Tuesday of the 24th Week in Ordinary Time
Tuesday September 16, 2025
Called to Lead and to Trust
On Tuesday of the 24th Week in Ordinary Time Year 1, the readings show us how faith shapes both leaders and ordinary people. Paul reminds Timothy that leaders in the Church must live with honesty and self-control. Their faith is seen in their homes and in how they serve others. Leadership is not about power but about care and responsibility.
The psalm continues this theme of integrity. It speaks of walking with a blameless heart and turning away from pride and gossip. This prayer shows that following God is not only about worship but also about daily choices. Holiness is seen in words, actions, and the people we keep close.
The Gospel brings us to Nain, where Jesus raises a widow’s son. The crowd is filled with awe, and word of the miracle spreads quickly. This shows God’s care for the weak and the grieving. On Tuesday of the 24th Week in Ordinary Time Year 1, we are reminded that true leadership, prayer, and mercy all flow from a heart turned toward God.
Daily Mass Readings for Tuesday of the 24th Week in Ordinary Time Year 1
- 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.
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.
He stepped forward and touched the coffin; at this the bearers halted, and he said, “Young man, I tell you, arise!”
Luke 7:14
Themes for the Readings for Tuesday of the 24th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1
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.
Reflection for Tuesday of the 24th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1
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.
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.
Reflection Questions
- How can you apply Paul’s advice about leadership in your own life?
- What does the raising of the widow’s son teach you about faith in difficult times?
- In what ways can you help those who are lonely or forgotten?
- How can you balance leadership and humility in your daily life?
Homilies and Commentaries for Tuesday of the 24th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1
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.
Facing Life’s Burdens
This USCCB video reflection for Tuesday of the 24th Week in Ordinary Time discusses a scriptural event where Christ raises a young man from the dead and contrasts it with another instance where he weeps before raising Lazarus. The key takeaway is that many people may be physically alive but spiritually dead, burdened by sins or emotional weights.
The speaker also shares a personal story about avoiding confession for 15 years and how the act of confession was a transformative experience for him. He emphasizes that true strength lies in acknowledging our weaknesses and seeking help. The ultimate reward is not just reconciliation with God but also with oneself.
Resources
The First Letter to Timothy: Leaders Who Serve Well
In 1 Timothy 3:1-13, Paul explains the qualities needed for bishops, deacons, and women who serve. He stresses good character, self-control, and the ability to guide one’s family. On Tuesday of the 24th Week in Ordinary Time Year 1, this fits within Paul’s larger concern for order in the Church, where leadership reflects faith lived out in daily life.
The letter as a whole focuses on protecting the Church’s witness. Leaders must avoid pride, greed, and gossip so they can guide others toward truth. By setting these standards, Paul connects leadership with community health. Faith is shown through service, not power
Psalm 101: Singing of Integrity
Psalm 101 praises God’s mercy and fairness while calling the faithful to walk in honesty. On Tuesday of the 24th Week in Ordinary Time Year 1, this psalm shows how personal holiness is linked with community life. The psalmist strives for a heart free of arrogance and slander, seeking companions who also live with integrity.
This psalm is often connected with leadership. It speaks of rejecting what is corrupt and choosing what is faithful. In the wider book of Psalms, it reminds believers that following God is not only about worship but also about daily conduct.
The Gospel of Luke: Life Restored in Nain
In Luke 7:11-17, Jesus raises the widow’s son at Nain. On Tuesday of the 24th Week in Ordinary Time Year 1, this story shows Jesus’ compassion for the poor and vulnerable. A widow without her son faced deep hardship, and Jesus restores her life by restoring his. This moment shows God’s care for those on the margins.
The Gospel of Luke often highlights mercy and the lifting up of the lowly. This miracle is a sign that salvation is breaking into the world through Jesus. It points to the resurrection, where death itself will be defeated.
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Hope Restored at Nain
Bring the Gospel to life in your parish with this moving artwork of Jesus’ miracle at Nain from Tuesday of the 24th Week in Ordinary Time Year 1.
This image is available for download and can be used in parish bulletins, newsletters, or classroom settings to help share the message of Christ’s mercy and compassion.
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Questions and Answers for Tuesday of the 24th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1
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.
Called to Serve and Trust in God
On Tuesday of the 24th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, the readings focus on leadership and the compassion of Jesus. In the first reading, from 1 Timothy 3:1-13, Paul explains the qualities needed for those who serve as bishops, deacons, and leaders in the Church. They should be trustworthy, self-controlled, kind, and committed to their faith and family. Paul shows that leadership in the Church is a calling to serve with humility and care for others.
The Gospel, from Luke 7:11-17, tells the story of Jesus raising a widow’s son in the town of Nain. The widow was grieving deeply, as her son was her only source of support. Moved by her pain, Jesus approached the funeral procession and brought her son back to life. The crowd was amazed and praised God, recognizing Jesus’ authority and compassion.
Tuesday of the 24th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 invites us to reflect on service and trust. Leaders in the Church are called to serve others with love and humility. Jesus’ actions in the Gospel show His care for those who are suffering. We are reminded to trust in God’s love and to serve others, especially those in need.
Your Turn
On Tuesday of the 24th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, think about the readings and what they mean for you. Consider how you can serve others in your daily life and support those in need.
Take time to read and reflect on 1 Timothy 3:1-13 and Luke 7:11-17. Think about how these passages inspire you to grow in faith and service. Share your thoughts or experiences in the comment section. Your reflection might encourage someone else to take action too!
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