Saturday of the 9th Week in Ordinary Time

• First Reading – 2 Timothy 4:1-8: Be persistent in preaching the word, enduring hardships, and fulfilling your ministry. A crown of righteousness awaits those who keep the faith and long for Christ’s return.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 71: My mouth praises God all day. I will always hope and declare his justice and salvation. I will speak of his mighty works and sing his praises with music.
• Gospel – Mark 12:38-44: Jesus warned against the scribes’ hypocrisy and praised a poor widow’s offering of two small coins, noting that she gave more than the wealthy because she gave all she had.

Lectionary Reference: 358

When the Memorial of the Immaculate Heart of Mary falls on this date, the Gospel from the memorial should be used.

Upcoming dates: June 6, 2026, June 10, 2028, June 5, 2032

Amen, I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the other contributors to the treasury. 

Mark 12:43

On Saturday of the 9th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, we reflect on the teachings from 2 Timothy 4:1-8 and Mark 12:38-44. These readings emphasize the importance of faithfulness, humility, and generosity.

• Faithfulness in Ministry: Paul encourages Timothy to preach the word, endure hardships, and complete his mission. This theme highlights the need for persistence and dedication in our faith journey.
• Endurance in Hardships: Paul speaks about enduring hardships for the sake of the Gospel. This reminds us that following Christ may involve difficulties, but we must stay strong.
• Longing for Christ’s Return: Paul mentions a crown of righteousness for those who await Christ’s return. This theme encourages us to live in hope and anticipation of Jesus’ coming.
• Warning Against Hypocrisy: Jesus criticizes the scribes for their hypocrisy. This warns us to be sincere in our faith and actions.
• True Generosity: Jesus praises the poor widow who gave all she had. This teaches us that true generosity is not about the amount but the heart behind the giving.

These themes for Saturday of the 9th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 call us to examine our faith, our actions, and our attitudes. They encourage us to be sincere, persistent, and generous in our journey with Christ.

The readings for Saturday of the 9th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 speak to the kind of faith that lasts. Paul encourages Timothy to stay strong and keep doing the work God gave him. In the Gospel, Jesus praises a poor widow who gives quietly but completely. These reflections look at faith that endures, sincerity in action, and the value of quiet service.

Faith That Keeps Going

Paul speaks to Timothy with honesty and strength. He knows that following Jesus is not always easy. In the first reading for Saturday of the 9th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, Paul talks about finishing the race and keeping the faith. He faced many trials, but he did not give up.

We can learn from Paul’s example. There are times when our faith feels heavy. We may feel tired or unsure. But God is always with us, even in the hard moments. Paul trusted that a reward waited for him—not money or praise, but the crown of righteousness from God.

Paul also reminds us to keep doing what is right, even when it costs something. He stayed faithful to his mission and trusted God through it all. His words help us stay strong when we feel weak.

Saturday of the 9th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 calls us to steady faith. It may not always be easy, but we are never alone. God gives us what we need to keep going.

When we stay close to God in prayer and keep doing good, we take the next step forward, one day at a time.

Living with Sincerity

In the Gospel reading for Saturday of the 9th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, Jesus warns the people about the scribes. They liked being seen in public and wanted special treatment. But Jesus saw that their actions were not honest. Their faith was for show, not from the heart.

Jesus then points to a poor widow. She gives two small coins, all she has. No one notices her, but Jesus does. He praises her gift, not because of the amount, but because of the love and trust behind it. Her quiet act showed real faith.

This shows that God sees what others do not. He sees our true selves. He is not impressed by outward displays, but by simple, honest faith. The widow gave everything, not to be noticed, but because she loved God.

Saturday of the 9th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 reminds us to live with sincerity. We don’t need to be perfect or impressive. We just need to be real with God and others.

Living with a sincere heart is more powerful than trying to look good on the outside. God values truth and love more than words or appearances.

