Thursday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time
Thursday September 11, 2025
Living with Mercy and Gratitude
On Thursday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, we hear readings that speak about love, peace, and mercy. Paul reminds the Colossians to live with kindness and to let Christ’s peace guide them. The psalm calls for joyful praise to God. Jesus teaches his followers to love their enemies and to forgive with open hearts.
These messages all point to one way of living. Faith is not just about prayer or worship. It is about how we treat others every day. Paul speaks of compassion. The psalm calls us to praise. Jesus asks for love even when it is hard. Together, these readings remind us that life with Christ touches every part of who we are.
Thursday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 helps us see that gratitude and mercy belong together. When we thank God for his love, it is easier to show that love to others. When we forgive and give freely, we live out the peace of Christ. These readings invite us to trust God’s way of kindness and to share it with all.
Daily Mass Readings for Thursday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1
- First Reading – Colossians 3:12-17: As God’s people, clothe yourselves with compassion and love. Let Christ’s peace rule your hearts, and be thankful. Do everything in Jesus’ name, with gratitude, teaching and encouraging one another.
- Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 150: Praise the Lord in his holy place, for his great deeds and power. Let all living things, with every sound and instrument, give praise to him.
- Gospel – Luke 6:27-38: Jesus teaches his disciples to love their enemies, be merciful, and avoid judging others. He encourages generosity and forgiveness, promising that how we treat others will be how we are treated in return.
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 23rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2.
For if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them.
Luke 6:32
Themes for the Readings for Thursday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1
On Thursday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, the readings call us to live in a way that reflects God’s love and mercy. Both the first reading and the Gospel guide us on how to treat others with kindness and humility.
- Compassion and Kindness: The first reading from Colossians 3:12-17 encourages believers to clothe themselves with compassion and kindness. We are called to be gentle and patient with one another.
- Forgiveness and Peace: The reading also highlights the importance of forgiveness and living in peace. Just as God has forgiven us, we are to forgive others and let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts.
- Gratitude and Thankfulness: The first reading emphasizes being thankful. Whatever we do, we should do it with gratitude to God, expressing thanks in all circumstances.
- Loving Enemies: In the Gospel from Luke 6:27-38, Jesus teaches us to love our enemies. This means showing mercy to those who hurt us, doing good even when it is difficult.
- Generosity and Giving: Jesus calls us to give freely, even to those who do not repay us. We are encouraged to give without expecting anything in return, trusting that God will bless us.
- Judgment and Mercy: The Gospel warns against judging others. Instead, we should show mercy, knowing that the measure we use will be measured back to us.
In these readings, we are reminded to live as people of love and mercy. On Thursday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, we are invited to follow Christ’s example by treating others with kindness and forgiveness.
Reflection for Thursday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1
On Thursday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, the readings call us to live out our faith in practical ways. They challenge us to be thankful, to love our enemies, and to avoid judging others. These reflections will explore how we can apply these teachings to our daily lives.
Being Thankful in All Things
On Thursday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, the readings remind us of the importance of gratitude. Everything we have is a gift from God, and we are called to do all things with a thankful heart. This means recognizing that even in difficult times, God is with us, providing for our needs.
When we focus on gratitude, our perspective changes. Instead of seeing what we lack, we see what we have. We become more aware of God’s presence in our lives, which helps us to be more content and at peace.
In our daily lives, practicing thankfulness helps us grow closer to God. It encourages us to trust in His care and to appreciate the blessings we receive each day. On Thursday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, let us remember to give thanks in all circumstances, knowing that God is always with us.
Loving Our Enemies
The Gospel for Thursday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 challenges us to love our enemies. This can be one of the hardest teachings to follow, yet Jesus calls us to this kind of love. By loving those who hurt us, we show the true spirit of mercy that Jesus taught.
Loving our enemies does not mean ignoring the wrongs done to us, but it does mean choosing to respond with kindness instead of anger. This love is not about feelings, but about actions. It is about treating others with respect, even when they do not deserve it.
When we love our enemies, we break the cycle of hate and revenge. We choose to spread peace instead of adding to the conflict. On Thursday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, let us strive to follow Jesus’ example by loving others, even when it is difficult.
Avoiding Judgment
On Thursday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, the readings warn us against judging others. It is easy to criticize and judge, but the readings remind us that the same measure we use to judge others will be used against us. Instead, we are called to show mercy and kindness.
Judging others creates barriers and leads to misunderstandings. It prevents us from seeing the goodness in others and can lead to bitterness. When we judge, we often forget our own faults and weaknesses, focusing instead on what others do wrong.
The readings for Thursday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 encourage us to let go of judgment and embrace mercy. By showing kindness instead of criticism, we open our hearts to others and build stronger relationships. Let us choose to see the best in others and to offer them the same mercy that God offers us.
As we reflect on the lessons from Thursday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, we are reminded to embrace gratitude, show love to all, and avoid judgment. By living out these teachings, we draw closer to God and to one another, growing in faith and love.
Prayer
Lord, help us to be thankful in all things, to love even our enemies, and to show mercy instead of judgment. Guide us to live out these teachings each day, following your example of love and kindness. Amen.
Reflection Questions
- How can you practice gratitude, even in difficult or challenging times?
