Monday of the 7th Week in Ordinary Time

• First Reading – James 3:13-18: True wisdom is shown through humility, peace, and mercy, while jealousy and selfish ambition bring disorder. Wisdom from above is pure, gentle, and sincere, leading to righteousness and peace.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 19: The Lord’s commands are perfect, trustworthy, and bring joy. His instructions give light and wisdom. His judgments are just, and His truth lasts forever. May my words and thoughts please Him.
• Gospel – Mark 9:14-29: Jesus healed a boy possessed by a spirit after the disciples were unable to do so. The boy’s father asked for help, expressing both faith and doubt. Jesus explained that some spirits require prayer to be cast out.

Lectionary Reference: 341

Upcoming dates: February 21, 2028, February 25, 2030

O faithless generation, how long will I be with you? How long will I endure you?

Mark 9:19

On Monday of the 7th Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 2, the readings focus on wisdom, humility, faith, and prayer. James speaks about the difference between worldly wisdom and wisdom from God. In the Gospel, Jesus teaches about faith, prayer, and healing.

• True Wisdom Comes from God: James explains that real wisdom is peaceful, gentle, and full of mercy. This wisdom leads to good actions and is free from selfishness.
• Avoiding Jealousy and Selfishness: James warns against jealousy and selfish ambition. These lead to disorder and evil actions, while wisdom from God brings peace.
• Humility in Service: Humility is a key part of wisdom. In the Gospel, the disciples fail to heal because they lack humility and trust.
• Power of Faith: Jesus teaches that everything is possible for those who believe. Faith, not human ability, is what makes miracles happen.
• The Need for Prayer: Jesus emphasizes the importance of prayer to drive out evil. Without prayer, the disciples were powerless to heal.
• Struggling with Doubt: The father of the possessed boy struggles with doubt, but asks Jesus for help. Jesus responds with compassion, showing that even weak faith can grow.

These readings remind us to seek wisdom that comes from God, not from the world. They also encourage us to trust in prayer and faith, even when we face doubts and struggles.

The readings for Monday of the 7th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 offer important lessons about wisdom, prayer, and humility. James teaches us about the difference between worldly wisdom and wisdom from God. In the Gospel, Jesus shows the power of prayer and the need for humility. These reflections will help us better understand how to apply these lessons in our daily lives.

True Wisdom Brings Peace

In the first reading from James on Monday of the 7th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, we learn about the difference between worldly wisdom and wisdom from God. Worldly wisdom is full of jealousy and selfish ambition. This kind of thinking leads to fighting and disorder. But wisdom from God is peaceful, gentle, and full of mercy. It leads to good actions and brings peace.

We all face situations where we are tempted to act out of jealousy or selfishness. It could be at work, in our family, or even with friends. James reminds us that this kind of thinking brings nothing but trouble. When we act out of selfish ambition, we only create more problems for ourselves and others.

God’s wisdom is very different. It leads us to be kind, patient, and full of mercy. When we seek peace and choose to act in love, we create a peaceful environment for everyone. This is the kind of wisdom we should pray for and strive to live by each day.

The Power of Prayer

In the Gospel reading from Monday of the 7th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, Jesus shows us how important prayer is. The disciples could not heal a boy who was suffering because they had not prayed enough. Jesus makes it clear that prayer is essential to have the strength and faith needed to heal and overcome difficulties.

We often face situations that seem too hard for us to handle. It is easy to rely on our own strength and forget to pray. But Jesus reminds us that without prayer, we do not have the power we need. Prayer is the way we connect with God and receive the help we need.

We should make prayer a regular part of our daily lives, not just something we do when we are in trouble. When we make time to pray, we are more prepared to face the challenges that come our way. Prayer gives us the strength to keep going, even when things seem impossible.

Humility and Trust

A common theme in both the first reading from James and the Gospel on Monday of the 7th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 is humility. In the first reading, James calls us to avoid selfish ambition and jealousy, which requires humility. In the Gospel, Jesus teaches the disciples that they cannot rely on their own strength to heal the boy. They need faith, prayer, and humility.

Humility is important in our daily lives. It helps us realize that we do not have all the answers or the ability to do everything on our own. When we are humble, we turn to God for help, just as the disciples needed to rely on Jesus in the Gospel.

Humility also helps us live in peace with others. Instead of seeking our own way, we can put others first. When we practice humility, we grow in wisdom and learn to trust in God more fully. God blesses those who are humble and willing to trust Him.

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Monday of the 7th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 reminds us to seek God’s wisdom, trust in the power of prayer, and practice humility in all we do. When we turn to God and rely on Him, we find peace and strength. Let us strive to live out these lessons in our actions and choices each day.

Prayer

Lord, help us seek Your wisdom in all that we do. Teach us to be humble, to trust You, and to rely on prayer. Guide us in making good choices that bring peace and kindness to others. Strengthen our faith when we face doubts. Amen.

Reflection Questions

• Where in your life do you need to seek God’s wisdom instead of relying on your own?
• How can you make more time for prayer in your daily routine?
• In what situations do you struggle with humility, and how can you grow in this area?
• How does the lesson about faith and prayer challenge you to trust God more fully?

USCCB Reflection: Restoring Hope through Faith and Prayer

In a USCCB video reflection for Monday of the 7th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, Msgr. James Vlaun shares how Jesus restores both physical and spiritual healing. The Gospel recounts Jesus healing a boy and restoring hope to the boy’s father, who had lost faith after years of suffering. Msgr. Vlaun emphasizes that Jesus invites us to pray with sincerity, asking for help in our disbelief. Through prayer, we find hope and healing, even when life feels overwhelming. This encounter with Jesus leads us to a deeper trust in His power to lift us up.

What date is Monday of the 7th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

The next date is Monday February 21, 2028.

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 odd numbered years see Monday of the 7th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1.

What are the Mass readings for Monday of the 7th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

The Mass readings for Monday February 21, 2028 are:
First Reading  – James 3:13-18: True Wisdom and Understanding
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 19: The Commands of the Lord Bring Joy
Gospel – Mark 9:14-29: Jesus Heals a Boy Possessed by a Spirit

What is the difference between worldly wisdom and wisdom from God in the first reading for Monday of the 7th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

Worldly wisdom is focused on selfish goals, like jealousy and ambition. Wisdom from God is peaceful, gentle, and leads to good actions.

How can we apply the teaching about humility from the first reading?

We are called to be humble, trusting God instead of relying on ourselves. Humility helps us serve others without seeking praise or recognition.

How does the reading from James help us in daily life?

It reminds us to avoid jealousy and selfish ambition. We should seek peace and mercy in our actions, leading to a more peaceful life.

Why couldn’t the disciples heal the boy in the Gospel for Monday of the 7th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

The disciples lacked faith and prayer. Jesus shows that faith and prayer are necessary to overcome difficulties, not just human effort.

What can we learn from the father’s struggle with doubt in the Gospel?

The father admits his doubt but still asks Jesus for help. This shows that even when we struggle with faith, we can ask God for strength and trust.

Why is prayer so important in the Gospel?

Jesus makes it clear that prayer is essential in overcoming challenges. Without prayer, our efforts can fail, but with prayer, we receive the help we need from God.

How can we increase our faith?

We can increase our faith by trusting in God, even when we have doubts. Regular prayer and asking for God’s help can strengthen our faith.

What does Monday of the 7th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 teach us about dealing with challenges?

It teaches us to rely on faith and prayer when facing difficulties. Trying to solve problems on our own often leads to failure, but with God’s help, we can overcome obstacles.