Daily Mass Readings for Friday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time
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. When this falls on August 29, the gospel for the Memorial of the Passion of Saint John the Baptist is used.
- First Reading (Cycle 1) - 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8: Paul encourages the Thessalonian believers to lead lives that are pleasing to God, specifically in the area of purity. He emphasizes that God's will is their sanctification and reminds them that disregarding this command is to reject God, who has called them to holiness.
- First Reading (Cycle 2) - 1 Corinthians 1:17-25: Paul contrasts the wisdom of human eloquence with the power of the cross. He proclaims that the message of the cross may appear foolish to the world, but it is the power of God that brings salvation to those who believe.
- Responsorial Psalm (Cycle 1) - Psalm 97: The earth rejoices, for the Lord reigns as king. Justice and judgment form the foundation of His throne, and the heavens declare His righteousness while all people witness His glory.
- Responsorial Psalm (Cycle 2) - Psalm 33: Exult in the Lord, for His goodness fills the earth, His plans endure forever, and His justice foils the designs of nations.
- Gospel - Matthew 25:1-13: Jesus tells the parable of the ten virgins, highlighting the importance of being prepared and watchful for His return. He emphasizes the need for readiness, as some were wise and had enough oil for their lamps, while others were foolish and unprepared, missing the opportunity to enter the wedding feast.
Themes for the Daily Mass Readings for Friday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time
- Preparedness and Prudence: This theme focuses on the value of being prepared for important events, suggesting that preparedness is a form of wisdom. In life and spirituality, a lack of preparation can result in missed opportunities.
- Consequences of Neglect: The passage highlights that neglecting important responsibilities can have severe consequences. This underscores the idea that proactive steps should be taken to meet obligations.
- Limited Resources: The theme here is that resources, whether material or spiritual, are finite. Therefore, proper planning and allocation are necessary to ensure you have what you need when you need it.
- Personal Accountability: This emphasizes that each individual is responsible for their own preparedness and actions. While communal help is valuable, there are areas in life where one has to be self-reliant.
- Unpredictable Timing: The passage points out that certain events occur without warning, reinforcing the need for constant vigilance and readiness. This theme reminds us to stay alert for important life or spiritual events.
The Kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise.
Matthew 25:1-2
Reflection for Friday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time
The gospel for Friday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time is Matthew 25:1-13, also known as the Parable of the Ten Virgins. It serves as a cautionary tale about being vigilant and making wise choices, especially when it comes to your own spiritual journey. It emphasizes that waiting for a last-minute "fix" in matters of faith might lead to disappointment. Just as the five wise women couldn't share their extra lamp oil, there are aspects of spirituality that can't be borrowed from others.
Personal responsibility for one's faith is the central theme. This story nudges us to realize that spiritual connection isn't a hand-me-down; it’s a personal endeavor. Your relationship with God requires ongoing work and commitment from your side.
The narrative also highlights the importance of living consistently with your beliefs and values. It's not something you can rush or fake when the moment of reckoning arrives. A half-hearted approach to spiritual matters can result in regret, symbolized by the five unprepared women missing the bridegroom's arrival.
It's common to get caught up in the day-to-day grind and overlook spiritual growth. The parable serves as a wake-up call to remember that our spiritual health is as crucial as our physical or mental well-being. Neglecting one for the other isn't a balanced approach to life.
So, the takeaway from the Parable of the Ten Virgins is quite clear: don't lose sight of what truly matters in the spiritual realm. Life is unpredictable, and part of being prepared for its ups and downs involves maintaining a strong spiritual foundation.
Prayer for Friday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time
Lord, help me to always be seeking to grow closer to you. I cannot rely on those who passed on the faith to me. Please grant me the strength and wisdom to do the necessary work myself. Amen.
Homilies and Reflections for Friday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time
Word On Fire: Waiting for Christ
On Friday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time, Bishop Robert Barron talks about the parable of the ten virgins, emphasizing the need for preparedness while waiting for Christ's return. He suggests that regular prayer, education in faith, participation in sacraments, and acts of mercy make one wise in their waiting. On the other hand, neglecting these aspects is foolish. Bishop Barron also points out that spiritual preparedness isn't something that can be shared or transferred last-minute, underlining personal responsibility in spiritual cultivation.
USCCB Reflection: Don't Put Off the Kingdom
This USCCB video reflection for Friday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time discusses procrastination through the lens of a parable about ten bridesmaids waiting for a bridegroom. It highlights Jesus's message of urgency to be prepared for the "kingdom of heaven," noting that this is far more serious than delaying homework or other day-to-day tasks.
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