Friday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time
Friday February 11, 2028
Hearing God’s Call
Friday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time Year 2 reminds us that God speaks to His people in many ways. In the first reading, we see the kingdom of Israel divided because of unfaithfulness. God’s messenger shows that when people turn away from Him, their unity and peace begin to fall apart.
The psalm invites us to listen to God’s voice and remember His care. It warns us not to follow our own way but to trust in His guidance. God does not forget His people. He wants to bless them and lead them back when they stray.
In the Gospel, Jesus heals a man who cannot hear or speak. With the word “Ephphatha,” meaning “Be opened,” He brings new life. This healing shows that Jesus opens hearts as well as ears. On Friday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time Year 2, we are reminded that faith begins when we let God open us to His word.
Daily Mass Readings for Friday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time Year 2
- First Reading – 1 Kings 11:29-32; 12:19: Prophet Ahijah, meeting Jeroboam, tore his cloak into twelve pieces, symbolizing Israel’s division. He prophesied Jeroboam would rule ten tribes, leaving one for David’s lineage, marking the start of a lasting rebellion against David’s house.
- Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 81: God urges to worship Him alone, reminding of His deliverance. Despite His guidance, His people strayed, leading to their own way. Yet, He promises swift aid if they return and obey.
- Gospel – Mark 7:31-37: In the Decapolis, Jesus healed a deaf man with a speech impediment through a personal, tactile gesture and the command “Ephphatha,” meaning “Be opened.” Despite Jesus’ request for discretion, the healed man’s story was widely shared, leading to public awe at Jesus’ power to heal and restore.
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 5th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1.
He put his finger into the man’s ears and, spitting, touched his tongue; then he looked up to heaven and groaned, and said to him, ‘Ephphatha!’ (that is, ‘Be opened!’)
Mark 7:33-34
Themes for the Readings for Friday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
Friday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 reflects on God’s plan, His mercy, and the healing power of Jesus. The readings remind us of the consequences of human choices and God’s power to restore and guide us back to Him.
- God’s sovereignty over nations: God’s decision to divide Israel shows His control over human history. He guides nations according to His will and fulfills His promises even when people fail.
- Human sin leads to division: The division of Israel is a result of sin and disobedience. It shows that turning away from God brings consequences that affect many.
- God remains faithful: Despite the division, God does not abandon His people. He preserves a portion of the kingdom as a sign of His enduring promise to David.
- Jesus’ power to heal: The Gospel shows Jesus healing a man who could not hear or speak. His care for the man reveals God’s mercy and desire to make people whole.
- God’s love for the weak: The man healed by Jesus shows God’s special care for those who are weak or struggling. He listens to their cries and brings them healing and hope.
- Praise for God’s works: The people in the Gospel are amazed by Jesus’ healing and glorify God. They recognize His actions as good and merciful.
Friday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 reminds us of God’s power and mercy in our lives. It calls us to trust Him, avoid sin, and bring others to Him for healing and hope.
Thoughts for Friday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
The readings for Friday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 invite us to reflect on the effects of sin, the care God shows for the weak, and His work to heal what is broken. Through the stories of Israel’s division and Jesus’ healing, we are reminded of God’s justice and mercy. These reflections challenge us to examine our choices and trust in God’s power to restore and guide us.
The Pain of Division
The first reading for Friday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 highlights the division of Israel. This division is a result of sin and disobedience. Solomon’s choices led the people away from God, and this brought suffering and separation. The once-united kingdom was broken, affecting generations to come.
This story reminds us that sin does not just affect individuals. It can cause harm to families, communities, and nations. Turning away from God leads to division and makes it harder for people to live in peace. The pain of sin often spreads far beyond the one who commits it.
We can reflect on how our actions affect others. Do we make choices that bring unity or division? Friday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 encourages us to stay close to God so we can avoid the harm that sin brings.
God Cares for the Weak
In the Gospel for Friday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, Jesus heals a man who could not hear or speak. This man was likely seen as unimportant by others, but Jesus cared deeply for him. He took the time to heal him and restored his ability to communicate.
God’s love for the weak and struggling is clear in this story. He does not forget those who are overlooked or pushed aside. Instead, He draws near to them and offers healing and hope.
We are called to follow Jesus’ example. Who in our lives is weak, suffering, or in need of care? Friday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 reminds us to notice those who are hurting and to show them kindness and compassion.
Healing What Is Broken
Both readings for Friday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 show God working to heal what is broken. In the first reading, even though the kingdom is divided because of sin, God keeps part of it intact. He does this to fulfill His promise to David and to guide His people toward future restoration.
In the Gospel, Jesus heals a man whose life was broken by his inability to hear or speak. Through this healing, He restores the man to full life and allows him to connect with others again. These two readings show God’s desire to repair what sin and suffering have damaged.
