Thursday of the 8th Week in Ordinary Time

• First Reading – 1 Peter 2:2-5, 9-12: Urged to crave spiritual growth and live as God’s chosen, Christians should lead virtuous lives, influencing others to glorify God through their good deeds.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 100: Celebrate and serve the Lord with gladness, acknowledge His creation and care, and enter His presence with gratitude, for His steadfast love and faithfulness endure forever.
• Gospel – Mark 10:46-52: Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, calls out to Jesus for mercy in Jericho. Despite being rebuked by others, his persistent faith leads Jesus to restore his sight, demonstrating the power of faith.

Lectionary Reference: 350

Upcoming dates: May 28, 2026, May 27, 2032

Jesus said to him in reply, “What do you want me to do for you?”

Mark 10:51

The readings for Thursday of the 8th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 remind us of what it means to grow in faith and live as followers of Christ. From craving spiritual growth to standing firm in faith, these passages call us to live lives that point others to God.

• Persistent faith brings healing: Bartimaeus calls out to Jesus even when others try to silence him. His steady trust and courage show that God responds when we don’t give up.
• Called to grow spiritually: The first reading says we should crave spiritual growth like newborns crave milk. We are called to keep learning and growing closer to God.
• Chosen to live rightly: Christians are called a chosen people and a holy nation. This reminds us that we are set apart to live good lives that lead others to God.
• Letting your light shine: The reading tells us to live so others will see our good works. This shows how our daily actions can lead people to honor God.
• Courage to speak up: Bartimaeus had the courage to speak even when others told him to be quiet. His story teaches us not to be afraid to call on Jesus.
• Faith changes your path: After being healed, Bartimaeus follows Jesus. Faith doesn’t just bring help; it changes our lives and leads us in a new direction.

Thursday of the 8th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 encourages us to be bold in faith and steady in good works. By growing in Christ and living as His people, we show His light to the world.

The readings for Thursday of the 8th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 remind us of what it means to grow in faith, to speak with courage, and to live as people who belong to God. The first reading speaks of spiritual growth and living in a way that honors God. The Gospel shows us Bartimaeus, who was not afraid to call on Jesus and was changed by his faith. These reflections help us think about how we grow, speak, and act as followers of Christ.

Growing Closer to God

The first reading for Thursday of the 8th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 encourages us to keep growing in our faith. Just like newborn babies need milk to grow, we need God’s word and grace to grow in our spiritual lives. This growth is not just about learning more, but about becoming more like Jesus in how we live and love.

Spiritual growth means turning away from old habits that keep us stuck. It means choosing what is good, even when it is hard. We grow when we pray, when we read Scripture, and when we love others with kindness and patience. These things help us grow strong in our faith.

Sometimes we feel like we are not making progress. But even small steps matter. God sees our efforts and walks with us. The reading reminds us that we are chosen by God and built up together as His people. We are not growing alone.

Thursday of the 8th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 is a reminder that growth takes time, but we are always called to move forward. We are meant to grow in love, in trust, and in hope, one day at a time.

Faith That Speaks with Courage

The Gospel reading for Thursday of the 8th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 shows us the courage of Bartimaeus. Even when people tried to quiet him, he kept calling out to Jesus. His strong faith and bold voice helped him receive healing. He was not afraid to speak to the one who could help him.

This shows us that faith is not always silent. Sometimes it takes courage to speak out, especially when others do not understand. We may feel embarrassed to pray in public or to ask for help. But Bartimaeus shows us that calling on Jesus is never a waste.

Jesus heard him and responded. That tells us something important: Jesus listens. He notices those who cry out to Him in faith. Bartimaeus teaches us that we should never let fear stop us from calling on Jesus.

We can all learn from his example. When we need help, when we are lost, or when we want to thank God, we can speak to Him with trust. Thursday of the 8th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 reminds us that Jesus listens to our prayers and sees our courage.

Faith That Changes How We Live

Both readings for Thursday of the 8th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 show that real faith changes us. In the first reading, we are called to live as people who belong to God. In the Gospel, Bartimaeus is changed by his faith and begins to follow Jesus. Faith is not just something we think about—it is something we live.

