Tuesday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time
Tuesday September 30, 2025
Following the Road Ahead
Tuesday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time Year 1 brings us readings that focus on direction, hope, and how God’s plan reaches all people. Zechariah speaks of nations being drawn to Jerusalem to seek the Lord. In the Gospel, Jesus sets His face toward Jerusalem, even when others do not welcome Him. These passages remind us that God’s way is steady and sure.
The first reading from Zechariah gives a picture of people from many lands coming together. They see God’s presence among His people and want to be part of it. This shows that God’s plan is not only for one group but open to everyone who seeks Him. It is a message of hope and belonging.
The Gospel tells us that Jesus does not turn back when a Samaritan village rejects Him. His disciples want to strike back, but Jesus chooses another way. He keeps walking toward Jerusalem with patience and mercy. This teaches us about trust in God’s plan and the peace that comes with it.
Tuesday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time Year 1 invites us to think about where we are headed. Do we walk in the direction God shows us, even when the road is hard? These readings call us to follow with faith, knowing that God is always with us on the way.
Daily Mass Readings for Tuesday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time Year 1
- First Reading – Zechariah 8:20-23: The Lord predicts that people from various cities and nations will seek Him in Jerusalem. They’ll even cling to Jews, recognizing God’s presence with them.
- Responsorial Psalm– Psalm 87: The Lord values Zion above all other places. Various nations acknowledge their connection to Zion, affirming it as the birthplace of greatness. The Most High Lord is credited for establishing it.
- Gospel – Luke 9:51-56: Jesus determinedly heads to Jerusalem, but a Samaritan village rejects him because of his destination. Disciples suggest retaliation, but Jesus rebukes them, and they move on to another village.
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 26th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2.
When this falls on October 2, the gospel for the Memorial of the Guardian Angels is used.
When the days for Jesus to be taken up were fulfilled, he resolutely determined to journey to Jerusalem, and he sent messengers ahead of him.
Luke 9:51-52
Themes for the Readings for Tuesday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1
On Tuesday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, the readings focus on God’s invitation to all people and the response of the human heart. The First Reading from Zechariah shows nations coming together to seek the Lord, and the Gospel of Luke tells of Jesus’ determination to go to Jerusalem, even when faced with rejection.
- God’s invitation to all: Zechariah speaks of many nations coming to Jerusalem to seek the Lord. This shows that God’s love is open to everyone, regardless of their background.
- Human unity through God: Zechariah mentions people from different cities coming together to seek God’s blessings. This highlights the theme of unity when people turn to God in trust.
- Jesus’ determination: In Luke, Jesus sets His face toward Jerusalem, showing His focus on the mission God gave Him. This teaches us to stay committed to doing God’s will, even when facing difficulty.
- Handling rejection with love: The Samaritans reject Jesus, but He does not respond with anger. This shows us that we should meet rejection with peace, not violence.
- God’s call to humility: In both readings, we see people seeking God’s guidance with humble hearts. God asks for humility from all who come to Him, recognizing their need for His help.
- The power of faith: Both readings show how faith in God brings people together and gives them strength. Faith allows people to overcome divisions and hardships as they follow God’s path.
Tuesday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 invites us to see how God welcomes all who seek Him, no matter their background. It also reminds us to respond to rejection with peace and to remain faithful in difficult times.
Reflection for Tuesday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1
On Tuesday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, the readings show us how God welcomes all people, how Jesus remains focused on His mission, and how we are called to respond to rejection with peace. These themes remind us of the universal call to love, perseverance in God’s will, and the importance of patience in difficult situations. Through these reflections, we are encouraged to apply these lessons in our daily lives.
God Welcomes Everyone
On Tuesday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, the First Reading from Zechariah talks about people from different nations coming together to seek God. This shows us that God’s love and mercy are not limited to a specific group of people. He invites everyone to come to Him. The nations mentioned are a symbol of all humanity being welcomed into God’s presence.
In our lives, we can apply this by being open and welcoming to others, just as God is. We should not judge people by their background or where they come from. Instead, we should see them as God’s children, just as we are, and help them on their journey toward Him.