- In what ways can you show love to someone who has hurt you or treated you unfairly?
- How can you avoid judging others and instead show mercy and kindness?
- What steps can you take to see God’s blessings more clearly in your daily life?
Homilies and Commentaries for Thursday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1
The Unsoundness of Silencing Hate
On Thursday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, the readings remind us to love our enemies and avoid judgment. In Elizabeth Scalia’s reflection on silencing hate speech, she warns that simply banning harmful words doesn’t change hearts. Like Jesus’ teachings, true change comes from engaging others with mercy and kindness, not by forcing silence.
Authentic dialogue, even with those we disagree with, is key to healing and lasting peace. This approach reflects the Gospel message, encouraging us to confront challenges with love and understanding rather than hiding from them.
Resources
The Letter to the Colossians: Clothed in Christ
In Colossians, Paul speaks about putting on a new way of life in Christ. In this reading, he calls the community to live with compassion, kindness, and gratitude. This reflects the letter’s theme of moving away from old habits and living as people renewed by Jesus. On Thursday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, we are reminded that faith is lived out in daily choices.
The passage also highlights the central role of Christ’s peace in community life. Paul points to unity, teaching, and thanksgiving as marks of believers who live in Christ. The letter often stresses that Christ is the center of all creation and the source of reconciliation. This reading shows how that belief is lived out.
Psalm 150: Praise with All Creation
Psalm 150 is the closing song of the Psalter. It is a call for all creation to give praise to God with every instrument and sound. On Thursday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, this psalm reminds us that worship is not limited to one place or time. It stretches to the ends of creation.
The psalm connects to the larger theme of the Psalms, which is constant praise and trust in God. After many prayers of sorrow, thanksgiving, and hope throughout the book, this final psalm is a joyful conclusion. It reminds us that the whole purpose of life is to glorify the Lord.
The Gospel of Luke: Love Without Limits
In Luke’s Gospel, Jesus challenges his disciples to love their enemies and to live with mercy. This teaching echoes Luke’s theme of inclusiveness and concern for those often left out. On Thursday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, these words invite us to reflect on how discipleship means living differently from the world.
The call to avoid judgment and practice generosity fits Luke’s portrait of Jesus as the one who brings salvation to all. Mercy is a key theme in this Gospel, shown in both parables and encounters with others. This passage shows that mercy is not just an idea but a way of life.
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Embracing the Light of Mercy
Bring a message of peace and generosity to your parish materials with this inspiring image for Thursday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1. It reflects the call to love, forgive, and live with gratitude.
Perfect for bulletins and newsletters, this artwork will help your community reflect on the Gospel message in a simple and beautiful way.
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Questions and Answers for Thursday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1
How can we be thankful in all things, as taught in the first reading for Thursday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?
We can be thankful in all things by remembering that everything we have is a gift from God. The readings remind us to do everything with gratitude, always giving thanks to God in our hearts.
Why is forgiveness important in the readings for Thursday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?
Forgiveness is important because it helps us live in peace with others. The readings teach that we should forgive as God forgives us, which helps us to be at peace and grow closer to others.
How can we show compassion and kindness?
We can show compassion and kindness by being gentle and patient with others. This means helping those in need and treating others with respect and care, just as we would like to be treated.
Why does Jesus tell us to love our enemies in the Gospel for Thursday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?
Jesus tells us to love our enemies because it shows the true spirit of mercy. By loving those who hurt us, we follow Jesus’ example and spread peace instead of hate.
What does it mean to give without expecting anything in return?
Giving without expecting anything in return means sharing what we have freely, even when we do not get something back. This teaches us to trust in God’s blessings and to be generous with others.
How can we live in peace?
We can live in peace by forgiving others and letting go of anger. The readings encourage us to let the peace of Christ guide our actions, helping us to be calm and gentle with everyone.
Why should we avoid judging others?
We should avoid judging others because the way we judge will be used to judge us. Instead of judging, the readings call us to show mercy and kindness to everyone.
Living with Gratitude, Love, and Mercy
Thursday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 reminds us of three important lessons: to be thankful, to love our enemies, and to avoid judging others. The readings call us to live our faith in practical ways that strengthen our relationship with God and others.
The first lesson is about gratitude. St. Paul reminds us to be thankful in all circumstances. When we focus on what we have instead of what we lack, we become more aware of God’s presence in our lives. Gratitude helps us trust in God and recognize His blessings, even during hard times.
In the Gospel, Jesus challenges us to love our enemies. This is not easy, but it is what Jesus asks of us. Loving our enemies means responding with kindness instead of anger. It breaks the cycle of hate and brings peace into our lives and relationships.
The readings also teach us not to judge others. Judging creates division and keeps us from showing mercy. Jesus warns that the measure we use to judge others will be used against us. Instead, we are called to choose mercy and kindness, building stronger and more loving relationships.
Thursday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 invites us to embrace gratitude, love, and mercy in our daily lives. These lessons help us grow in faith and become closer to God.
Your Turn
Thursday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 encourages us to live with gratitude, love, and mercy. How can you put these teachings into practice in your life?
Take time to reflect on these lessons and share your thoughts in the comments. How do you show love to others, even those who are difficult to love? What are you most thankful for? Your reflections may inspire others to live out their faith in meaningful ways.
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