Tuesday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time

• First Reading – 2 Maccabees 6:18-31: Elderly scribe Eleazar chooses death over defiling himself with pork, rejecting pretense for integrity. His martyrdom stands as a testament to courage and devotion to God’s laws.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 3: Despite numerous adversaries doubting my salvation, the Lord is my shield and glory, answering my calls and sustaining me against overwhelming odds.
• Gospel – Luke 19:1-10: Zacchaeus, a short, wealthy tax collector, climbed a sycamore tree to see Jesus in Jericho. Jesus called him down, declaring He would stay at his house, which delighted Zacchaeus but caused others to grumble. Responding, Zacchaeus vowed to give half his wealth to the poor and repay fourfold any extortion. Jesus proclaimed salvation upon Zacchaeus’ house, affirming His mission to save the lost.

Today salvation has come to this house because this man too is a descendant of Abraham. For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save what was lost.

Luke 19:9-10

Tuesday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 highlights themes of courage, sacrifice, and God’s call to conversion. The readings from 2 Maccabees and the Gospel of Luke illustrate the cost of faithfulness and the mercy God offers to those who seek Him.

• Faithfulness in Suffering: Eleazar shows courage in facing suffering rather than going against God’s law. His example reminds us that true faith often means standing firm, even at a high personal cost.
• Integrity Over Compromise: Eleazar chooses to stay true to his beliefs, refusing to pretend or compromise for comfort. This shows us the importance of holding onto truth, even when pressured to do otherwise.
• Witness to Others: Eleazar’s courage becomes a witness for others, especially the young who look up to him. His actions show how our faith can inspire and strengthen others.
• Repentance and Conversion: In the Gospel, Zacchaeus changes his life after meeting Jesus. This shows that God always invites us to turn away from sin and choose a better path.
• Jesus Seeks the Lost: Jesus seeks out Zacchaeus, showing His love for those who are far from Him. This reminds us that God calls each of us, no matter where we are in life.
• Joy in Reconciliation: Zacchaeus is joyful in his decision to follow Jesus and make things right. This shows how conversion brings peace and a fresh start with God.

These themes from Tuesday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 encourage us to stay strong in our faith and be open to God’s mercy. They remind us that God values our faithfulness and seeks to welcome us when we turn back to Him.

Tuesday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 brings us two readings that explore the themes of faith, integrity, and conversion. Eleazar’s courage in the first reading and Zacchaeus’ joyful conversion in the Gospel show us different ways to respond to God’s call. Together, these readings remind us that true faith shapes not only our own lives but also impacts those around us.

Being a Witness for Others

The first reading for Tuesday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 shows Eleazar’s courage as a strong example of faith. Rather than break God’s law or pretend to follow it, he stands firm. He could have chosen an easier way out, but he knows that his choices will affect the young people who look up to him. Eleazar’s decision reminds us that our faith is not just personal—it influences those around us.

Being a witness for others means standing by what is right, even when it’s difficult. Just as Eleazar’s choice spoke to those around him, our own actions send messages to our families, friends, and communities. It can feel uncomfortable to stand alone, but sometimes our faith needs us to make choices that show others the strength of trusting in God.

Today, we can reflect on how our faith can inspire others, especially those who may be watching our example. Whether it’s family, friends, or coworkers, we can be witnesses of faith by our words and actions. Like Eleazar, we can choose to be lights for those who need encouragement and strength in their faith journey.

Finding Joy in Conversion

In the Gospel reading for Tuesday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, Zacchaeus finds joy in turning back to God and changing his life. Meeting Jesus brings Zacchaeus a new sense of purpose and happiness. He doesn’t just keep this joy to himself; he decides to make things right with others and to live more generously. This joy is a sign of the peace that comes from opening our hearts to God’s call.

Conversion is more than a decision; it’s an action that affects our whole life. Like Zacchaeus, true conversion often means making real changes in how we act and how we treat others. When we choose to turn away from selfish habits, we open ourselves to God’s mercy and find joy in doing what is right.

This reading calls us to examine our lives and ask if there are ways we need to change. When we let go of what separates us from God, we gain a fresh start and peace that cannot be found elsewhere. Zacchaeus shows us that conversion is not a one-time event but a joyful beginning to a new life with God.

