Free Resources and Reflections
Daily Mass Readings for Saturday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
Saturday August 1, 2026
- First Reading – Jeremiah 26:11-16, 24: The priests and prophets wanted Jeremiah dead for his prophecy, but he defended himself, saying the Lord sent him. The officials and people spared his life.
- Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 69: Save me, God, from danger and suffering. I will praise you. The humble and poor, take heart; God hears you.
- Gospel – Matthew 14:1-12: Herod arrested John for condemning his marriage. During a party, Herodias’s daughter asked for John’s head. Herod, though distressed, complied. John’s disciples buried him and informed Jesus.
The daughter of Herodias performed a dance before the guests and delighted Herod so much that he swore to give her whatever she might ask for.
Matthew 14:6-7
Themes for the Readings for Saturday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
On Saturday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, we read from Jeremiah and the Gospel of Matthew. The readings highlight important themes that connect to our faith and daily life.
- Persecution for Truth: Jeremiah faces death threats for speaking God’s truth. This shows that standing up for what is right often brings challenges.
- Courage in Faith: Jeremiah and John the Baptist show courage in their faith. They did not back down despite threats to their lives.
- Consequences of Sin: Herod’s actions against John the Baptist remind us that sin leads to negative consequences. We see how wrongdoing brings about regret and guilt.
- God’s Protection: Jeremiah was protected by God’s will, even when his life was in danger. This reminds us that God watches over those who serve Him faithfully.
- Speaking God’s Word: Both readings show the importance of proclaiming God’s message. Jeremiah and John the Baptist were committed to sharing God’s word with others.
- Repentance and Forgiveness: Herod’s guilt over John’s death points to the need for repentance. Recognizing our sins and seeking forgiveness is crucial in our spiritual journey.
These themes from Saturday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 remind us of the challenges and rewards of living a faithful life. They encourage us to be brave, seek forgiveness, and trust in God’s protection.
Thoughts for Saturday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
The readings for Saturday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 give us much to reflect on. They remind us of the trials faced by Jeremiah and John the Baptist. These readings help us see how their experiences relate to our own lives and faith.
Persecution for Truth
Jeremiah faced serious threats for speaking God’s truth. People wanted to kill him because they did not like his message. Despite the danger, Jeremiah remained faithful to God.
In our lives, we may also face opposition for standing up for what is right. It is not always easy to do the right thing when others disagree. Like Jeremiah, we must stay strong and trust in God.
God protects those who follow His will. Jeremiah was saved from death because God had a plan for him. We should remember that God watches over us when we stand up for His truth.
The Cost of Sin
Herod’s actions in the Gospel show the serious effects of sin. He ordered the beheading of John the Baptist because he made a foolish promise. Herod’s guilt and regret show that sin leads to sorrow.
We need to think about how our actions affect others. Sin can harm not just us but those around us. Recognizing our mistakes is the first step towards seeking forgiveness.
Herod’s story reminds us to live a life of integrity. We should avoid making promises we cannot keep and always consider the consequences of our actions. Repentance helps us get back on the right path.
Courage in Faith
Both Jeremiah and John the Baptist showed great courage. They did not back down from their mission, even when facing death. Their bravery is a strong example for us.
Living our faith can be challenging. There may be times when we feel afraid or uncertain. We can look to Jeremiah and John the Baptist for inspiration.
Courage comes from trusting in God. When we rely on His strength, we can face any challenge. God calls us to be brave in our faith, just as Jeremiah and John were.
These reflections for Saturday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 remind us to stay strong in our faith. They encourage us to face challenges with courage, recognize the cost of sin, and trust in God’s protection. Let us take these lessons to heart and strive to live faithfully every day.
Prayer
Lord, give us the courage to stand up for truth. Help us avoid sin and seek forgiveness when we fail. May we trust in Your protection always. Amen.
Homilies and Reflections for Saturday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
Word on Fire: The Courage of Christian Martyrs
In his reflection for Saturday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 2, Bishop Robert Barron reflects on the martyrdom of John the Baptist, the first martyr among Christ’s followers. He highlights the courage of martyrs throughout Christian history, from the early Church to modern times. These individuals, like Stephen, Peter, Paul, and others, willingly gave their lives out of love for Christ. Their courage is not ordinary but elevated by love, as they faced death to remain faithful. Bishop Barron reminds us of the enduring power of their bold witness to the truth.
USCCB Reflection: Prophets of God’s Word
This USCCB reflection for Saturday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 centers around the prophetic figures of Jeremiah, John the Baptist, and St. Oscar Romero. It highlights their unwavering commitment to speaking God’s word, whether comforting or challenging, and the opposition they faced from those in power. The reflection draws parallels between the sufferings of these prophets and Jesus, who also endured similar trials for proclaiming God’s truth. It emphasizes the call for all believers to listen, speak, and live God’s word in the world, with humility and a spirit of invitation and mercy. The Eucharist is presented as a source of strength, nourishing the faithful to be witnesses of Christ’s love and grace.
Questions and Answers for Saturday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
What date is Saturday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?
The next date is Saturday August 1, 2026.
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 Saturday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1.
What are the Mass readings for Saturday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?
The Mass readings for Saturday August 1, 2026 are:
First Reading – Jeremiah 26:11-16, 24: Jeremiah’s Bold Prophetic Stand
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 69: Lament and Trust in God’s Deliverance
Gospel – Matthew 14:1-12: The Tragic Fate of John the Baptist
Why did people want to kill Jeremiah in the first reading for Saturday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?
People wanted to kill Jeremiah because he spoke God’s message, which they did not like. They felt threatened by his words and did not want to change their ways.
How did Jeremiah stay strong in the face of danger?
Jeremiah stayed strong by trusting in God. He knew God had a plan for him and relied on God’s protection.
What can we learn from Jeremiah’s protection by God?
We learn that God watches over and protects those who follow His will. Jeremiah’s protection shows that God has a plan for each of us and will guide us through difficult times.
What does Herod’s story in the Gospel for Saturday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 teach us about making promises?
Herod’s story teaches us to be careful with our promises. He made a rash promise that led to John’s death, showing the serious effects of careless words.
How does the story of John the Baptist’s death relate to our lives?
John the Baptist’s death reminds us of the cost of standing up for truth. It shows the importance of integrity and the consequences of sin.
How can we show courage in our faith like Jeremiah and John the Baptist in the readings for Saturday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?
We can show courage in our faith by standing up for what is right, even when it is hard. Trusting in God gives us the strength to face challenges.
Why is it important to repent for our sins?
Repenting for our sins is important because it helps us seek forgiveness and get back on the right path. Recognizing our mistakes is the first step toward healing.
Why is it important to consider the effects of our actions on others?
It is important because our actions can harm or help those around us. Thinking about the consequences helps us make better choices.
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