ODM Daily Inspirational Devotional Messages Bible Verse and Prayers ODM
### Catholic Mass on July 20, 2025 – Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Introduction
Welcome to our reflection on the Catholic Mass for Sunday, July 20, 2025, the Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C). Today’s liturgy invites us to reflect on hospitality, service, and listening to God’s Word, as seen in the readings and Gospel. Join us as we explore the full Mass readings, common Catholic sayings and responses, a hymn to uplift your spirit, a message drawn from the Gospel, and a prayer to guide you through the week.
Full Mass Readings for July 20, 2025
The readings for the Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C) emphasize God’s presence, hospitality, and the call to prioritize listening to Jesus.
First Reading: Genesis 18:1-10a
Abraham’s Hospitality to the Three Visitors
1. And the Lord appeared to him in the vale of Mambre as he was sitting at the door of his tent, in the very heat of the day.
2. And when he had lifted up his eyes, there appeared to him three men standing near him: and as soon as he saw them he ran to meet them from the door of his tent, and adored down to the ground.
3. And he said: Lord, if I have found favour in thy sight, pass not away from thy servant:
4. But I will fetch a little water, and wash ye your feet, and rest ye under the tree.
5. And I will set a morsel of bread, and strengthen ye your heart, afterwards you shall pass on: for therefore are you come aside to your servant.
6. And they said: Do as thou hast spoken.
7. Abraham hastened into the tent to Sara, and said to her: Make haste, temper together three measures of flour, and make cakes upon the hearth.
8. And he himself ran to the herd, and took from thence a calf very tender and very good, and gave it to a young man: who made haste and boiled it.
9. He took also butter and milk, and the calf which he had boiled, and set before them: but he stood by them under the tree.
10. And when they had eaten, they said to him: Where is Sara thy wife? He answered: Lo, she is in the tent.
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 15:2-3ab, 3cd-4, 5
Response: He who does justice will live in the presence of the Lord.
– He that walketh without blemish, and worketh justice:
– He that speaketh truth in his heart, who hath not used deceit in his tongue:
– Nor hath done evil to his neighbour: nor taken up a reproach against his neighbours.
– In his sight the malignant is brought to nothing: but he glorifieth them that fear the Lord.
– He that sweareth to his neighbour, and deceiveth not: he that hath not put out his money to usury, nor taken bribes against the innocent: He that doth these things shall not be moved for ever.
Second Reading: Colossians 1:24-28
Paul’s Ministry and the Mystery of Christ
24. Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up those things that are wanting of the sufferings of Christ, in my flesh, for his body, which is the church:
25. Whereof I am made a minister according to the dispensation of God, which is given me towards you, that I may fulfil the word of God:
26. The mystery which hath been hidden from ages and generations, but now is manifested to his saints,
27. To whom God would make known the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ, in you the hope of glory.
28. Whom we preach, admonishing every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.
Alleluia Verse: Luke 8:15
Alleluia, alleluia. Blessed are they who have kept the word with a generous heart and yield a harvest through perseverance. Alleluia, alleluia.
Gospel: cott Luke 10:38-42
Martha and Mary Welcome Jesus
38. Now it came to pass as they went, that he entered into a certain town: and a certain woman named Martha, received him into her house.
39. And she had a sister called Mary, who sitting also at the Lord’s feet, heard his word.
40. But Martha was busy about much serving. Who stood and said: Lord, hast thou no care that my sister hath left me alone to serve? Speak to her therefore, that she help me.
41. And the Lord answering, said to her: Martha, Martha, thou art careful, and art troubled about many things:
42. But one thing is necessary. Mary hath chosen the best part, which shall not be taken away from her.
Catholic Sayings and Responses
During the Mass, the congregation participates through prayers and responses, uniting in worship. Below are key sayings and responses for the Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time.
- Greeting
Priest: The Lord be with you.
People: And with your spirit. -
Penitential Act (Form A – Confiteor)
I confess to almighty God and to you, my brothers and sisters, that I have greatly sinned, in my thoughts and in my words, in what I have done and in what I have failed to do, through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault; therefore I ask blessed Mary ever-Virgin, all the Angels and Saints, and you, my brothers and sisters, to pray for me to the Lord our God. -
Gloria
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to people of good will. We praise you, we bless you, we adore you, we glorify you, we give you thanks for your great glory, Lord God, heavenly King, O God, almighty Father… -
After the First and Second Readings
Lector: The Word of the Lord.
