Friday of the 27th Week in Ordinary Time

Daily Mass Readings for Friday of the 27th 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.

• First Reading (Cycle 1) – Joel 1:13-15; 2:1-2: “Their like has not been from of old, nor will it be after them, even to the years of distant generations”
• First Reading (Cycle 2) – Galatians 3:7-14: “Realize that it is those who have faith who are children of Abraham. Scripture, which saw in advance that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, foretold the good news to Abraham, saying, through you shall all the nations be blessed.”
• Responsorial Psalm (Cycle 1) – Psalm 9: “The Lord will judge the world with justice.”
• Responsorial Psalm (Cycle 2) – Psalm 111: The Lord will remember his covenant for ever.
• Gospel – Luke 11:15-26: “Every kingdom divided against itself will be laid waste and house will fall against house.”

Thoughts for Friday of the 27th Week in Ordinary Time

In today’s gospel, Jesus talks about being with or against him. He warns that nothing which is internally divided can stand. Jesus always seeks to bring us closer to him and each other.

My impulse is often to divide, setting up and us vs. them attitude. I bond more tightly with the “us” by pushing away the “them”. This only weakens us. We can gain strength for the work of the Kingdom by inviting more people in.

Prayer for Friday of the 27th Week in Ordinary Time

Father, teach me how to bring your people together. Let me strengthen my community by seeking unity and not division. Help me to find common ground. Amen.

Word on Fire: Back Together

From Bishop Robert Barron. “The demonic power is always one of scattering. It breaks up communion. But Jesus, as always, is the voice of communio, of one bringing things back together.” Continue reading.

The Enemy of our Human Nature

From the Jesuits. “In the course of our lives we acquire them – our own little demons. Call them what you will. Unhealthy attitudes. Destructive dispositions. Injurious habits.” Continue reading.