Saturday of the 27th Week in Ordinary Time

• First Reading – Galatians 3:22-29: Before faith in Christ, the law guided us. Now, through faith, we’re God’s children. Distinctions like Jew or Greek, slave or free, male or female don’t matter; all are one in Christ and heirs to Abraham’s promise.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 105: Sing praises and celebrate the LORD’s wonders. Those who seek Him find joy. Remember his mighty acts and decrees. Descendants of Abraham and Jacob, recognize He is our just God everywhere.
• Gospel – Luke 11:27-28: A woman praised Jesus’ mother. Jesus responded, emphasizing that true blessing comes from hearing and obeying God’s word.

While Jesus was speaking, a woman from the crowd called out and said to him, “Blessed is the womb that carried you and the breasts at which you nursed.” He replied, “Rather, blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it.”

Luke 11:27-28

On Saturday of the 27th Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 2, the readings guide us to reflect on faith and belonging to God’s family. These themes invite us to consider our relationship with God and the importance of following His Word.

• Faith in Christ: The first reading emphasizes that we are saved by faith in Jesus. It reminds us that faith is what brings us into God’s family.
• Unity in Christ: Paul teaches that in Christ, all are one. There is no division, and everyone belongs to God’s people through faith.
• Freedom from the Law: The Law served its purpose, but now we are called to live by faith. Our relationship with God is no longer based on rules but on trust in Jesus.
• Belonging to God’s Family: Baptism makes us sons and daughters of God. Through faith and baptism, we are all part of God’s family.
• Hearing God’s Word: In the Gospel, Jesus blesses those who hear and keep God’s Word. Listening to and following God’s teachings is more important than any other honor.
• Obedience to God: Jesus teaches that obedience to God’s Word is key to true happiness. Blessings come when we hear and follow God’s will.

These themes encourage us to reflect on our faith and our connection to God. They also remind us that true belonging and happiness come from hearing and living by God’s Word.

On Saturday of the 27th Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 2, the readings call us to reflect on faith, obedience, and how we live out God’s Word. Paul reminds us that faith in Jesus is central to our relationship with God. Jesus emphasizes that true blessing comes from hearing and obeying God’s Word. These reflections explore how these themes shape our lives as followers of Christ.

Faith Is Greater Than the Law

In the first reading for Saturday of the 27th Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 2, Paul explains that the old Law had its purpose, but now we are called to live by faith in Jesus. The Law was like a guide or teacher that showed people how to live. However, with the coming of Jesus, faith takes the central role. The Law alone cannot bring us into a relationship with God; faith in Jesus does.

Paul is telling us that rules are not the final answer. The rules of the old Law pointed people toward God, but they were not enough to save anyone. Jesus saves us by His life, death, and resurrection. When we believe in Him, we become part of God’s family.

We are called to place our trust in Jesus and live by faith. This doesn’t mean we ignore the commandments or stop trying to do good. It means that faith in Jesus gives meaning to everything we do. Without faith, rules are just empty actions. With faith, we find true life in Christ.

Hearing and Obeying God’s Word

The Gospel for Saturday of the 27th Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 2, teaches us the importance of hearing and following God’s Word. A woman praises Jesus’ mother, but Jesus responds by saying that those who hear and obey God’s Word are truly blessed. This shows that it is not enough to know about God’s Word; we need to live it out in our daily lives.

Hearing God’s Word means more than just listening. It means taking His teachings into our hearts and putting them into action. Jesus makes it clear that following God’s will is more important than any other honor. This blessing comes from a life lived according to God’s Word, not just from hearing it.

We can ask ourselves, are we living out what we hear? Do we make time to listen to what God is telling us through scripture and prayer? Hearing God’s Word and following it will lead to true happiness, because we are doing what God wants for our lives.

Faith and Obedience Go Hand in Hand

Both the first reading and the Gospel for Saturday of the 27th Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 2, show how faith and obedience are connected. In the first reading, we are reminded that faith in Jesus is what brings us into God’s family. In the Gospel, Jesus says that those who hear and obey God’s Word are blessed. Together, these readings show that faith and obedience work together.

