Friday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time
Free Resources and Reflections for Friday August 28, 2026
Daily Mass Readings for Friday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
Friday August 28, 2026
- First Reading – 1 Corinthians 1:17-25: God’s message through Christ crucified may seem foolish to the world, but it is His wisdom and power, far surpassing human understanding. Faith, not human wisdom, leads to salvation.
- Responsorial Psalm – 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 taught the importance of being prepared for His return. The wise bridesmaids, ready with oil, entered the feast, while the foolish ones, unprepared, were left out. Always be ready.
When this falls on August 29, the gospel for the Memorial of the Passion of Saint John the Baptist is used.
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
Themes for the Readings for Friday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
On Friday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, the readings encourage us to reflect on how we live our faith. These themes guide us in being faithful followers of Christ.
- God’s Power in Weakness: Paul contrasts human wisdom and strength with God’s, showing that God often chooses what seems weak to demonstrate His power and glory.
- Importance of Preparedness: The Gospel reading speaks about being ready for the unexpected return of the bridegroom. It reminds us to always be spiritually prepared for Jesus’ coming.
- Value of Watchfulness: We are called to be watchful and alert. This means living in a way that is always ready to meet Christ.
- Consequences of Neglect: The parable warns about the dangers of neglecting our spiritual life. If we are not prepared, we may miss the opportunity to be with Christ.
- Role of Wisdom: The wise virgins are praised for being ready, showing the importance of wisdom in our spiritual journey. The first reading emphasizes that Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, though seeming foolish to the world, reveals true wisdom and power to believers.
- Faithfulness in Responsibilities: The Gospel emphasizes being faithful in our duties. By doing so, we honor God and fulfill our responsibilities as Christians.
In conclusion, these themes remind us of the importance of being ready and watchful. They encourage us to live wisely and faithfully, always prepared for Christ’s return.
Thoughts for Friday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
On Friday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, the readings offer rich lessons about our spiritual lives. They highlight the contrast between human wisdom and God’s power, the dangers of spiritual neglect, and the value of wisdom in preparing for Jesus’ return. These reflections delve into these themes, helping us understand how to live faithfully and be ready for God’s call.
God’s Power in Weakness
On Friday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, we see a powerful message about God’s way of working in the world. Paul contrasts human wisdom and strength with God’s, emphasizing that God often chooses what seems weak to show His power and glory. This is a comforting thought, as it reminds us that we don’t need to be strong or wise by the world’s standards to be used by God.
God’s power shines through our weaknesses. When we feel inadequate or unworthy, God can use these very moments to reveal His strength. It teaches us to rely not on our abilities but on God’s grace and power.
This theme encourages us to trust in God’s plan, even when it doesn’t make sense to us. Often, God’s ways are not our ways, and He can use our challenges to accomplish great things. This lesson is crucial for understanding how God operates beyond our limited understanding.
The Danger of Spiritual Neglect
The readings for Friday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 caution us about the dangers of neglecting our spiritual life. The parable of the ten virgins highlights the consequences of not being prepared. The foolish virgins missed the chance to join the wedding feast because they failed to bring extra oil, symbolizing a lack of readiness.
This parable serves as a wake-up call for all of us. It reminds us that we cannot afford to be complacent in our faith. If we neglect our spiritual duties, like prayer, attending Mass, and following God’s commandments, we might find ourselves unprepared when we need to be ready.
Being spiritually prepared means actively maintaining our relationship with God. It involves regular self-examination and making sure we are living according to our faith. This story encourages us to stay vigilant and not take our faith for granted, as the opportunity to be with Christ should not be missed.
The Value of Spiritual Wisdom
The theme of wisdom is prominent in the readings for Friday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2. The wise virgins are praised for their readiness, which highlights the importance of wisdom in our spiritual journey. They were prepared for the bridegroom’s arrival, symbolizing the wisdom of being ready for Jesus’ return.
In our spiritual lives, wisdom involves making choices that align with God’s will. It means understanding the value of being prepared and staying faithful to God’s teachings. The first reading further emphasizes this by pointing out that Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, while appearing foolish to the world, reveals true wisdom and power to believers.
This teaches us that true wisdom comes from God and often contradicts worldly views. It encourages us to seek God’s wisdom through prayer, scripture, and the guidance of the Church. By embracing this wisdom, we can live a life that is always ready for Christ, filled with the knowledge and power that comes from God alone.
The readings for Friday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 call us to reflect deeply on our spiritual preparedness and wisdom. By embracing God’s power, staying vigilant in our faith, and seeking His wisdom, we can be ready for whatever comes our way. Let us take these lessons to heart and live them out in our daily lives, always prepared for Jesus’ return.
