Tuesday of the 24th Week in Ordinary Time (Sept 16, 2025)

• First Reading – 1 Timothy 3:1-13: Whoever wants to be a bishop must be of good character and able to manage their own household. They should not be new converts, to avoid pride. Deacons and women in service should also meet similar criteria.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 101: I sing to the Lord about mercy and fairness. I strive for a blameless heart and reject slander and arrogance. I seek out the faithful for companionship.
• Gospel – Luke 7:11-17: Jesus brings a widow’s only son back to life in Nain, instilling awe and praise for God among the people. News of this miracle spreads rapidly.

He stepped forward and touched the coffin; at this the bearers halted, and he said, “Young man, I tell you, arise!”

Luke 7:14

Tuesday of the 24th Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 1, presents teachings on leadership in the Church and compassion from Jesus. In the readings, St. Paul gives advice for Church leaders, and Jesus shows mercy by raising a widow’s son from the dead.

• Qualities of Church Leaders: In 1 Timothy, Paul lists the qualities needed for leaders. These include being self-controlled, respectful, and faithful in their duties.
• Serving the Church: Paul explains that deacons should serve with sincerity. They must care for others and live out their faith with a clear conscience.
• Family Responsibilities: Paul stresses the importance of managing one’s household. A leader must be a good example for his family and treat them with care and respect.
• Jesus’ Compassion: In Luke’s Gospel, Jesus sees a widow grieving the death of her only son. He is moved by her suffering and brings her son back to life.
• The Power of Faith: Jesus’ actions show the power of faith in God’s love and care. He responds to the widow’s pain with great kindness.
• God’s Care for the Marginalized: The widow, without her son, would have been left vulnerable. Jesus’ raising of her son shows God’s care for those who are poor and alone.

These readings help us reflect on how to lead others and how Jesus responds to suffering with kindness. The readings encourage both service and compassion in our lives.

The readings for Tuesday of the 24th Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 1, highlight themes of leadership, compassion, and service. In the first reading, Paul offers guidance for Church leaders, stressing the importance of living with faith and integrity. In the Gospel, Jesus shows mercy by raising a widow’s son, teaching us about compassion and care for others.

Leadership with Faith

In the first reading for Tuesday of the 24th Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 1, Paul talks about the qualities of Church leaders. Leaders should be self-controlled, kind, and live in a way that reflects their faith. Paul’s message is not only for bishops and deacons but also for anyone who serves others in the Church.

Paul emphasizes that a leader’s actions must be a good example for others. If a leader does not show patience or kindness, it can lead others astray. This teaching reminds us that the way we live matters, especially when others look up to us.

We can apply this lesson by considering how we behave, both in public and in private. Our actions should always reflect the values we believe in. By doing this, we can lead others to Christ through our example.

Compassion in Action

In the Gospel reading for Tuesday of the 24th Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 1, Jesus shows great compassion for a grieving widow. She had lost her only son, and Jesus felt her deep sorrow. Moved by her pain, Jesus raised her son from the dead and gave him back to her.

This act of kindness shows how Jesus responds to the suffering of others. He does not ignore pain but reaches out to those who are hurting. The compassion of Jesus is a reminder that God cares deeply about each person, especially those who feel alone or abandoned.

We are called to follow Jesus’ example of compassion. In our daily lives, we can look for ways to be present for others when they are going through hard times. By being compassionate, we can show others that they are not alone and that God’s love is real.

Service and Compassion

Both readings for Tuesday of the 24th Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 1, emphasize the importance of serving others. In the first reading, Paul explains that Church leaders, especially deacons, are called to serve with sincerity. They must be dedicated to caring for the needs of others with a pure heart. In the Gospel, Jesus shows service through His compassion for the widow.

These two readings show that service is more than just doing tasks; it is about caring for others with love and kindness. Paul’s message about leadership and Jesus’ act of raising the widow’s son both teach us that true service involves showing mercy and compassion.

We can apply this lesson by looking for ways to serve others with a generous heart. Whether we are leaders in the Church or simply helping those around us, we are called to serve with love, following the example of Jesus.

Reflection Questions for Tuesday of the 24th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1:

• How can you apply Paul’s advice about leadership in your own life?
• What does it mean to you to be a good example for others?
• How can you show compassion to those who are suffering?
• What does the raising of the widow’s son teach you about faith in difficult times?
• How can you live out the call to serve others with sincerity?
• In what ways can you help those who are lonely or forgotten?
• How does Jesus’ compassion for the widow inspire you to care for others?
• What does it mean to serve others with a pure heart?
• How can you balance leadership and humility in your daily life?
• What specific steps can you take to follow Jesus’ example of compassion and service?

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Tuesday of the 24th Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 1, calls us to reflect on how we lead, serve, and show compassion in our daily lives. Paul’s message about leadership and Jesus’ example of kindness remind us that our actions matter. By following these teachings, we can live out our faith in meaningful ways.

Prayer

Lord, help us to lead with kindness and serve others with love. Teach us to follow Jesus’ example of compassion for those who are hurting. Give us the strength to live with faith and to care for those in need. Amen.

Word On Fire: The Awe in Evangelization

In today’s reflection for Tuesday of the 24th Week in Ordinary Time, Bishop Robert Barron discusses Jesus raising the son of the widow of Nain, emphasizing that all of Jesus’ actions point toward his own Resurrection. Bishop Barron notes that in the cultural context of the time, the widow’s situation was dire, lacking any social safety net after the loss of her only son. This magnifies the significance of Jesus’ act. Additionally, Bishop Barron points out that the bystanders’ reaction of fear is akin to the awe and fear experienced by those who discover the empty tomb on Easter Sunday. He suggests that a form of evangelization that doesn’t invoke a sense of awe is lacking.

What date is Tuesday of the 24th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

The next date is Tuesday September 16, 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 24th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2.

What are the Mass readings for Tuesday of the 24th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

The Mass readings for Tuesday September 16, 2025 are:
First Reading – 1 Timothy 3:1-13: Standards for Bishops and Deacons
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 101: Integrity and Judgment
Gospel – Luke 7:11-17: The Widow of Nain

What are the qualities Paul says leaders should have in the first reading for Tuesday of the 24th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

In the first reading, Paul says Church leaders need to be self-controlled, kind, and good examples for others. This shows that leaders should live in a way that reflects their faith.

How does Paul explain the role of deacons?

Deacons should serve the Church and people with honesty and a pure heart. This means deacons are called to care for others with love and a sincere faith.

Why does Paul talk about family life?

Paul mentions family because being a good leader starts at home. If someone cannot take care of their family, they may not be ready to lead in the Church.

How can we apply Paul’s teachings on leadership to our lives?

Even if we are not leaders, we can live by Paul’s advice by being kind, patient, and honest. These are ways to lead by example in our daily lives.

Why did Jesus raise the widow’s son in the Gospel for Tuesday of the 24th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

Jesus felt deep compassion for the widow, who had lost her only son. He wanted to show her mercy and give her hope by restoring her son to life.

How can we show compassion like Jesus?

We can care for those who are suffering or alone, just as Jesus helped the widow. Being there for others in their time of need is a way to follow Jesus’ example.

What does the raising of the widow’s son teach us about faith?

It teaches us that faith brings hope, even in difficult times. Jesus shows that God is always aware of our struggles and will care for us.

Why is the widow’s situation important in the Gospel for Tuesday of the 24th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

In her time, a widow without a son had no one to support her. Jesus’ act shows that no one is forgotten by God, especially those who are most in need.