Saturday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time
Saturday October 17, 2026
Daily Mass Readings for Saturday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
- First Reading – Ephesians 1:15-23: I continually thank God for your faith and love. My prayer is that God grants you wisdom and reveals himself to you, so you can grasp the magnitude of hope, glory, and power in Christ.
- Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 8: O LORD, your name is glorious. You have crafted the heavens and Earth. What is man that you care for him? Yet, you’ve made him almost like the angels, giving him dominion over your works.
- Gospel – Luke 12:8-12: If you acknowledge me publicly, you’ll be acknowledged in heaven; if you deny me, you’ll be denied. Words against me can be forgiven, but blasphemy against the Holy Spirit won’t. Don’t fret about defending yourself; the Holy Spirit will guide you.
Upcoming dates: October 17, 2026, October 21, 2028, October 19, 2030, October 16, 2032
Do not worry about how or what your defense will be or about what you are to say. For the Holy Spirit will teach you at that moment what you should say.
Luke 12:11-12
Themes for the Readings for Saturday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
On Saturday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, the readings remind us of God’s power and how we should witness to our faith. The first reading from Ephesians emphasizes Christ’s authority and the Gospel of Luke calls us to speak boldly of our faith, trusting in the Holy Spirit.
- Faith in Christ’s power: Ephesians 1:15-23 speaks of the strength and authority of Jesus over all things. It reminds us to place our trust in Him and recognize that He is above every power.
- Hope in God’s promises: Paul prays for the Ephesians to know the hope that God gives. This hope comes from being united with Christ, who is risen and seated in glory.
- The role of the Church: Ephesians describes the Church as Christ’s body. It teaches us that we are united in Him and are called to carry out His mission on earth.
- The Holy Spirit’s help: In Luke 12:8-12, Jesus assures us that the Holy Spirit will guide us when we face challenges. When we are questioned or persecuted, we are to rely on the Spirit for wisdom and courage.
- Courage in witnessing: Jesus calls us to be bold in confessing our faith before others. If we acknowledge Him before others, He will acknowledge us before God.
- Christ’s final judgment: Jesus also warns of the consequences of denying Him. It reminds us of the seriousness of our faith and the need to remain faithful, even in hard times.
These readings encourage us to rely on Christ’s power and the Holy Spirit’s guidance in our lives. As followers of Jesus, we are called to be courageous in our faith, trusting in His promises and strength.
Thoughts for Saturday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
On Saturday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, the readings invite us to reflect on the hope, guidance, and strength that come from God. Paul encourages the Ephesians to understand the hope found in Christ’s resurrection, while Jesus promises that the Holy Spirit will guide us in difficult times. Together, these readings remind us to trust in Christ’s power and rely on the Holy Spirit’s help.
Hope in Christ’s Glory
On Saturday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, Paul prays for the Ephesians to understand the hope they have in Jesus. This hope is rooted in Christ’s resurrection and His place at God’s right hand. By being united with Him, we share in this hope, knowing that He has already overcome sin and death.
Our hope in Christ is not based on our own strength. It comes from knowing that Jesus is already victorious. Because He is seated in glory, we can have confidence that He will bring us through whatever trials we face. This hope gives us peace, knowing that our future is secure in Him.
This reflection on hope is important in our daily lives. When life becomes difficult or uncertain, we can remember that our hope is in Jesus, who is always in control. The promise of His glory strengthens us to face our own struggles with faith and trust.
The Holy Spirit’s Guidance
On Saturday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, Jesus assures us that the Holy Spirit will be with us in times of trial. We don’t have to worry or be afraid when we face challenges or persecution because the Holy Spirit will guide us. This promise reminds us that we are never alone in our journey of faith.
When we are questioned or pressured because of our faith, it is easy to feel anxious. But Jesus teaches us that, in those moments, the Holy Spirit will give us the words we need. Instead of relying on our own ability to defend ourselves, we can trust that God will speak through us.
This is a comforting reminder for times when we don’t know how to respond to difficult situations. The Holy Spirit is always present to give us the wisdom and courage we need. All we have to do is stay close to God in prayer and trust His Spirit to lead us.
Strength in Christ and the Spirit
On Saturday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, both the first reading and the Gospel show how God gives us strength. Paul speaks of the power of Christ, who is seated above all authority, and Jesus promises that the Holy Spirit will be with us in moments of trial. Together, these readings remind us that our strength comes from God alone.
In the first reading, we learn that Jesus holds all things together and rules over all. This truth should give us great confidence, knowing that nothing can happen to us outside of His control. The Gospel assures us that the Holy Spirit will help us, especially when we are pressured or persecuted because of our faith.