People: Thanks be to God. -
Before the Gospel
Priest: The Lord be with you.
People: And with your spirit.
Priest: A reading from the holy Gospel according to [Luke].
People: Glory to you, O Lord. -
After the Gospel
Priest: The Gospel of the Lord.
People: Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ. -
Nicene Creed (Excerpt)
I believe in one God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible… -
Preface Dialogue
Priest: The Lord be with you.
People: And with your spirit.
Priest: Lift up your hearts.
People: We lift them up to the Lord.
Priest: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
People: It is right and just. -
Holy, Holy, Holy
Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God of hosts. Heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest. -
Memorial Acclamation (Option 1)
Priest: The mystery of faith.
People: We proclaim your Death, O Lord, and profess your Resurrection until you come again. -
Our Father
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven… -
Sign of Peace
Priest: The peace of the Lord be with you always.
People: And with your spirit. -
Lamb of God
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us… -
Communion
Priest: Behold the Lamb of God…
People: Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed. -
Dismissal
Priest: Go in peace, glorifying the Lord by your life.
People: Thanks be to God.
Catholic Hymn: “Be Still, My Soul, Before the Lord”
For the Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, a fitting hymn is “Be Still, My Soul, Before the Lord,” which reflects the Gospel’s call to sit at Jesus’ feet and listen, as Mary did. This hymn emphasizes trust in God’s presence and the peace found in His Word, aligning with the themes of hospitality and contemplation.
Verse 1
Be still, my soul, before the Lord,
For God is near, who made us all.
At Jesus’ feet we ponder now
The mysteries of His boundless love.
Refrain
Be still, my soul, be still and know,
The Lord is God, His peace bestow.
In quiet trust, we find our rest,
His Word our hope, His love our quest.
Verse 2
His voice we hear, His truth we seek,
In silence deep, His Spirit speaks.
Our hearts abide in His embrace,
And find in Him our resting place.
Mass Message: Choosing the Better Part
Theme: Balancing Service and Contemplation
Today’s Gospel (Luke 10:38-42) presents the story of Martha and Mary, two sisters who welcome Jesus into their home. Martha busies herself with hospitality, while Mary sits at Jesus’ feet, listening to His words. When Martha complains, Jesus gently reminds her, “Martha, Martha, thou art careful, and art troubled about many things: But one thing is necessary. Mary hath chosen the best part, which shall not be taken away from her.”
This message challenges us to reflect on our priorities. Like Martha, we often fill our lives with tasks—work, responsibilities, and even good deeds—that can distract us from sitting at Jesus’ feet. The First Reading (Genesis 18:1-10a) shows Abraham’s hospitality, which is pleasing to God, but the Gospel reminds us that listening to Jesus is the “better part.” St. Paul’s words in Colossians 1:24-28 further emphasize that Christ is our hope, and we must proclaim Him by first knowing Him through prayer and Scripture.
Reflection Questions:
– Are you more like Martha, consumed by tasks, or Mary, prioritizing time with Jesus?
– How can you create space this week to listen to God’s Word?
– In what ways can you balance service to others with contemplation of Christ?
Call to Action: This week, set aside 10 minutes daily to sit in silence with Jesus—through prayer, Scripture, or adoration. Let His peace guide your work and service, making your actions an extension of your love for Him.
Catholic Prayer for the Week
Prayer for Balance and Trust in God’s Word
O Lord Jesus, You called Mary to choose the better part by sitting at Your feet. Help us this week to balance our daily tasks with quiet moments in Your presence. Grant us the grace to listen to Your Word with a generous heart, as we seek to serve You in our work and relationships. Like Abraham, may we welcome You with hospitality, and like Mary, may we find rest in Your truth. Fill us with Your peace, that we may carry Your love into our homes and communities. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Conclusion
The Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time invites us to embrace both hospitality and contemplation, trusting in God’s presence as we serve and listen. Let the readings, responses, hymn, and prayer guide you to a deeper relationship with Christ this week. Share this reflection with others, and join us next Sunday for more insights into the Catholic Mass. May you walk in God’s peace and choose the better part!