This message is a reminder to be more open-hearted, especially in situations where it may be easy to close ourselves off from others. By welcoming everyone, we become a reflection of God’s love for the world. On Tuesday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, we are reminded to reach out to others and share the love that God has for all.
Staying Focused on God’s Will
In the Gospel for Tuesday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, Jesus shows His determination to go to Jerusalem, knowing that He will face suffering. He knows what is coming but stays focused on His mission. This teaches us about the importance of staying focused on God’s will, even when it is hard.
In our own lives, we often face difficulties when trying to do what God asks of us. There are times when the road seems tough, and we may be tempted to turn back. But Jesus shows us that the right path is not always the easy one. Even when it is difficult, we should stay on course and trust that God is with us.
Tuesday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 invites us to reflect on how we can stay focused on God’s will, no matter the challenges. When we trust God’s plan for our lives, we find the strength to keep going, just as Jesus did on His journey to Jerusalem.
Responding to Rejection with Peace
In both the First Reading and the Gospel for Tuesday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, we see how people react when faced with differences. Zechariah talks about nations coming together, while the Gospel shows how the Samaritans reject Jesus because of their differences with the Jews. Yet, Jesus does not respond with anger.
This teaches us an important lesson about how we should handle rejection. Like Jesus, we are called to be peaceful when others do not accept us or our message. In our daily lives, it is easy to become frustrated or upset when people disagree with us, but Jesus’ example shows that peace is always the better choice.
Tuesday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 reminds us that peace and patience are key when faced with rejection or conflict. Instead of responding with anger, we are called to act with love and understanding, just as Jesus did.
As we reflect on the themes from Tuesday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, we are reminded of the importance of welcoming others, staying focused on God’s plan, and responding to rejection with peace. By following these lessons, we grow closer to God and strengthen our relationships with those around us. Let us carry these reflections with us in our journey of faith.
Prayer
Lord, help us to welcome others as You welcome us. Give us the strength to stay focused on Your will, even in difficult times. Teach us to respond to rejection with peace and patience. Guide us as we seek to follow Your example in our lives. Amen.
Reflection Questions
- How can I be more welcoming to others, especially those who are different from me?
- What areas of my life require me to stay more focused on God’s will?
- How do I usually respond to rejection, and how can I choose peace instead?
- In what ways can I show God’s love to those who may not accept me or my faith?
Homilies and Commentaries for Tuesday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1
Choosing Nonviolence Over Vengeance
In his reflection for Tuesday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, Bishop Robert Barron explains how Jesus rebukes James and John for wanting vengeance after being rejected by the Samaritans.
Bishop Barron notes that while feelings of anger and a desire to get even are natural when faced with injustice, Jesus calls His followers to a higher standard. Instead of reacting with violence or revenge, Jesus teaches that following His path of nonviolence is more important than loyalty to race or country. Jesus’ way goes beyond justified anger and seeks peace.
The True Nature of Commitment to Faith
This USCCB video reflection for Tuesday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time discusses the passage from Luke’s Gospel where James and John, despite their divine powers, fail to understand the essence of Christ’s teachings about love and forgiveness.
Drawing parallels with another biblical story, it questions the sincerity of our commitments to faith and kindness. The focus is on the fluctuating nature of our “yes” to God, urging us to keep it constant.
Resources
The Book of Zechariah: Nations Drawn to God
In Zechariah 8:20-23, read on Tuesday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time Year 1, the prophet speaks of many peoples coming to Jerusalem to seek the Lord. This reflects the book’s larger message of restoration after exile. God promises renewal not just for Israel, but for all nations who will be drawn to His presence.
The theme of inclusion runs throughout Zechariah. What begins as a promise of rebuilding expands into a vision where God’s plan reaches every nation. The image of people clinging to a Jew shows God’s glory shining through His people. It points to the wider hope of salvation found in God alone.
Psalm 87: The City of God’s Favor
Psalm 87, prayed on Tuesday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time Year 1, celebrates Zion as the dwelling place of God. The psalm’s focus is on God choosing Zion as the source of blessing. It connects to the broader theme of God’s presence among His people and the dignity given to the city that bears His name.
