we treat others. By supporting others, focusing on our own growth, and practicing love and forgiveness, we can live out our faith in meaningful ways every day.
Prayer
Lord, help us to live our faith with love and humility. Guide us to support others, to focus on our own actions, and to forgive those who hurt us. May we always act with kindness and patience, following the example of Your Son. Amen.
Homilies and Reflections for Thursday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
Word on Fire: Loving Your Enemies Like Jesus
In his reflection for Thursday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 2, Bishop Robert Barron discusses Jesus’ call to love our enemies from the Sermon on the Plain in Luke. Instead of hating or tolerating enemies, Jesus asks us to love them, which can disarm and confuse them. Bishop Barron compares this to the martial art of aikido, where you absorb your opponent’s aggression and show them the futility of fighting. By responding to hatred with love, insults with kindness, and opposition with help, we follow Jesus’ strategy of nonviolence and love.
Dynamic Catholic: Love is Not a Feeling
In this reflection for Thursday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 2, Matthew Kelly reflects on Jesus’ command to love our enemies from the Gospel of Luke 6:27-38. Kelly explains that love is not about feelings but about willing the good of others, even those who hurt us. We don’t have to like everyone, but we are called to wish them well. Kelly also highlights Jesus’ call to generosity, reminding us that the measure we give is the measure we will receive. This reflection is a powerful reminder of God’s invitation to love and give freely without expecting anything in return.
Order of Preachers: Love Builds Up
In this reflection for Thursday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 2, Fr. Costantino Mamo from the Order of Preachers shares a story about a friend dealing with family conflict and the need for prayer and mercy. Reflecting on the Gospel, he emphasizes Jesus’ call to love our enemies, do good, and pray for those who hurt us. He reminds us that Jesus practiced what He preached and calls us to follow His example. If we want peace and forgiveness, we must live by the rule of mercy and love, not revenge or hatred.
USCCB Video Reflection: True Love Means Sacrifice
In this USCCB video reflection for Thursday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 2, Fr. Roger Lopez explains that love is wanting what is best for others, even at a cost to ourselves. Jesus commands us to love, not only those who are kind, but also those who mistreat us. This self-giving love is difficult, but it mirrors the sacrifices parents make for their children and St. Paul’s willingness to change his actions for others’ sake. While loving our enemies can seem impossible, with Christ’s help, our selfishness can turn into true love and forgiveness.
How Does Loving One’s Enemies Work, Really?
In the reflection, Elizabeth Scalia discusses the challenge of forgiving those who hurt us, especially when it feels like they do so intentionally. On Thursday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, the readings remind us to love our enemies and forgive without limits. This reflection explores how forgiveness is not just about letting go but also about protecting our spiritual health. By choosing to forgive and pray for those who wrong us, we guard our hearts against resentment and find peace in following Jesus’ teachings.
Questions and Answers for Thursday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
What date is Thursday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?
The next date is Thursday September 10, 2026.
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 odd numbered years see Thursday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1.
What are the Mass readings for Thursday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?
The Mass readings for Thursday September 10, 2026 are:
First Reading – 1 Corinthians 8:1b-7, 11-13: Love Over Knowledge
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 139: Lead Me in Your Eternal Way
Gospel – Luke 6:27-38: Love Your Enemies
Why should I give up my rights for others?
Paul talks about giving up certain rights to help others in their faith. This teaches us to be mindful of how our actions affect others and to be willing to sacrifice for their good.
How can I help others grow in faith?
In the first reading for Thursday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, Paul advises us to support others in their faith journey. We can do this by setting a good example and avoiding actions that could cause others to stumble.
What does it mean to love my enemies in the Gospel for Thursday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?
Loving your enemies means showing kindness and compassion to those who may hurt you. Jesus reminds us that love should extend to everyone, not just those who are kind to us.
How can I avoid judging others?
Jesus tells us not to judge others. This means we should focus on our own behavior and not criticize others for their faults.
What does it mean to treat others as I want to be treated?
The Gospel includes the Golden Rule, which is about treating others with the same kindness and respect we would want for ourselves. It’s a simple way to guide our actions towards others.
How can I apply generosity and forgiveness in my life?
Jesus encourages us to be generous and forgiving. This means sharing what we have freely and letting go of grudges, just as we would hope others would do for us.
What should I do if someone wrongs me?
Jesus teaches us to respond with love and forgiveness. Instead of seeking revenge or holding a grudge, we are called to forgive and move forward with peace.
Why is humility important in these readings for Thursday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 ?
The readings highlight humility as key to following Jesus’ teachings. Being humble helps us to serve others and live out our faith with sincerity and love.
How do these readings connect to everyday life?
The readings show us how to live out our faith in practical ways. They remind us to love, forgive, and be mindful of others in our daily interactions.
Leave a Reply