Both readings invite us to rely on God’s power in every situation. Whether we face hardships or opposition, we are never left to handle it on our own. Christ’s authority and the Spirit’s guidance give us the strength to continue following Jesus with courage.
The reflections for Saturday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 remind us that we are not alone in our journey of faith. Christ’s glory and the Holy Spirit’s presence give us hope and strength to face any challenge. As we move forward, let us trust in the power and guidance that God provides each day.
Prayer
Lord, help us to trust in the hope you give through Jesus Christ. Guide us by your Spirit when we face challenges, and give us the strength to live out our faith with courage. May we always look to you for help in all things. Amen.
Reflection Questions
- How does knowing Christ is seated in glory give you hope in your daily life?
- In what ways can you rely more on the Holy Spirit when you face challenges or persecution?
- How does the power of Christ help you to face your own struggles?
- What can you do to strengthen your trust in God’s guidance and protection?
Homilies and Reflections for Saturday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
Order of Preachers: A Letter to Us
Sr. Beth McCormick, O.P., from The Order of Preachers, reflects on Ephesians 1:15-23 for Saturday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2. She emphasizes Paul’s prayer for the early Christians, asking God to give them spiritual wisdom and hope. Sr. Beth encourages us to make this prayer our own, seeking a deeper understanding of God’s call, the richness of our inheritance, and the power available to believers. She invites us to pause, reflect, and feel gratitude for God’s work in our lives. This gratitude energizes us for the mission of building a truly united and synodal Church.
Dynamic Catholic: Speak Through the Spirit
Matthew Kelly, from Dynamic Catholic, reflects on Luke 12:8-12 for Saturday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2. He emphasizes that the Holy Spirit will provide the right words when needed, even in challenging situations. Kelly shares personal experiences where he relied on the Holy Spirit, like speaking on the night of 9/11, trusting God’s guidance despite the difficulty. He encourages listeners to identify a word, phrase, or idea from the Gospel that speaks to them and to let it shape their daily lives. The reflection calls for confidence in the Spirit’s help as we live out the Gospel message.
Word On Fire: Dealing with Persecution
In this reflection for Saturday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time, Bishop Robert Barron discusses dealing with persecution as a follower of Jesus Christ. According to Bishop Barron, persecution is an enduring aspect of the Church’s existence, one that won’t cease until the Lord returns. The Church’s message, which speaks of a new world emerging to replace the old, inherently conflicts with the prevailing world of sin. Jesus advises not to worry during times of persecution, as the Holy Spirit will provide the words to say. In the interim, the Church should remain detached from the worldly concerns, while boldly speaking the Gospel’s message.
Questions and Answers for Saturday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
What date is Saturday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?
The next date is Saturday October 17, 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 Saturday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1.
What are the Mass readings for Saturday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?
The Mass readings for Saturday October 17, 2026 are:
First Reading – Ephesians 1:15-23: Prayer for Enlightenment
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 8: Majesty of God’s Creation
Gospel – Luke 12:8-12: Acknowledge or Deny
What does it mean that Jesus has authority over all things in the first reading for Saturday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?
The first reading reminds us that Jesus is above all powers, both in heaven and on earth. This means we can trust Him completely because He is in control of everything.
How can I know the hope Paul talks about?
Paul prays that we understand the hope we have in Christ. We can know this hope by growing closer to Jesus in prayer and trusting in His promises.
What does it mean that the Church is Christ’s body?
The Church is like a body, with Jesus as the head. This means we are all connected and work together under Christ’s leadership to carry out His mission.
Why does Jesus tell us not to worry about what to say in the Gospel for Saturday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?
Jesus tells us not to worry because the Holy Spirit will help us when we face difficulties. This means we should trust that God will guide us when we need to defend our faith.
How do we acknowledge Jesus before others?
The Gospel calls us to confess Jesus openly. We can do this by living our faith every day and speaking about Him when we have the chance.
What happens if we deny Jesus?
The Gospel warns us not to deny Jesus, even when it’s hard. If we stand firm, He will acknowledge us before God, but if we deny Him, there will be serious consequences.
How does the Holy Spirit help us in difficult times?
The Holy Spirit gives us strength and wisdom when we face challenges. When we don’t know what to say, the Holy Spirit helps us speak with confidence.
What should I do if I am afraid to talk about my faith?
Saturday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 encourages us not to fear, but to trust that the Holy Spirit will help. We can pray for courage and rely on God’s help to speak up when needed.
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