Faith leads us to trust in God and follow His teachings. Obedience to God’s Word is a natural result of having faith. If we trust in Jesus, we will want to live the way He asks us to live. Following God’s commands is not about rigid rules, but about responding in love to the faith we have in Him.

Living by faith means that we are not just obeying rules for their own sake, but because we believe in the goodness of God’s will for us. As we grow in faith, our hearts are more open to doing what God asks. This is the blessing Jesus talks about: hearing God’s Word, believing in it, and living it out in our everyday lives.

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Saturday of the 27th Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 2, invites us to look at our faith in Jesus and how it guides our actions. We are reminded that faith brings us into God’s family, and obedience to His Word leads to true blessing. By living according to God’s will, we find meaning and happiness.

Prayer

Lord, help us to place our trust in You and live by faith each day. Teach us to listen to Your Word and obey Your will. Give us the strength to follow Your teachings and live out our faith through love and action. Amen.

Reflection Questions

• How does faith in Jesus shape the way I live my daily life?
• Do I make time to listen to God’s Word and reflect on its meaning?
• In what areas of my life is God calling me to greater obedience?
• How can I better connect my faith with the actions I take every day?

Word On Fire: The Power of God

In this reflection for Saturday of the 27th Week in Ordinary Time, Bishop Robert Barron focuses on the influence of St. John Paul II on the Polish people, especially in the context of Communist rule during the 1980s. Despite growing up under oppressive political systems like Nazism and Communism, John Paul II fearlessly proclaimed messages of God, human rights, and individual dignity, often going against political and diplomatic norms. The power of his words culminated in a gathering where millions chanted their desire for God. Bishop Barron underscores the innate power of God’s love, which surpasses worldly oppressions and cannot be contained by any political force.

What date is Saturday of the 27th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

The next date is Saturday October 12, 2024.

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 27th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1.

What are the Mass readings for Saturday of the 27th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

The Mass readings for Saturday October 12, 2024 are:
First Reading – Galatians 3:22-29: Unity in Christ
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 105: The Lord’s Everlasting Covenant
Gospel – Luke 11:27-28: True Blessedness

What does it mean to be saved by faith?

In the first reading, Paul explains that we are saved by faith in Jesus, not by following the old Law. This means that trusting in Jesus brings us into God’s family and gives us hope of eternal life.

Why is there no division in Christ?

Paul says that in Christ, all are one. This means that no matter who we are, if we have faith in Jesus, we are equal and loved by God.

How does baptism make us part of God’s family?

On Saturday of the 27th Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 2, the first reading explains that through baptism, we are united with Christ and become children of God. Baptism brings us into a special relationship with God.

Why is the old Law no longer enough?

The first reading says the old Law had a purpose, but now we are called to live by faith in Jesus. This means that faith in Jesus is more important than following rules alone.

What does it mean to be one in Christ?

Being one in Christ means that everyone who believes in Him is equal. In God’s eyes, faith unites us as one family, no matter who we are or where we come from.

Why does Jesus say that hearing God’s Word is important?

In the Gospel, Jesus says that those who hear and follow God’s Word are truly blessed. This shows us that listening to what God teaches is more important than any other title or honor.

What does it mean to obey God’s Word?

Obeying God’s Word means living according to what He teaches. Jesus says that true happiness comes when we hear what God wants and follow His will.

What is the blessing Jesus talks about?

In the Gospel reading for Saturday of the 27th Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 2, Jesus says those who hear and follow God’s Word are blessed. The blessing comes from doing what God wants and living according to His teachings.

How can I apply these readings to my life?

On Saturday of the 27th Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 2, the readings remind us to trust in Jesus and live by faith. This means listening to God’s teachings and following them in our daily lives.

How can I grow in faith?

The readings encourage us to grow in faith by trusting in Jesus and listening to His Word. We can pray, read the Bible, and follow the teachings of the Church to strengthen our faith.