The psalm also points outward, recognizing nations as children of Zion. This reflects the book of Psalms’ theme of God’s kingship extending over all creation. Zion becomes a symbol of unity and belonging for every nation.
The Gospel of Luke: Setting His Face Toward Jerusalem
In Luke 9:51-56, read on Tuesday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time Year 1, Jesus turns toward Jerusalem with resolve. This marks a key turning point in the Gospel of Luke, where Jesus’ mission becomes focused on His suffering, death, and resurrection. Jerusalem is the place where salvation will be accomplished.
The rejection in the Samaritan village shows the challenges Jesus faced and the misunderstanding of His mission. Luke highlights themes of mercy and rejection of violence, showing that the Kingdom does not advance by force. This connects to the Gospel’s wider call to embrace love and forgiveness.
Social Media Graphics and Bulletin Artwork
If you would like an image to be made available as a specific product (card, poster, mug, etc.) or as an extra high resolution image for personal use just post a comment about what you want and we will create a link to our online store for you.
Walking the Road to Jerusalem
This image, inspired by Tuesday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time Year 1, is available for download to use in parish bulletins, newsletters, or teaching resources. It reflects the steady journey of faith and the call to follow Christ with trust.
Bring a visual reminder of the Gospel into your community with this meaningful artwork.
Paid subscribers may download a large copy this digital artwork without watermarks, suitable for use in bulletins, social media, newsletters, etc., free of charge by clicking here. You must be logged in as a paid subscriber to access the file.
Only current paid subscribers have the rights to use the artwork.
Questions and Answers for Tuesday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1
What does Zechariah mean when he talks about many people seeking the Lord?
Zechariah is saying that people from all over the world will come together to seek God. This shows us that God welcomes everyone, and we should do the same in our own lives.
How can we apply Zechariah’s message to our lives?
Zechariah encourages us to seek God and live in peace with others. We can apply this by welcoming others into our lives and praying together with them.
Why does Jesus go to Jerusalem in the Gospel for Tuesday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?
Jesus knows that His mission is to go to Jerusalem and face suffering. He shows us that we should stay focused on doing God’s will, even when it is hard.
Why do the Samaritans reject Jesus?
The Samaritans reject Jesus because He is on His way to Jerusalem, a place they did not like. This teaches us that not everyone will accept our faith, but we should respond to rejection with peace.
What can we learn from Jesus not getting angry at rejection?
Jesus shows us that we should not respond to rejection with anger. In our lives, we should be patient and peaceful, even when others do not accept us.
What is the main lesson from Tuesday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?
The main lesson is that we should seek God, live in peace with others, and stay focused on doing God’s will. Even when faced with rejection or hardship, we should keep moving forward with faith.
Why is unity important in these readings?
Both readings for Tuesday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 show that coming together in faith helps people grow closer to God. Unity in faith helps us stay strong when we face difficulties.
How does this apply to our everyday life?
We can apply these readings by being more patient and understanding with others, especially when we are rejected or hurt. By seeking God together with others, we build stronger faith and community.
Welcoming, Persevering, and Responding with Peace
The readings for Tuesday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 encourage us to welcome others, stay focused on God’s will, and respond to rejection with peace. The First Reading from Zechariah speaks about people from different nations coming together to seek God. This reminds us that God’s love is for everyone, and we are called to be open and welcoming to all people.
In the Gospel, Jesus sets His face toward Jerusalem, fully aware of the suffering that awaits Him. He remains focused on His mission, showing us the importance of trusting God’s plan, even when it is difficult. His determination inspires us to persevere in our own challenges, knowing that God is always with us.
Jesus also teaches us how to handle rejection. When the Samaritans refuse to welcome Him, He responds with peace rather than anger. This is a powerful lesson for how we should react when faced with conflict or opposition. On Tuesday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, we are reminded to act with patience and love, even in challenging situations.
Your Turn
Reflect on the lessons from Tuesday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1. How can you welcome others into your life? Are you staying focused on God’s plan, even when it is difficult?
Share your thoughts in the comments. Let’s encourage one another to live with love, perseverance, and peace as we follow God’s will in our daily lives.
Leave a Reply