Daily Mass Readings for Friday of the 26th 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 October 2, the gospel for the Memorial of the Guardian Angels is used.
- First Reading (Cycle 1) - Baruch 1:15-22: During their captivity, the Israelites acknowledge their continuous disobedience towards God and their ancestors' similar transgressions. They admit to ignoring prophets and pursuing their own desires, leading to their current predicament.
- First Reading (Cycle 2) - Job 38:1, 12-21; 40:3-5: The LORD challenges Job from a storm, questioning his understanding of the universe's complexities and wonders. Job responds by acknowledging his insignificance and chooses to remain silent in humility.
- Responsorial Psalm (Cycle 1) - Psalm 79: Nations have defiled God's temple and harmed His people, leaving them in despair and reproach. The psalmist implores God for deliverance and forgiveness, emphasizing the glory of God's name.
- Responsorial Psalm (Cycle 2) - Psalm 139: The psalmist acknowledges God's omnipresence, understanding every action and thought. No matter where one goes, God's guidance and protection are constant. The psalmist praises God for His intricate creation.
- Gospel - Luke 10:13-16: Jesus warns cities of impending judgment for not repenting despite witnessing miracles. He emphasizes the significance of accepting or rejecting His message, linking it directly to accepting or rejecting God.
Themes for the Daily Mass Readings for Friday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time
- Consequences for Unrepentance: Jesus condemns cities that witnessed his miracles but didn't repent. This theme underscores the importance of response and the consequences of remaining unresponsive to divine signs.
- Comparative Judgment: Cities notorious for their wickedness, like Sodom, would have repented had they seen such miracles. This introduces a theme of relative morality and suggests some cities' greater accountability due to the blessings they received.
- Delegated Authority: The rejection of the seventy-two is equated with the rejection of Jesus and God. This theme emphasizes the authority Jesus imparts to his followers and signifies that their message carries divine weight.
- Direct Consequences: Jesus warns that those who reject the disciples' message will face judgment. This underscores the gravity of the mission and the importance of heeding the message.
Whoever listens to you listens to me. Whoever rejects you rejects me. And whoever rejects me rejects the one who sent me.
Luke 10:16
Thoughts for Friday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time
The gospel for Friday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time, Luke 10:13-16, recounts Jesus's reproach of certain towns for their lack of repentance despite witnessing his miracles. He contrasts their reactions with what might have been the reactions of historically wicked cities, suggesting they might have repented if given the same opportunities. The climax of the passage comes when Jesus says, "Whoever listens to you listens to me; whoever rejects you rejects me; and whoever rejects me rejects the one who sent me."
Tthis passage emphasizes the responsibility that comes with knowledge. The towns reproached by Jesus were not just passive non-believers; they had witnessed miracles and still did not change their ways. For today's Catholics, this is a potent reminder that exposure to the teachings and wonders of the faith comes with an expectation of transformation.
There's the idea of opportunities. The towns had opportunities to embrace Jesus's teachings but didn't. In everyday life, opportunities to embody Jesus's teachings might come as acts of kindness, moments of forgiveness, choices of integrity, or times of selfless giving. Recognizing and acting upon these moments is integral to living out the faith.
The concept of representation is also crucial here. When Jesus speaks of those who listen to or reject the disciples, he's pointing to the interconnectedness of his mission, his followers, and God. By extension, contemporary Catholics represent Jesus in their actions and choices. When people encounter a follower of Jesus, they should ideally encounter the values and teachings of Jesus himself.
The little opportunities matter significantly. Each choice to act as Jesus taught is an acceptance of his invitation. Conversely, each missed opportunity or contrary choice is a rejection. It's not always about grand gestures but consistent, everyday decisions that align with Jesus's teachings, leading to a life that truly represents his message.
Prayer for Friday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time
Lord Jesus, please help open my heart to accept your teachings. I want to be a part of your Kingdom, but I often falter. Show me what I need to repent of right now. Amen.
Homilies and Reflections for Friday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time
Word on Fire: Embracing Healing and New Values.
In this reflection for Friday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time, Bishop Robert Barron emphasizes Jesus' critique of cities that disregarded His teachings. Despite witnessing His miracles, they remain unrepentant. Highlighting the mission of the Church, Bishop Barron stresses the role of healing, both physically and spiritually, as demonstrated by numerous saints. Furthermore, the Church's responsibility is to declare the advent of God's kingdom. This proclamation heralds a transformative shift in values. While worldly principles prioritize wealth, fame, and pleasure, the message of Christ promotes love, compassion, inclusivity, and forgiveness, presenting an alternative path validated by God.
USCCB Reflection: Reflecting on Our Place with God
This USCCB video reflection for Friday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time encourages us to think about our relationship with God and recognize his vastness compared to our human existence. The story of Job highlights how God is beyond our understanding, reminding us we are cherished but also emphasizing that we shouldn't see Him merely as a wish granter, but appreciate the broader relationship. Instead of only approaching God with requests, we should acknowledge his omnipotence and love for us. Despite the enormity of the universe and all of God's creations, humans hold a unique and special place. Lastly, our actions should be driven by respect for God's position, and not merely by specific demands or desires.
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