When we grow in faith, we become more kind, more patient, and more loving. We begin to see others the way God sees them. We stop doing things that harm ourselves or others. This kind of faith brings change not only to us but also to the people around us.

Bartimaeus was not just healed. He became a follower of Jesus. That shows us that true faith leads us to action. It leads us to move, to change, and to walk with Jesus. We are called not only to believe but to live out that belief.

The first reading calls us to live good lives so that others can see God through us. That means our choices matter. Our words, our actions, and our way of treating others all show who we belong to.

Thursday of the 8th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 encourages us to live in a way that matches our faith. We are not just people who believe—we are people who follow. Faith is not only in our hearts but also in our steps.

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As we reflect on Thursday of the 8th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, we are reminded that faith is not only about believing, but also about doing. We are called to keep growing, to trust Jesus enough to call on Him, and to let our lives reflect the love we have received. With God’s help, we can take each step in faith and live in a way that honors Him.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, help me grow in faith and live in a way that pleases You. Give me the courage to call on You when I need help. Teach me to love others, speak kindly, and walk closely with You each day. Thank You for being near and always listening.

Reflection Questions

• How can I grow closer to God in my daily life?
• When have I been afraid to call out to Jesus like Bartimaeus?
• What changes in my life can show others that I belong to God?
• Do my words and actions reflect the faith I claim to believe?

The Healing of the Soul

In his reflection for the Thursday of the 8th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, Bishop Robert Barron discusses Jesus healing a blind man, Bartimaeus. This physical blindness symbolizes the spiritual blindness that sinners experience when their souls are trapped by fear and desire. Bartimaeus, sitting helplessly by the road, represents this state of soul. When he cries out, “Son of David, have pity on me,” he echoes the Church’s plea for mercy. Despite being reprimanded, he persists, and Jesus calls him. This call represents the invitation to spiritual rebirth and finding the one necessary thing, leading Bartimaeus to Jesus.

What date is Thursday of the 8th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

The next date is Thursday May 28, 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 8th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1.

What are the Mass readings for Thursday of the 8th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

The Mass readings for Thursday May 28, 2026 are:
First Reading  – 1 Peter 2:2-5, 9-12: Living Stones of Faith
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 100: Eternal Joy in the Lord
Gospel – Mark 10:46-52: Bartimaeus Receives Sight

What does it mean to crave spiritual milk in the first reading?

It means we should want to grow closer to God just like babies need milk to grow. We need prayer, scripture, and learning to help our faith grow strong.

Why are Christians called a chosen race and holy nation?

This means we are special to God and have been set apart to live for Him. We are meant to show others what God is like by the way we live.

What does it mean to live as strangers in the world?

It means we should not follow the ways of the world when they go against God’s ways. We live in the world, but we belong to God.

Why is it important to do good works before others?

Our actions can help others see God’s goodness. When people see our good deeds, they may come to believe in God too.

What is the main message of the Gospel reading on Thursday of the 8th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

The Gospel shows us how faith and courage bring healing and change. Bartimaeus believed in Jesus and was healed because he trusted and spoke up.

Why did people try to stop Bartimaeus from calling out?

They thought he was bothering Jesus or being too loud. But Jesus cared about him and listened to his cry for help.

What can we learn from Bartimaeus’s courage?

We learn not to be afraid to call out to Jesus. Even when others try to stop us, we should trust that Jesus hears us.

How does Thursday of the 8th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 show us the power of faith?

It shows that true faith leads to action. Bartimaeus had faith and called out, and his life was changed.

What does the first reading say about living good lives?

It says we should avoid sin and live in a way that honors God. When others see our good choices, they may be led to praise God.

How can we grow like the reading says?

We grow by reading God’s word, praying, and doing what is right. Just like a plant needs water and light, we need time with God.

Why is Thursday of the 8th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 important for our faith life?

It reminds us to keep growing in faith and never be afraid to seek Jesus. Both readings teach us how to live as followers of Christ.