Monday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time

• First Reading – Ezra 1:1-6: King Cyrus of Persia, inspired by God, issues a proclamation to rebuild God’s house in Jerusalem. He encourages people to support the endeavor with resources. The inspired willingly comply.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 126: The LORD restored Zion’s captives, filling us with joy. Nations also recognized the LORD’s deeds. We pray for continued blessings and believe that hardships will turn into joy.
• Gospel – Luke 8:16-18: Jesus tells the crowd that a lamp’s purpose is to illuminate and should not be hidden. He adds that hidden truths will eventually be revealed. Be mindful of how you listen.

No one who lights a lamp conceals it with a vessel or sets it under a bed; rather, he places it on a lampstand so that those who enter may see the light.

Luke 8:16

Monday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 focuses on important lessons about faith, light, and renewal. The readings invite us to reflect on how God moves hearts to act and how we should live in the light of truth.

• God stirs hearts: In the first reading, God moves the heart of King Cyrus to allow the people of Israel to return and rebuild the Temple. This shows how God can use leaders and events to fulfill His plans.
• Rebuilding for God’s glory: The Israelites begin to rebuild the Temple after exile. This reminds us that our work should always aim to honor and serve God.
• Sharing the light: Jesus teaches that a lamp is not meant to be hidden but to shine for all to see. We are called to live our faith openly, letting God’s light shine through us.
• Listening carefully: In the Gospel, Jesus says that those who have, more will be given, and those who do not, even what they think they have will be taken away. This is a call to pay attention to God’s word and apply it in our lives.
• God’s generosity: God blesses those who are faithful and seek Him. The more we open ourselves to His word and guidance, the more we receive from Him.
• Faith leads to action: In both readings, people respond to God’s call with action. This shows that faith is not just about belief but about acting on what we know is right.

The readings for Monday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 remind us that God is active in the world and calls us to respond. By listening, sharing, and acting on our faith, we grow closer to Him and help build His kingdom.

The readings for Monday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 encourage us to renew our faith and live it out through action. In both the first reading and the Gospel, we see how God calls His people to rebuild, listen, and act with faithfulness. These reflections will help us consider how to rebuild our lives for God, receive His blessings through faithfulness, and act on His call.

Rebuilding Our Lives for God

In the first reading for Monday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, the Israelites return from exile and begin rebuilding the Temple. This is more than just a physical task. It represents a renewal of their relationship with God after a time of separation and suffering. Rebuilding the Temple is a sign that their faith is being restored and they are putting God at the center of their lives again.

We can apply this theme to our own lives. When we face challenges or periods of struggle, it can feel like we are distant from God. But just as the Israelites rebuilt the Temple, we are called to rebuild our lives by returning to God. This might involve renewing our prayer life, seeking forgiveness, or serving others in love.

Every time we refocus on God after hard times, we are building something new. Our faith can be strengthened through this rebuilding, just as the Israelites found new hope in restoring the Temple. The key is to make sure that, in all we do, God is at the center.

Faithfulness Brings Blessings

In both the first reading and the Gospel for Monday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, we see how faithfulness leads to blessings. God blesses the Israelites when they return to Him and begin rebuilding the Temple. They are given the freedom to restore their place of worship and receive help from others to accomplish this task.

In the Gospel, Jesus teaches that those who listen to God and act on His word will be given more. This means that as we seek to follow God’s guidance, we receive even more of His blessings. Our lives become richer in faith and understanding as we grow closer to Him.

When we open our hearts to God and trust in His plan, we experience the peace and joy that come from following His word. Faithfulness isn’t always easy, but it brings us closer to God and allows us to receive the gifts He has prepared for us. Just as the Israelites were blessed in their efforts, we too will find blessings in our own faithfulness.

Acting on God’s Call

In Monday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, both the first reading and the Gospel show us the importance of action. King Cyrus is moved to allow the Israelites to return and rebuild the Temple, and the people respond by gathering to start the work. In the Gospel, Jesus reminds us that we must live out our faith, like a lamp that shines for all to see.

Faith is not passive. It requires us to act, to respond to God’s call in our lives. Whether it’s rebuilding a community like the Israelites or sharing the light of Christ through our words and deeds, our faith should be something that others can see. We are called to take action, even when it’s difficult or requires effort.

God often calls us to do more than just believe. He invites us to make a difference, to share His love, and to build up His kingdom. Like the Israelites rebuilding the Temple and the lamp shining in the Gospel, our faith should be visible to others through the actions we take.

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Monday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 reminds us that our faith should always be growing and visible in the way we live. By responding to God’s call, rebuilding our lives around Him, and being faithful, we allow His light to shine through us. Let us continue to seek His guidance and follow Him more closely each day.

Prayer

Lord, help us to rebuild our lives with You at the center. Teach us to be faithful and open to Your word. Give us the courage to act on Your call and share Your light with others. May we always trust in Your guidance and walk the path You set before us. Amen.

Reflection Questions

1. What areas of your life need to be rebuilt or refocused on God?
2. How can you be more faithful to God’s word and teachings in your daily life?
3. In what ways can you share your faith with others like the lamp shining in the Gospel?
4. How does acting on God’s call strengthen your relationship with Him?

Word on Fire: The Light of Christian Witness

In his reflection for Monday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, Bishop Robert Barron explains that Christians are like lamps, meant to shine light and reveal what is good and true. He warns that when Christian witness is weak, evil can flourish, as seen in the rise of destructive forces during World War II. Many Christians either supported Hitler or stayed silent out of fear. Bishop Barron emphasizes that strong Christian witness is essential for preventing evil and helping others see what is truly valuable.

What date is Monday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

The next date is Monday September 22, 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 Monday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2.

What are the Mass readings for Monday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

The Mass readings for Monday September 22, 2025 are:
First Reading – Ezra 1:1-6: Cyrus’ Proclamation
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 126: Rejoicing in Restoration
Gospel – Luke 8:16-18: Lampstand Parable

Why does God move the heart of King Cyrus in the first reading for Monday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

God stirs the heart of King Cyrus so the Israelites can return and rebuild the Temple. This shows that God can work through anyone, even non-believers, to carry out His plans.

What is the importance of rebuilding the Temple?

Rebuilding the Temple is a sign of renewing faith after the exile. It teaches us that we should rebuild our lives to focus on serving God when we face challenges.

Why does Jesus talk about a lamp?

Jesus uses the example of a lamp to explain that we must share our faith. We should not hide the light of our faith but live it openly for others to see.

What does it mean to listen carefully to God’s word?

Jesus tells us that those who listen and act on God’s word will be given more understanding. This means we should pay attention to the teachings of Jesus and practice them in our lives.

Why does Jesus say that even what someone thinks they have will be taken away?

Jesus is warning that if we ignore God’s word, we will lose what we have. If we do not take care of the faith we have, it can weaken over time.

What does the light represent in the Gospel?

The light represents the truth of God’s teachings. We are called to let this light shine in the world through our actions and how we live.

How can we apply the readings for Monday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 to our lives?

We learn to listen to God, act on His word, and share our faith. We can do this by being open to God’s guidance, making time for prayer, and doing good for others.

What is the message of God’s generosity?

In Monday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, the message is that God blesses those who follow Him. The more we give ourselves to His word, the more He gives back to us.

Why is faith connected to action?

Both the Israelites and the followers of Jesus show that faith leads to action. Faith is not just about believing; it also requires living out what we believe in real ways.