Prayer
Lord, guide us to seek Your wisdom and strength. Help us to be vigilant and ready, keeping our lamps filled with faith and good works. May we always live according to Your will, prepared for the day we meet You. Amen.
Homilies and Reflections for Friday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
Word on Fire: Be Wise in Waiting for Christ
In his reflection for Friday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, Bishop Robert Barron highlights the parable of the ten virgins. The wise virgins, who prepared for the bridegroom, represent those who actively cultivate their faith through prayer, learning, sacraments, and acts of mercy. The foolish virgins, neglecting these things, are unprepared when the bridegroom arrives. Barron emphasizes that the spiritual life can’t be shared at the last minute, and each person must nurture their relationship with Christ individually. The message is to remain vigilant and committed in our faith while waiting for Christ.
Dynamic Catholic: Your Most Important Appointment
In his reflection for Friday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, Matthew Kelly focuses on Jesus’ parable of the ten maidens, emphasizing the importance of being prepared for God’s call. The wise maidens were ready for the bridegroom, while the foolish ones were not, symbolizing our readiness for God’s invitation to the kingdom of heaven. Kelly asks if we are truly prepared for this ultimate appointment and challenges us to reflect on what we need to do to be ready for when God calls. It’s a reminder to always stay spiritually vigilant and prepared.
Order of Preachers: Learning to See
In a reflection from Sr. MaryAnn Watts for Friday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, she shares insights on the parable of the wise and foolish maidens. The wise maidens were prepared for the bridegroom’s arrival, while the foolish were not. Sr. MaryAnn reflects on making choices that align with our God-given mission, like the maidens who fulfilled their duty. The light in the story symbolizes spiritual awareness, which helps us recognize our mission and connect with God. By “learning to see” through this light, we grow in understanding of God and our place in His creation.
USCCB Reflection: Finding Wisdom in Christ
In a USCCB video reflection for Friday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, Fr. John Mckenzie speaks about St. Paul’s emphasis on unity among different groups under Christ. Whether Jewish, Greek, or from other backgrounds, all are united in Christ’s salvation. Fr. Mckenzie also reflects on the Gospel’s parable of the wise and foolish maidens, highlighting the importance of seeking wisdom. He encourages us to meditate on Scripture and the life of Jesus daily, and to seek wisdom through the guidance of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Seat of Wisdom.
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.
Questions and Answers for Friday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
What date is Friday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?
The next date is Friday August 28, 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 Friday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1.
What are the Mass readings for Friday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?
The Mass readings for Friday August 28, 2026 are:
First Reading – 1 Corinthians 1:17-25: The Power of the Cross
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 33: Rejoice in the Lord
Gospel – Matthew 25:1-13: The Parable of the Ten Virgins
What does the parable of the ten virgins mean in the readings for Friday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?
The parable teaches us to be ready for Jesus’ return. The wise virgins had extra oil, showing they were prepared, while the foolish virgins were not.
Why did the foolish virgins not have enough oil in the Gospel reading for Friday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?
The foolish virgins were not prepared for the delay of the bridegroom. This teaches us the importance of always being ready, as we do not know when Jesus will come.
What does the oil in the lamps symbolize in the Gospel for Friday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?
The oil symbolizes our spiritual readiness and good deeds. It represents being prepared and living a life faithful to God’s teachings.
How can we apply the lesson of being prepared from the readings for Friday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?
We can stay prepared by praying, following God’s commandments, and doing good deeds. This helps us be ready for when Jesus comes.
What does it mean to be watchful according to the readings for Friday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?
Being watchful means staying alert and ready for Jesus’ return. It involves living according to God’s will and not getting distracted by worldly things.
Why were the foolish virgins not allowed into the wedding feast in the Gospel reading for Friday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?
They were not allowed in because they were not ready. This teaches us that we must be prepared at all times to enter God’s kingdom.
What is the main message of the Gospel reading for Friday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?
The main message is to be ready and prepared for Jesus’ return. We should live our lives in a way that keeps us ready to meet Him at any time.
How does the parable of the ten virgins relate to our daily lives?
It reminds us to live wisely and be prepared for unexpected events. We should always be spiritually ready and live according to God’s teachings.
What can we learn about responsibility from the readings for Friday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?
We learn that it is important to be responsible and prepared in our faith. This means taking our spiritual life seriously and being ready for God’s call.
How can we ensure we have “enough oil” like the wise virgins in the Gospel for Friday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?
We can ensure we have enough “oil” by staying close to God through prayer, good deeds, and living a faithful life. This prepares us for Jesus’ return and eternal life.
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