Thursday May 28, 2026
Daily Mass Readings for Thursday of the 8th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
- 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.
Jesus said to him in reply, “What do you want me to do for you?”
Mark 10:51
Themes for the Readings for Thursday of the 8th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
The daily Mass readings for Thursday of the 8th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 focus on spiritual growth and the power of faith. These themes help us understand how to live as Christians today.
- Growth in Faith: These readings encourage us to grow stronger in our faith. In 1 Peter, we are urged to crave pure spiritual milk to grow in salvation, like babies wanting milk to grow.
- Living as Chosen: Christians are called to live as God’s chosen people. We should do good works that make others praise God, as explained in 1 Peter.
- Power of Persistent Faith: The Gospel of Mark shows us the power of keeping faith even when others doubt us. Bartimaeus was healed because he believed Jesus could help him.
- Role of Community: In both readings, we see the importance of the community. In 1 Peter, we build each other up like living stones in a spiritual house, and in Mark, the community initially discourages Bartimaeus but later supports him.
- Witness Through Actions: Christians should show their faith through their actions. 1 Peter tells us to live good lives among the non-believers, so they see our good deeds and praise God.
These readings from Thursday of the 8th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 guide us in our journey as Christians. They teach us how to live faithfully and affect others positively through our actions and beliefs.
Thoughts for Thursday of the 8th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
The readings for Thursday of the 8th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 invite us to reflect on our spiritual growth. In 1 Peter, we are urged to crave spiritual milk like newborn babies. This simple desire for God’s word shows us the path to grow in faith. Just as babies grow physically by drinking milk, we grow spiritually by nourishing our souls with God’s teachings.
As chosen people, we have a special role. The first reading reminds us that we are built into a spiritual house to be holy priests. This means we should live in a way that reflects God’s love and kindness. When we do good deeds, others can see God’s work in us. This helps them to praise God too.
The Power of Faith
The Gospel tells us about Bartimaeus, a blind man who called out to Jesus in faith. Even when people told him to be quiet, he kept calling Jesus. His faith was so strong that Jesus healed him. This story shows us that faith can change our lives. When we believe in Jesus and ask for His help, He listens.
The community around Bartimaeus tried to silence him, but when Jesus called him, they encouraged him to go to Jesus. This change shows us the importance of supporting each other. As a community, we should help each other to meet Jesus, not pull each other away from Him.
Witness Through Actions
These readings for Thursday of the 8th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 talk about showing our faith through actions. By living good lives, we can lead others to God. Our actions can be a strong witness to our faith. When we choose to do right, we not only please God, but we also become a light to others.
We can apply these lessons by being more aware of our actions and how they affect others. Whether it’s offering a kind word, helping someone in need, or simply being patient, our behavior can inspire others to seek God. Each action, no matter how small, contributes to the spiritual house that we are building together.
The readings for Thursday of the 8th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 are a call to action. They remind us to grow in faith, live as God’s chosen, and support one another. Our lives have the power to show God’s love to the world. Let’s choose to live in a way that brings others closer to Him.
Prayer
Lord, help us to crave Your word and grow in faith every day. May our actions reflect Your love so others can see Your goodness in us. Teach us to support each other and to be brave in faith like Bartimaeus. Amen.
Homilies and Reflections for Thursday of the 8th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
Word on Fire: 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.
USCCB Reflection: Seeing with the Heart
In this USCCB video reflection for the Thursday of the 8th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, the story of blind Bartimaeus highlights our spiritual blindness. As Jesus passes by, Bartimaeus cries out for mercy, recognizing Jesus as the Messiah. Despite being told to stay silent, he persists, demonstrating faith. When Jesus calls him, Bartimaeus asks to see again. This story challenges us to identify who truly reigns in our lives and to reject anything that hinders our relationship with Christ. By seeking Jesus with open hearts, we find true healing and wholeness in following Him.
Questions and Answers for Thursday of the 8th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
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 “crave pure spiritual milk” mean in 1 Peter?
In the readings for Thursday of the 8th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, “crave pure spiritual milk” means wanting to learn and follow God’s ways, just like a baby needs milk to grow strong.
How can we be ‘living stones’?
Being ‘living stones’ means helping to build a strong Christian community by supporting and strengthening each other in faith, as mentioned in the first reading for Thursday of the 8th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2.
Why did people rebuke Bartimaeus?
In the Gospel for Thursday of the 8th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, people rebuked Bartimaeus because they thought he should not bother Jesus. They did not understand his faith or his need.
How did Bartimaeus show faith?
Bartimaeus showed faith by calling out to Jesus even when others told him to be quiet. His faith made Jesus heal him.
What does it mean to live good lives among non-believers?
Living good lives among non-believers means acting kindly and morally so that others see good in your actions and feel inspired, which is a lesson from Thursday of the 8th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2.
How can we apply ‘witness through actions’ in our daily life?
We can apply ‘witness through actions’ by doing things that show our faith, like helping others and being honest, as suggested in the readings for Thursday of the 8th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2.
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