The Call to True Integrity

A theme that connects the first reading and Gospel for Tuesday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 is integrity. In the first reading, Eleazar chooses to stay faithful, even when it would have been easier to pretend otherwise. He does not want to compromise what he believes. Zacchaeus also shows integrity by taking responsibility for his past actions and deciding to repay those he had wronged. Both readings encourage us to live truthfully in all that we do.

Integrity means being honest with ourselves and others, even when it’s hard. Just as Eleazar would rather suffer than pretend to follow God’s law, we are called to avoid “pretending” in our own lives. Being honest about our beliefs, values, and actions can sometimes make life harder, but it keeps us on the path of faith and keeps us close to God.

Both Eleazar and Zacchaeus remind us that integrity brings us closer to God and others. When we act with honesty, we build trust and show others the strength of a sincere heart. In our everyday lives, we can follow their example by choosing honesty and living our faith fully, whether it is in public or private.

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The readings for Tuesday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 invite us to look at our own lives with honesty and courage. Through Eleazar’s example of faithfulness and Zacchaeus’ joy in conversion, we see the beauty of living with integrity and choosing God’s way. May we learn from their examples and allow our faith to be a light for others.

Prayer

Lord, help me to live with courage and honesty, like Eleazar and Zacchaeus. Give me strength to choose what is right and to turn back to You when I fall. May my life reflect Your love and inspire others to seek You. Amen.

Reflection Questions

• How can I be a witness of faith to others like Eleazar?
• What steps can I take to grow in honesty and integrity in my own life?
• How can I respond to God’s call to change, like Zacchaeus did?
• Are there ways I need to repair my relationships with others to be closer to God?

Word on Fire: Grace Comes First

In his reflection for Tuesday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, Bishop Robert Barron explains that Zacchaeus’ story shows a key truth about the spiritual life: God’s grace comes before moral reform, not after. Many people mistakenly believe they must earn God’s love by perfect behavior, like Prometheus stealing fire from the gods. But, as Bishop Barron points out, Jesus’ love for Zacchaeus came first, unearned and unexpected. Only after this grace did Zacchaeus turn his life around. Understanding this priority of grace is essential to understanding how true spiritual transformation happens.

What date is Tuesday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

The next date is Tuesday November 18, 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 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2.

What are the Mass readings for Tuesday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

The Mass readings for Tuesday November 18, 2025 are:
First Reading – 2 Maccabees 6:18-31: Eleazar’s Noble Stand
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 3: God, My Protector
Gospel – Luke 19:1-10: Zacchaeus’ Transformation

What is the main lesson from Eleazar’s story in the first reading for Tuesday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

Eleazar’s story shows the importance of being faithful to God, even when it’s hard. His example teaches us to stay true to what we believe, even if it costs us something.

Why did Eleazar refuse to pretend to eat unclean food?

Eleazar refused because he didn’t want to lie about his beliefs or set a bad example. This reminds us that actions matter and can influence others for good or bad.

What does this reading teach us about courage?

This reading shows that courage means being willing to suffer for what is right. It encourages us to ask ourselves if we are ready to make sacrifices for our faith.

How does Eleazar’s example apply to our lives today?

Eleazar’s example reminds us that standing up for what is right often requires strength. In our lives, we may face pressure to compromise, but we are called to stay strong like him.

Why does Jesus choose to stay with Zacchaeus in the Gospel for Tuesday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

Jesus chooses Zacchaeus to show that He welcomes everyone who wants to change. This tells us that no one is beyond God’s love, and we can always come back to Him.

What is the significance of Zacchaeus’ change of heart?

Zacchaeus decides to change his ways and make amends. This teaches us that true conversion includes making things right with others.

How can Zacchaeus’ story encourage us?

Zacchaeus’ story reminds us that God is always inviting us to come closer to Him. When we respond to God’s call, our lives can become more joyful and free.

What can we learn from Jesus seeking Zacchaeus?

Jesus seeks out Zacchaeus, who is an outsider, to show that God’s love is for everyone. This shows that God reaches out to us, no matter our past.

Why is repentance important in these readings for Tuesday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

Repentance shows a real desire to change and follow God. Both readings emphasize that turning away from sin brings us closer to Him.

How do these readings encourage us to live better?

The readings encourage us to stay faithful, repent, and seek God’s mercy. By following these examples, we can find peace and purpose in our faith.