Tuesday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time

• First Reading – Ezra 6:7-8, 12b, 14-20: King Darius supports the Jewish elders in rebuilding the temple and provides funds. The work progresses under prophetic guidance and is completed. A dedication ceremony includes sacrifices and the observance of Passover.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 122: Rejoicing filled me when invited to Jerusalem, the house of the Lord. The city, unified and compact, welcomes tribes to give thanks. It also holds judgment seats for David’s lineage.
• Gospel – Luke 8:19-21: when informed that his mother and brothers are outside wanting to see him, Jesus says that his true family consists of those who listen to God’s word and act accordingly.

He was told, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside and they wish to see you.” He said to them in reply, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and act on it.”

Luke 8:20-21

Tuesday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 has readings from Ezra and Luke that focus on obedience to God’s will and the importance of community. The first reading highlights the rebuilding of the Temple, while the Gospel points to those who hear God’s word and act on it. Together, these readings remind us to be faithful to God and live as part of His people.

• Obedience to God’s will: The people of Israel obeyed the command to rebuild the Temple. This shows the importance of listening to God’s directions and doing what He asks.
• God’s guidance in work: The leaders of Israel were helped by the prophets to complete the Temple. God guides us through others when we face challenges in our work.
• Importance of community: The Israelites gathered together for the dedication of the Temple. It reminds us that God wants us to worship and work together as a community.
• Hearing God’s word: Jesus says that His true family are those who hear the word of God and act on it. We are called to listen to His word and put it into practice in our lives.
• Family beyond blood: Jesus points out that His family is not just by blood, but by faith. This teaches us that our connection to Jesus comes from our faith and obedience.
• Faithfulness in worship: The Israelites celebrated Passover as a sign of their faithfulness. We are reminded to remain faithful in our worship and celebrations of God’s goodness.

These readings call us to hear and follow God’s word, and to live faithfully in community with others. We are encouraged to remember that we are God’s family when we live according to His teachings.

Tuesday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 gives us readings that highlight the importance of community, faith, and obedience to God. The Israelites worked together to rebuild the Temple, while Jesus reminds us that true family is built on faith, not just blood. These reflections invite us to think about how we live out our faith within our community and in our relationship with Jesus.

Worship and Work as a Community

In the first reading for Tuesday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, the Israelites come together to dedicate the rebuilt Temple. This gathering shows how important it is to worship as a community. They did not rebuild the Temple alone but worked together, with God guiding them. This teaches us that faith is not something we live out by ourselves.

God wants us to gather as His people, to worship together, and to work together. The Israelites’ actions remind us that we need each other. When we face challenges, we find strength and encouragement in our faith community. This is how we can grow stronger in our faith and fulfill God’s will.

As Catholics, we are called to come together for Mass and prayer. Our faith is not only personal but also communal. Tuesday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 reminds us that God works through our community, and we can’t live out our faith in isolation. We are meant to support one another and serve God together.

Faith, Not Just Family

In the Gospel for Tuesday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, Jesus tells the crowd that His family is made up of those who hear God’s word and act on it. This statement surprises many, as it suggests that family is not just about blood relationships. Instead, our connection to Jesus comes through our faith and our obedience to God.

Faith and obedience are the keys to being close to Jesus. Tuesday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 reminds us that we are invited to be part of Jesus’ family, but it requires us to listen to His word and follow it. It is not enough to know about Jesus; we must live out His teachings in our lives.

This lesson can inspire us to look at our own lives. We might be close to our family by blood, but how close are we to Jesus? By following His teachings and making faith the center of our lives, we become His true brothers and sisters. This Gospel challenges us to reflect on how we can live more fully as part of Jesus’ family.

Building Together in Faith

Both the first reading and the Gospel for Tuesday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 show the importance of building something lasting. In the first reading, the Israelites rebuild the Temple, a place for God to dwell. In the Gospel, Jesus speaks of building a family, not based on blood but on faith. Both passages show that what we build in faith is what truly lasts.

The Israelites had to trust in God’s guidance to rebuild the Temple. They worked together with a common purpose, knowing that they were creating a place where they could meet God. Likewise, Jesus calls us to build His family by listening to His word and living it out. This shows that faith is not just something we think about; it is something we act on, building a life and community that honors God.

Tuesday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 encourages us to think about what we are building in our own lives. Are we focusing on things that will last, like faith, love, and obedience to God? Or are we distracted by things that don’t really matter? These readings call us to be builders, whether it’s a physical place of worship or a community of believers, grounded in faith and trust in God.

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The readings for Tuesday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 challenge us to reflect on how we are building our faith and relationships. Whether it is through community worship or hearing and acting on God’s word, we are called to be faithful and obedient. May we continue to grow in faith, together as God’s family.

Prayer

Lord, help us to listen to Your word and live it out each day. Guide us to work together as Your people, building our faith and supporting one another. May we always remain close to You through our obedience and love. Amen.

Reflection Questions

• How do you support and build up your faith community?
• What does it mean to you to be part of Jesus’ family through faith?
• Are there areas in your life where you can grow in obedience to God’s word?
• How can you make more space for worship and prayer in your daily life?

Word on Fire: Christ Must Be Our Center

In his reflection for Tuesday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, Bishop Robert Barron explains that Jesus identifies His disciples as His family. He emphasizes that when we choose to follow Christ, everything else must take a secondary place. Whether it’s money, power, or even family, none should be our ultimate focus. Bishop Barron warns that if we cling to these things too tightly, our spiritual lives will suffer. Only by making Christ the foundation of our lives can we truly carry out God’s mission. Detachment from worldly attachments is necessary for success in this mission.

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

The next date is Tuesday September 23, 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 25th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2.

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

The Mass readings for Tuesday September 23, 2025 are:
First Reading – Ezra 6:7-8, 12b, 14-20: Rebuilding the Temple
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 122: Joy in Jerusalem
Gospel – Luke 8:19-21: Family Defined by Faith

What does the first reading for Tuesday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 teach about obedience?

The people of Israel followed God’s command to rebuild the Temple. It reminds us to trust God’s guidance and obey His will in our daily lives.

Why is the rebuilding of the Temple important?

The rebuilding of the Temple shows how important it is to have a place to worship God. It teaches us to make space in our lives for prayer and worship.

What is the role of community in the first reading?

The reading highlights the people working together to rebuild the Temple. It teaches us the importance of community in doing God’s work and supporting each other.

How can we be faithful like the Israelites?

The Israelites are faithful to God by completing the Temple and celebrating Passover. We can be faithful by staying committed to prayer and the sacraments.

What does the celebration of Passover symbolize in this reading?

The celebration of Passover is a sign of faithfulness. It reminds us to celebrate and give thanks for God’s blessings in our lives.

What does it mean to be part of Jesus’ family in the Gospel for Tuesday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

Jesus says that His family are those who hear God’s word and do it. This teaches us that we are part of Jesus’ family when we follow His teachings.

How can we hear and act on God’s word?

We must not just listen to God’s word but to act on it. We can do this by living out the teachings we hear at Mass in our everyday lives.

Why does Jesus focus on faith over family connections?

Jesus shows that faith is more important than family ties. This reminds us that our relationship with God comes first, even before family bonds.