Thursday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time

• First Reading – 1 Kings 11:4-13: In his later years, Solomon’s devotion waned as he worshipped foreign gods, influenced by his wives. This disobedience angered the LORD, leading to the decision that Solomon’s kingdom would be divided, sparing only one tribe for David’s sake.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 106: Blessed are those walking in righteousness; yet, straying into foreign customs brought God’s people to grievous acts. May the Lord remember His people in kindness, despite their transgressions.
• Gospel – Mark 7:24-30: In Tyre, a Syrophoenician woman sought Jesus for her demon-afflicted daughter. Despite Jesus’ initial reluctance, symbolizing his mission to Israel, her faith and persistence led to her daughter’s healing. This encounter underscores faith’s power and Jesus’ compassion extending beyond cultural boundaries.

Lectionary Reference: 332

Upcoming dates: February 12, 2026, February 10, 2028, February 14, 2030

Lord, even the dogs under the table eat the children’s scraps.

Mark 7:28

On Thursday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 2, the readings highlight God’s faithfulness, human weakness, and the power of humility. They show how God works through both the chosen people of Israel and outsiders who trust in Him.

• God’s faithfulness despite sin: God remains faithful to His covenant even when His people fail. In the first reading, despite Solomon’s unfaithfulness, God upholds His promise to David for the sake of future generations.
• Consequences of unfaithfulness: Turning away from God has real consequences. Solomon’s idolatry brings division and loss, showing how disobedience disrupts our relationship with God and others.
• Jesus welcomes outsiders: In the Gospel, Jesus heals the daughter of a Syrophoenician woman, showing that God’s mercy extends to all people, not just the Israelites. Her faith teaches that trust in Jesus leads to blessings.
• The role of humility: The woman in the Gospel humbles herself before Jesus, and He responds to her trust. Her actions remind us that humility is key to receiving God’s help.
• God’s justice and mercy: The first reading shows God’s justice in punishing Solomon’s sin but also His mercy in preserving the kingdom for David’s descendants. This balance reflects God’s care for His people.
• Faith as persistence: The Syrophoenician woman’s persistence in asking for Jesus’ help is a model for prayer. Her unwavering trust shows how faith involves perseverance and confidence in God’s goodness.

Thursday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 2, invites us to reflect on our faith and relationship with God. It reminds us to stay faithful, trust in His mercy, and approach Him with humility and perseverance.

Thursday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 gives us lessons about faithfulness, humility, and trust in God. The readings show the harm caused by turning away from God and the blessings that come from trusting in Him. They invite us to reflect on our choices, relationships, and faith in God’s care for all people.

The Consequences of Turning Away from God

The first reading for Thursday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 tells the story of Solomon’s disobedience. Although Solomon was blessed with wisdom and a strong kingdom, he allowed his heart to turn away from God. He began to worship false gods, which led to division and trouble in his kingdom. His actions show how sin not only hurts the person who sins but also those around them.

This story is a warning for all of us. When we let other things take God’s place in our hearts, we start to lose the peace and direction He gives us. Just like Solomon, we can find ourselves choosing what is easier or more popular over what is right. These choices lead to broken relationships with God and others.

Thursday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 reminds us to examine our priorities. We are called to be faithful to God in all areas of our lives. When we choose God above all else, we stay on the path of peace and avoid the pain that sin brings.

God’s Mercy for Everyone

The Gospel for Thursday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 shows Jesus healing the daughter of a Syrophoenician woman. This woman was not part of the people of Israel, but her faith and persistence moved Jesus to help her. Through this story, we see that God’s mercy is not limited to one group of people. It is for everyone who trusts in Him.

This story reminds us that no one is excluded from God’s care. Sometimes, we might feel unworthy or think that others are closer to God than we are. The Gospel shows us that God is ready to help anyone who comes to Him in faith.

Thursday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 invites us to reflect on how we treat others. Do we welcome everyone as God does? This Gospel challenges us to have open hearts and to trust that God’s blessings are for all people.

