Thursday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time

• First Reading – 1 Kings 2:1-4, 10-12: David, nearing his end, counseled Solomon to steadfastly follow God, ensuring prosperity and fulfilling God’s promise for a lasting royal lineage. David’s reign ended, and Solomon’s began firmly.
• Responsorial Psalm – 1 Chronicles 29: Blessed be the Lord, our ancestors’ God, forever. He embodies greatness, power, and supreme rule. From Him comes all wealth, honor, and strength.
• Gospel – Mark 6:7-13: Jesus empowered the Twelve Apostles, sending them in pairs with authority over evil spirits. He instructed them to travel light, relying on hospitality, and to stay in one house per location. If unwelcomed, they were to leave, symbolically shaking off dust. They preached repentance, cast out demons, and healed the sick.

Jesus summoned the Twelve and began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over unclean spirits.

Mark 6:7

On Thursday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 2, the readings focus on faithfulness, mission, and leadership. The First Reading speaks about King David’s advice to Solomon, while the Gospel recounts Jesus sending out the Twelve to preach and heal.

• Faithful obedience to God: David urges Solomon to follow God’s commandments. This reminds us to stay loyal to God’s ways in all we do.
• Passing on wisdom: David shares his wisdom with Solomon before his death. This highlights the importance of teaching others about living a life rooted in God’s will.
• God’s promise to the faithful: David reminds Solomon of God’s promise to his family if they remain faithful. This shows how God blesses those who walk in His ways.
• Dependence on God in mission: Jesus sends the apostles out with few possessions. This teaches us to trust in God’s care as we carry out His work.
• Spreading the Good News: Jesus sends the Twelve to preach repentance. This reminds us of our call to share God’s message with others.
• Healing and service: The apostles heal the sick as part of their mission. This shows how God’s work includes caring for both spiritual and physical needs.

These themes remind us of the call to live faithfully and to serve others as God asks. They encourage us to trust in God and share His message with the world.

Thursday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 offers lessons on faithfulness, teamwork, and trust. The readings show us how to live out God’s call in our daily lives. David’s advice to Solomon and Jesus’ sending of the apostles remind us to pass on wisdom, work together, and rely on God. These reflections invite us to grow in faith and act with purpose.

Passing on Godly Wisdom

In the First Reading for Thursday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, David gives Solomon advice before he dies. He tells Solomon to follow God’s commands and to stay faithful. This is more than just a father speaking to his son. David is teaching Solomon how to live as a good leader who serves God.

We also have chances to pass on wisdom to others. Parents teach children, and friends help each other grow closer to God. Like David, we can share what we have learned from our own faith journey.

This reflection reminds us that sharing wisdom is an act of love. It shows how we can guide others to live well and grow closer to God. Teaching others about God’s ways leaves a lasting impact.

Working Together in Mission

In the Gospel for Thursday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, Jesus sends the apostles out in pairs. They are to preach, heal, and help others. By going in pairs, they can support each other in their mission. This reminds us that community and teamwork are important when doing God’s work.

God calls us to work together, not alone. When we face challenges, others can encourage us. When we succeed, we can share that joy with someone else. The apostles show us how helping each other builds strength and unity.

This reflection invites us to think about how we work with others. Are we open to sharing the work and helping each other? Supporting others and being supported helps us grow in faith and share God’s love.

Trusting God’s Plan

Both the First Reading and the Gospel for Thursday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 point to trust in God. David tells Solomon to follow God’s commands and trust His promises. In the Gospel, Jesus tells the apostles to rely on God for their needs as they travel. Both readings show that trusting God brings strength and peace.

Trust is not always easy, especially when we face challenges. But God knows what we need and provides for us. Like the apostles, we are called to trust God’s plan even when we don’t have all the answers.

This reflection encourages us to place our confidence in God. When we let go of control and trust Him, we grow in faith. Trusting God helps us follow His ways and serve others with courage and love.

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The themes of Thursday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 challenge us to live faithfully and serve others. They remind us that God calls us to trust Him, share His word, and support one another. As we reflect, let’s think about how we can apply these lessons in our lives.

Prayer

Lord, help me to live faithfully and share Your love with others. Teach me to trust in Your plans and work with others in unity. Give me wisdom to guide those around me and strength to follow Your ways. May my actions bring me closer to You each day. Amen.

Reflection Questions

• How can you share your faith or wisdom with others this week?
• In what ways can you work with others to serve God better?
• What does it mean for you to trust in God’s plan right now?
• How can the examples in these readings guide your actions?

USCCB Reflection: An Unknown Journey

The USCCB reflection for Thursday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 2, centers on Jesus’ transformative call to His disciples, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.” This simple yet powerful invitation changed their lives, emphasizing the universal nature of Jesus’ message and its enduring relevance. The reflection connects this call to contemporary challenges, highlighting the importance of living the Gospel in daily life and standing against injustices. It underscores the discipleship’s enduring impact and the spiritual depth inherent in following Jesus, a path marked by both suffering and profound fulfillment. We are also called to go out and declare the gospel.

What date is Thursday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

The next date is Thursday February 5, 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 Thursday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1.

What are the Mass readings for Thursday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

The Mass readings for Thursday February 5, 2026 are:
First Reading  – 1 Kings 2:1-4, 10-12: David’s Final Charge to Solomon
Responsorial Psalm – 1 Chronicles 29: God’s Eternal Sovereignty
Gospel – Mark 6:7-13: The Twelve Sent Out

Why does David give Solomon instructions before he dies in the First Reading for Thursday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

David is preparing Solomon to be a good king. He reminds Solomon to follow God’s laws because this will help him lead well and stay close to God.

What does it mean when David speaks about God’s promise to his family?

David refers to the covenant God made with him. This shows how God blesses and supports those who live in faithfulness and obedience.

What lesson can we learn from David’s advice to Solomon?

David’s advice shows the importance of living according to God’s will. It reminds us to pass on our faith and values to others.

Why does Jesus send the apostles with so few possessions in the Gospel for Thursday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

Jesus wants the apostles to trust God for their needs. It also teaches us not to rely too much on material things when we do God’s work.

What is the meaning of the apostles preaching repentance?

The apostles call people to turn back to God and live better lives. This shows us the importance of making changes when we are not following God’s ways.

How do the apostles heal the sick?

The apostles heal with the authority Jesus gave them. This reminds us that God cares about both our physical and spiritual needs.

How does the Gospel for Thursday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 apply to everyday life?

The Gospel teaches us to trust in God and focus on sharing His message. It encourages us to serve others with humility and care.

Why is repentance important in the Gospel for Thursday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

Repentance helps people return to God and grow closer to Him. It shows how we can make changes to live in a way that pleases God.

What can we learn from the apostles being sent in pairs?

The apostles work together to support and encourage each other. This shows us the value of community and teamwork in doing God’s work.

How can we follow the example of the apostles?

We can share God’s message with others and care for those in need. It reminds us to rely on God’s strength and guidance in our actions.