When we face brokenness in our own lives, we can trust that God is present. He may not fix everything the way we expect, but He always works for our good. Friday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 reminds us to turn to Him in faith and ask for healing in our lives and in our world.
The themes of Friday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 encourage us to turn away from sin and care for those in need. They also remind us that God’s love remains constant, even in times of struggle. May we draw strength from these readings and live in greater faith and trust.
Prayer
Lord, help us to avoid the harm of sin and seek Your mercy in all things. Teach us to care for those who are weak and to trust in Your power to heal what is broken. Guide our lives so that we may live in faith and unity with others. Amen.
Reflection Questions
- How have your choices brought unity or division to your relationships?
- Who in your life needs care and kindness, and how can you help them?
- Where do you see brokenness in the world, and how can you bring God’s love to those places?
- How do these readings encourage you to trust in God’s healing and mercy?
Homilies and Commentaries for Friday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
Be Open
For Friday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time Year 2, Sr. Barbara Schwarz reflects on Jesus healing the man who was deaf and had a speech problem. She invites us to notice the care shown by the friends who brought him to Jesus and the gentleness of Jesus, who took him aside from the crowd. Healing was not only physical. It was also about dignity and respect. Jesus saw the man as a person, not a problem.
Sr. Barbara shares her own experience speaking on the phone with a deaf friend and being amazed at new technology that helped them communicate. Even with helpful tools, challenges remain. She asks how we can be more patient and sensitive toward those with any kind of difficulty. Like Jesus, we are called to listen carefully and respond with kindness. In doing so, we can help heal the wounds that come from feeling different or overlooked.
Be Opened
For Friday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time Year 2, Pray As You Go reflects on the Gospel of Mark 7:31-37, where Jesus heals the deaf man. The reflection invites us to enter the scene with imagination. We are asked to notice the man’s inner world and the care Jesus shows by taking him aside in private. This quiet moment respects his dignity and shows that healing is personal, not a performance.
The word “Ephphatha,” meaning “Be opened,” becomes the heart of the prayer. The reflection asks what in us needs to be opened. Is it our ears, our hearts, or our minds? Jesus still speaks this word into our lives. As grace unfolds, joy cannot be contained. We are invited to remember a moment when God brought healing or light, and to respond with gratitude and openness.
Music: Veni Creator Spiritus by Teresa Brown and Veni Creator Spiritus by Juliano Ravanello
Valuing the Gift
For Friday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time Year 2, Nora Dabrowski reflects on Jesus healing the deaf man and then asking for silence. She wonders why Jesus did not want the miracle shared. In a world where good news spreads fast, it feels strange to keep something so amazing quiet. If we witnessed a healing, we would likely post it right away. Yet Jesus seems to value something deeper than attention or praise.
Nora invites us to consider whether we rush past our own quiet miracles. Do we share them before we truly receive them? She suggests that we pause and cherish the gift first. Maybe some moments of grace are meant to be held in the heart before they are announced. She encourages gratitude and reflection, asking how we can grow closer to God through these small, private blessings.
The Unsanitary Gospel
For Friday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time Year 2, Matthew Kelly invites us to slow down and really picture the Gospel scene. Jesus places his fingers in a man’s ears and touches his tongue. It is physical and uncomfortable. We often soften these moments in our minds, but the Gospel is not neat or distant. It is real and direct. The word that stands out is “Be open.”
Kelly encourages us to ask what we need to be open to. We may need healing from spiritual blindness or deafness. We may need to listen more closely to the people near us and see them with fresh eyes. He urges us to pray for healing and openness. When we allow Jesus to open us, we can hear, see, and love others in deeper ways.
Be Opened To Hear
For Friday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time Year 2, Bishop Robert Barron reflects on Jesus healing the deaf man. Jesus takes him away from the crowd and speaks the word “Ephphatha,” meaning “Be opened.” Bishop Barron sees this as more than a physical healing. It is a sign that Jesus connects us to the life of God and opens us to hear his Word. The gesture shows that true hearing comes from being close to Christ.
He explains that the noise of the world can make us spiritually deaf. The constant voices around us drown out God’s voice. Jesus leads us away from that noise and into silence. In the life of the Church, through worship, Scripture, and sacred beauty, we learn to listen again. In that quiet space, our ears and hearts can truly be opened.
Be A Miracle For Others
For Friday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time Year 2, Dcn. Bernard Nojadera invites us to reflect on what we truly believe as Lent draws near. The readings show Jesus teaching, healing, and preparing his followers for what is to come. The question is simple but direct: do our actions show our faith? Do we serve with quiet strength and honor God not only with words, but with our hearts?