Faith as a Key to God’s Blessings

Both the first reading and the Gospel for Thursday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 highlight the importance of faith. Solomon’s lack of faithfulness led him to rely on false gods, and his kingdom suffered because of it. In contrast, the Syrophoenician woman placed her full trust in Jesus, and her daughter was healed. Faith makes all the difference in our relationship with God.

Faith means putting God first and trusting His plan for our lives. Solomon forgot this truth when he let his desires for other things distract him. The woman in the Gospel teaches us to approach God with humility and trust, believing that He can do what is best for us.

Thursday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 reminds us to reflect on our faith. Are we relying on God or turning to other things for security and happiness? The readings encourage us to deepen our trust in God and to keep Him at the center of our lives.

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These reflections remind us of the importance of staying close to God. Thursday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 encourages us to be faithful, humble, and open to God’s mercy. Let these lessons guide us as we seek to follow Him in our daily lives.

Prayer

Lord, help us to stay faithful to You in all we do. Keep us humble and trusting, like the Syrophoenician woman. Teach us to avoid anything that turns our hearts away from You. May we always rely on Your mercy and share Your love with others. Amen.

Reflection Questions

• What things in your life might be pulling you away from God?
• How does the faith of the Syrophoenician woman inspire you?
• Do you trust God to care for you, even when life is hard?
• How can you show mercy and kindness to others, as Jesus did?

Word on Fire Reflection: Embracing the “Annoying Other” in Faith

In Bishop Robert Barron’s reflection for Thursday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 he explores the encounter between Jesus and a persistent woman, emphasizing Christian responsibility towards the marginalized. Highlighting the balance between humility and boldness, Barron draws from the philosophy of the “other,” urging the Church, as Christ’s body, to welcome and care for the stranger, widow, and orphan, embodying Christ’s love and compassion even when tempted to turn away. This encounter challenges us to remember and act upon the needs of the “annoying other.”

What date is Thursday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

The next date is Thursday February 12, 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 5th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1.

What are the Mass readings for Thursday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

The Mass readings for Thursday February 12, 2026 are:
First Reading  – 1 Kings 11:4-13: Solomon’s Straying and Consequence
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 106: Mercy in Righteousness
Gospel – Mark 7:24-30: Syrophoenician Woman’s Faith

What is the main message of the first reading for Thursday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

The first reading shows that turning away from God leads to consequences. It also reminds us that God keeps His promises, even when His people fail to stay faithful.

Why did Solomon’s actions lead to trouble in the kingdom?

Solomon worshiped false gods and disobeyed God’s commands. This sin brought division to his kingdom, teaching us that sin weakens our relationship with God and others.

How does the first reading apply to our lives?

The reading reminds us to put God first in our lives. When we make other things more important than God, it leads to trouble and separation from Him.

How does the first reading relate to our choices today?

The first reading reminds us that our choices have consequences. If we stay faithful to God, we can trust in His guidance and care for us.

What is the lesson from the Gospel for Thursday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

The Gospel shows that God’s mercy is for everyone, not just a chosen few. It also teaches that humility and faith open the door to God’s blessings.

Why is the Syrophoenician woman’s faith important?

Her faith shows the importance of trusting in Jesus even when we face challenges. She humbly asks for His help and does not give up, which is a good example for us in our prayers.

How can the Gospel help us in daily life?

The Gospel teaches us to trust in God’s goodness and to be persistent in our prayers. We can learn to approach God with humility and confidence, knowing He cares for us.

Why is humility so important in the Gospel?

The woman’s humility shows that recognizing our need for God brings blessings. It teaches us to rely on God instead of ourselves.

What do the readings together teach about God?

The readings show that God is both just and merciful. He calls us to follow Him faithfully and is ready to bless those who trust in Him, no matter their background.

What should we remember from Thursday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

We should remember to stay faithful, trust in God’s mercy, and approach Him with humility and persistence. The readings call us to put God first and trust in His care for all people.