Saturday of the 8th Week in Ordinary Time

Daily Mass Readings for Saturday of the 8th Week in Ordinary Time

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.

• First Reading (Cycle 1) - Sirach 51:12 cd-20: I sought wisdom from the LORD through prayer since my youth, and it has rewarded me abundantly. With unwavering dedication, I embraced wisdom's teachings, overcame obstacles, and attained its secrets with a pure heart.
• First Reading (Cycle 2) - Jude 17, 20b-25: Beloved, cling to the Apostles' words, strengthen your faith, and await eternal life. Show mercy to the wavering, save the lost, and approach sin with caution. Trust in God's power to keep you steadfast and offer eternal glory through Jesus Christ.
• Responsorial Psalm (Cycle 1) - Psalm 19: The teachings of the Lord bring joy and delight to the heart, surpassing the value of gold and the sweetness of honey.
• Responsorial Psalm (Cycle 2) - Psalm 63: I thirst for you, O God, with a deep longing in my soul and flesh, acknowledging your surpassing kindness and finding satisfaction in glorifying and praising you.
• Gospel - Mark 11:27-33: Jesus is questioned by the religious leaders about His authority. He responds by asking them a question about John the Baptist, revealing their hypocrisy and evading their trap.

Themes for the Daily Mass Readings for Saturday of the 8th Week in Ordinary Time

• Authority and Power: The theme of authority is evident in this passage as the religious authorities question Jesus about the source of His authority. Jesus' authority is a central theme in the Gospel of Mark, and throughout the narrative, He demonstrates His divine authority through His teachings, miracles, and ultimately His resurrection.
• Jesus' Identity: The religious authorities challenge Jesus' authority by questioning His identity and the source of His power. This ties into a broader theme in the Gospel of Mark, where Jesus' true identity as the Son of God is gradually revealed to His disciples and others.
• Conflict and Opposition: The encounter between Jesus and the religious authorities highlights the ongoing conflict and opposition that Jesus faced from the religious establishment. This theme of conflict and opposition runs throughout the Gospel of Mark, as Jesus' teachings and actions challenge the religious norms and authorities of the time.
• Wisdom and Knowledge: Jesus responds to the religious authorities' question with another question about John the Baptist. This response demonstrates Jesus' wisdom and knowledge, which is a recurring theme in the Gospel of Mark. Jesus consistently displays profound understanding and insight in His teachings, parables, and interactions with others.

Thoughts for Saturday of the 8th Week in Ordinary Time

Reflecting on the gospel for Saturday of the 8th week in Ordinary Time reminds us of the importance of humility and sincerity in our faith. In this passage, the religious leaders question Jesus' authority, more concerned about their own positions than seeking the truth. Jesus exposes their hypocrisy, highlighting the importance of genuine intentions.

This encounter prompts us to examine our own hearts. Are we seeking a genuine relationship with Christ or are we preoccupied with appearances and personal authority within the Church? It calls us to approach our faith with humility, sincerity, and a desire to grow closer to God.

Jesus also acknowledges the authority of John the Baptist, emphasizing the significance of God's chosen messengers. This reminds us to honor and respect the spiritual leaders God places in our lives, recognizing the importance of the Church's guidance in our faith journey.

Ultimately, this passage challenges us to accept and submit to Christ's authority in our lives. It calls us to deepen our relationship with Him, surrendering ourselves to His teachings and commandments. By doing so, we can cultivate a faith rooted in humility, authenticity, and a genuine desire to know and follow Jesus.

Prayer for Saturday of the 8th Week in Ordinary Time

Dear Lord, grant us the humility to seek the truth and sincerity in our faith, that we may recognize and submit to Your authority in our lives. Guide us to honor and respect the spiritual leaders You have placed in our path, as we strive to deepen our relationship with You and follow Your teachings. Amen.

Word on Fire: Beyond Prophets and Tradition

In his reflection for Saturday of the 8th week in Ordinary Time, Bishop Robert Barron notes that the religious authorities question Jesus about the source of his authority. Jesus' unique and powerful words and actions reveal that he transcends the traditional authority derived from Moses, making him greater than a prophet, as he possesses the authority of the Creator to heal and redeem the wounded world from the devastation of sin.

USCCB Reflection: Living Under Christ's Authority

This video reflection by the USCCB for Saturday of the 8th week in Ordinary Time discusses the concept of authority and its different aspects. It emphasizes the importance of living under the authority of Christ and how believers are called to exercise their own authority in various roles while remaining faithful to God and avoiding distractions or sinful influences.