Serving Without Seeking Praise

Another message in both readings from Saturday of the 9th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 is about quiet service. Paul tells Timothy to preach the word and stay faithful, even when it’s hard. He doesn’t talk about being famous or admired. He talks about finishing the race and staying true to God.

In the Gospel, the scribes are seeking praise. They want others to see them and think they are holy. But Jesus shows us a better way. He lifts up the widow who gives quietly and humbly. Her small act is full of meaning.

We are called to serve like that. Not for reward or praise, but because it’s right. Whether it’s helping a neighbor, caring for family, or saying a quiet prayer, these small acts matter.

Saturday of the 9th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 reminds us that real service often goes unnoticed by the world, but not by God. He sees every quiet act done with love.

We do not need to be seen. We only need to be faithful. That’s what God asks of us.

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The message of Saturday of the 9th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 is clear. Faith is not about being seen. It is about being faithful, honest, and steady. Paul’s words and the widow’s gift show us that even small acts matter when done with love. God sees every quiet effort and rewards those who stay true.

Prayer

Lord, help me stay faithful in the work You give me. Teach me to serve with love and not seek praise. Help me give with trust, even when it’s hard. Thank You for seeing what others may not. Stay with me as I walk in faith. Amen.

Reflection Questions

• What helps me keep going when my faith is tested?
• Do I give and serve with sincerity, or do I seek attention?
• How can I live more simply and quietly for God?
• What small act of faith can I do this week that no one else sees?

Persistence in Faith

On Saturday of the 9th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, we are reminded to be persistent in sharing the Gospel. Paul encourages Timothy to endure hardships and stay strong in faith. Persistence involves mental and spiritual discipline, self-control, and the strength given by the Holy Spirit. Jesus praises the widow for her sincere and generous offering, teaching us to give wholeheartedly. We are called to be like the widow, persisting in our faith and good actions, even in tough times. God values and transforms our persistent efforts into grace for ourselves and the world.

What date is Saturday of the 9th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

The next date is Saturday June 6, 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 Saturday of the 9th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1.

What are the Mass readings for Saturday of the 9th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

The Mass readings for Saturday June 6, 2026 are:
First Reading  – 2 Timothy 4:1-8: Fulfill Your Ministry
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 71: Singing of Salvation
Gospel – Mark 12:38-44: The Widow’s Offering

When the Memorial of the Immaculate Heart of Mary falls on this date, the Gospel from the memorial should be used.

What does Paul mean by “preach the word” in the first reading for Saturday of the 9th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

Paul means we should share the message of Jesus with others. This can be through our words, actions, and how we live our lives.

Why does Paul talk about enduring hardships?

Paul knows that following Jesus can be hard. He encourages us to stay strong in our faith, even when it is difficult.

What is the “crown of righteousness”?

The crown of righteousness is the reward for those who keep their faith in Jesus. It represents eternal life with God.

What should we remember about hardships in our faith?

Hardships are part of following Jesus. We should remember that God is with us and gives us strength to endure.

How can we apply Paul’s message to our lives?

We can share our faith, stay strong during hard times, and look forward to being with Christ. We should always try to live as true followers of Jesus.

Why is sincerity important in our faith?

Sincerity shows that we truly believe and live our faith. God values a sincere heart more than just outward actions.

Why does Jesus criticize the scribes in the Gospel for Saturday of the 9th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

Jesus criticizes the scribes for their hypocrisy. They like to show off their importance but do not live sincerely or humbly.

What can we learn from the widow’s offering?

The widow gave all she had, even though it was very little. This teaches us that true generosity is about the heart and sacrifice, not the amount.

What is the main lesson from the Gospel reading for Saturday of the 9th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

The main lesson is to be sincere and generous. Jesus values our true intentions and sacrifices, not just outward appearances.

How can we be like the poor widow?

We can trust in God and give what we can with love. It’s important to be generous and sincere, no matter how small our offering seems.