Friday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2

Daily Mass Readings for Friday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2

• First Reading - 1 Samuel 24:3-21: In a cave, David spares Saul, his pursuer, illustrating respect and restraint towards God's anointed. Saul recognizes David's justice and prophesies his future kingship over Israel.
• Responsorial Psalm - Psalm 57: I implore God's compassion, finding refuge under His protective wings. I trust in His heavenly aid and truth against my oppressors, celebrating His glory and enduring faithfulness.
• Gospel - Mark 3:13-19: Jesus, after ascending a mountain, summoned those He chose, forming a group of twelve as Apostles. Their role was to stay close to Him, preach, and cast out demons. The Twelve included Simon (renamed Peter), James and John (Boanerges or 'sons of thunder'), Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, another James, Thaddeus, Simon the Cananaean, and Judas Iscariot, who would eventually betray Him.

Jesus went up the mountain and summoned those whom he wanted and they came to him.

Mark 3:13

Themes for the Readings for Friday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2

For Friday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, the themes emerging from the readings are:

• Respect for God's Anointed: In the first reading from 1 Samuel 24, David demonstrates profound respect and restraint towards Saul, acknowledging Saul as God's anointed king despite Saul's pursuit of David. This shows a deep reverence for God's choices and plans.
• Trust and Refuge in God: Psalm 57 highlights a theme of seeking refuge and trust in God. The psalmist implores God's compassion and protection, expressing confidence in God's help against oppressors and celebrating His enduring faithfulness.
• Divine Calling and Mission: The Gospel from Mark 3 focuses on Jesus' selection of the Twelve Apostles. This calling signifies a divine mission, where the chosen ones are to stay close to Jesus, preach the word, and cast out demons, embodying a special role in God's plan.
• Leadership and Humility: Both the first reading and the Gospel reflect on aspects of leadership. David's humility and Jesus' selection of the Apostles underscore the qualities of true leadership in God’s eyes, which include humility, service, and dedication to God's will.
• Faithfulness amidst Challenges: David's situation and the future challenges of the Apostles illustrate the theme of remaining faithful and steadfast in the face of trials and opposition, trusting in God's guidance and protection.
• Recognition of Goodness: Saul's recognition of David's justice and prophecy of his kingship point to the theme of acknowledging and affirming the goodness and righteousness in others, even in complex relationships.

These themes for Friday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 are integral for reflection and discussion, especially in the context of faith, ethics, and Christian discipleship.

Reflecting on the readings for Friday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, we find ourselves drawn into a profound narrative of divine calling and discipleship, primarily illuminated in the Gospel of Mark 3:13-19.

In this passage, Jesus ascends a mountain, a setting often symbolic of closeness to God and revelation in the scriptures. It is here that He calls to Himself those He desired, appointing twelve to be His Apostles. This moment is not just an act of selection but a profound invitation into a journey with Christ. The Apostles are called to be with Jesus, to preach, and to have the authority to cast out demons. This calling is twofold: it is both a privilege and a responsibility.

The significance of Jesus' choice is manifold. He chose ordinary men, from diverse backgrounds, with different temperaments and skills. Simon Peter, a fisherman with impetuous love; James and John, the 'Sons of Thunder', known for their passionate zeal; Matthew, a tax collector; Thomas, known for his doubts; and even Judas Iscariot, who would later betray Him. This diversity underscores that the call to follow Christ is universal, transcending all human barriers.

In the context of the other readings, we see a beautiful tapestry of themes interwoven. In 1 Samuel 24, David, anointed by God yet not yet king, encounters Saul in a cave. Despite having the opportunity to kill Saul, who was pursuing him, David chooses restraint and respect for God's anointed. This mirrors the respect and restraint the Apostles must have learned to practice in their mission, often facing hostility and rejection.

Psalm 57, with its plea for God's mercy and protection, reflects the inner disposition that the Apostles, and indeed all Christians, are called to cultivate. Trusting in God, seeking refuge under His wings, and celebrating His faithfulness are integral aspects of the journey of faith.

The Gospel and the accompanying readings offer us a profound message about our own calling as Christians. We are invited, like the Apostles, to come closer to Jesus, to listen to His teachings, and to participate in His mission. This invitation requires of us a response - a response that is grounded in humility, as shown by David, and trust in God, as echoed in the Psalm.

Moreover, the diversity of the Apostles reminds us that each person's calling is unique. We are not called to be copies of each other but to bring our own personalities, talents, and backgrounds into our discipleship. Just as Jesus saw potential in each Apostle, He sees it in each of us, inviting us to be part of His mission in the way only we can.

The readings for Friday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 call us to reflect on our own response to Jesus' invitation. Are we ready to accept His call with humility and trust? Are we prepared to embrace our unique role in His mission? Let us seek to be close to Jesus, learn from Him, and be empowered by Him to carry out the work He entrusts to us, just as the Apostles did.

Prayer

Jesus, I hear you calling me. Open my ears so that I can hear your instructions. Then I will be ready to go forth. Amen.

What date is Friday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

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 2nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1.

What are the Mass readings for Friday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

The Mass readings for Friday January 23, 2026 are:
First Reading  - 1 Samuel 24:3-21: David's Mercy to Saul
Responsorial Psalm - Psalm 57: Seeking Divine Shelter
Gospel - Mark 3:13-19: Choosing the Apostles

What is the main theme of the Gospel reading for Friday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

The main theme is Jesus calling His twelve apostles, highlighting the divine calling and the mission of spreading the Gospel and casting out demons.

How does the first reading for Friday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 relate to the Gospel?

The first reading, featuring David sparing Saul, relates to the Gospel in terms of demonstrating respect, restraint, and understanding one’s role in God’s plan, similar to the apostles understanding their calling.

Can the Psalm for Friday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 be connected to the Gospel?

Yes, Psalm 57, with its themes of trust and seeking refuge in God, can be seen as reflective of the faith and reliance on God that the apostles would need in their mission.

What can we learn from the readings of Friday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

These readings teach us about respecting God’s plan, the significance of divine calling, the importance of trust in God, and the role of humility and faithfulness in discipleship.

How should one reflect on the readings for Friday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

Reflecting on these readings involves considering our own response to God’s calling, how we demonstrate trust and humility in our lives, and how we can embrace our unique roles in God’s plan.

How can the themes from Friday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 be applied in daily life?

These themes can be applied by practicing humility, showing respect towards others, trusting in God during challenges, and being open to God’s calling in various aspects of our lives.