Tuesday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time

• 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.

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

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.

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.

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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?

USCCB Reflection: 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.

What date is Tuesday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

The next date is Tuesday September 30, 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 26th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2.

What are the Mass readings for Tuesday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

The Mass readings for Tuesday September 30, 2025 are:
First Reading – Zechariah 8:20-23: Universal Pilgrimage
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 87: Zion’s Glory
Gospel – Luke 9:51-56: Journey to Jerusalem
When this falls on October 2, the gospel for the Memorial of the Guardian Angels is used.

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.