He reminds us that Jesus did not seek attention. He calls for action. We are asked to welcome God’s word, listen in stillness, and trust that with God all things are possible. That trust should fill us with hope and joy. Even when told to stay quiet, we are sent to bless others. We are called to be a living sign of faith and a small miracle in someone’s life.
More Homilies and Reflections for Friday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time Year 2
Resources
The First Book of Kings: A Kingdom Divided
In 1 Kings, God’s promise and judgment are revealed through the prophet Ahijah’s symbolic act of tearing his cloak. This moment on Friday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time Year 2 shows the cost of Solomon’s unfaithfulness and the rise of Jeroboam. The division of Israel reflects how sin fractures God’s people and weakens their unity.
This passage connects to the broader theme of covenant and kingship in 1 Kings. It shows that true leadership depends on faithfulness to God, not human power. The split kingdom becomes a warning about turning from God’s ways. It reminds Israel that obedience brings blessing, while disobedience brings loss.
Psalm 81: Listen and Obey
Psalm 81, used on Friday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time Year 2, calls Israel to remember God’s saving acts. It reminds the people that God delivered them and asks them to worship Him alone. Yet they chose their own path, closing their hearts to His voice and bringing hardship upon themselves.
Within the Book of Psalms, this psalm highlights the covenant relationship between God and His people. It shows that God desires faithfulness and obedience born from gratitude, not fear. It also reveals His mercy, promising restoration if His people return to Him.
The Gospel of Mark: Be Opened
In the Gospel of Mark, the healing of the deaf man on Friday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time Year 2 reveals Jesus’ compassion and authority. His use of touch and the word “Ephphatha” shows that He brings both physical and spiritual healing, restoring communication between God and humanity.
This passage fits Mark’s message that Jesus’ ministry extends to outsiders and the suffering. The healing in the Decapolis, a Gentile region, shows that God’s saving power reaches beyond Israel. Mark emphasizes that faith and openness to Jesus bring wholeness.
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Be Opened to Grace
This image for Friday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time Year 2 captures the moment of healing when Jesus touches the deaf man and says, “Ephphatha,” meaning “Be opened.” It reminds us that God desires to reach us personally and restore what is closed or broken.
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Questions and Answers for Friday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
Why did God divide the kingdom in the first reading for Friday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?
God divided the kingdom because of the disobedience of Solomon and the people. This shows that when people turn away from God, their actions can cause lasting problems.
What does the division of the kingdom teach us about God?
It teaches that God is just and allows consequences for sin. However, it also shows His mercy, as He keeps part of the kingdom for David’s line to fulfill His promises.
How can we apply the story of the divided kingdom to our lives?
The division reminds us to stay faithful to God and avoid sin. It also encourages us to trust that God’s plan is always for our ultimate good, even when things are hard.
Why does Jesus heal the man in the Gospel for Friday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?
Jesus heals the man because He cares for those who suffer. His healing shows God’s love for the weak and His power to restore what is broken.
What does the healing of the man teach us about God’s care?
It shows that God listens to those who call out to Him. He responds with compassion and brings hope to those in need.
How can we follow the example of Jesus in the Gospel?
We can care for others who are struggling, especially the sick or lonely. By showing kindness and helping others, we share God’s love with them.
What is the importance of the people’s response to Jesus’ healing?
The people praise God for the good works they see. This reminds us to recognize God’s blessings and thank Him for what He has done.
How does the first reading connect to the Gospel for Friday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?
The first reading shows human sin causing division, while the Gospel shows Jesus bringing healing and unity. Together, they remind us that God’s mercy can heal even the effects of sin.
How can these readings help us in our faith?
They teach us to avoid sin and trust God’s mercy. They also remind us to care for others and praise God for His goodness.
What message can we take from Friday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?
We learn that God’s justice and mercy guide us, even when we fail. We also see that Jesus brings healing and hope to those who trust in Him.
Trusting God Through Division and Healing
Friday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 reminds us of the consequences of sin and the healing mercy of God. The first reading describes the division of the kingdom of Israel because of disobedience. This division happened after Solomon and the people turned away from God. Even though the kingdom was broken, God showed mercy by preserving part of it for David’s descendants.
In the Gospel, Jesus heals a man who could not hear or speak. He shows care and love for those in need. The people who witness this healing are amazed and praise God. This moment reveals that God desires to restore and heal what is broken.
These readings help us see how sin can cause pain and separation. They also show us that God works to heal and bring people together. We are invited to trust Him, avoid sin, and care for those who need help.
Your Turn
Reflect on the readings for Friday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2. Think about how they show the effects of sin and the healing power of God. Consider moments in your life when you have seen division or healing. How did you respond?
Share your thoughts in the comments. Let’s support and encourage one another as we grow in faith.