Friday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time

Daily Mass Readings for Friday of the 11th 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) - 2 Corinthians 11:18, 21-30: Paul declares that his boasting lies not in his strengths, but in the hardships and weakness he has endured for his faith - beatings, imprisonments, hardships, and anxieties for the churches.
• First Reading (Cycle 2) - 2 Kings 11:1-4, 9-18, 20: Jehosheba hides her nephew, Joash, from the murderous Queen Athaliah. After six years, Jehoiada, the priest, reveals Joash, crowns him king, and Athaliah is executed. Subsequently, a covenant is made and Baal's temple destroyed.
• Responsorial Psalm (Cycle 1) - Psalm 34: This is a song of praise for the LORD's deliverance. It speaks of seeking the LORD in times of distress and the joy, glory, and rescue that comes from calling out to Him.
• Responsorial Psalm (Cycle 2) - Psalm 132: This is a solemn promise from the LORD to establish David's lineage on the throne if they uphold His covenant. It also highlights God's preference for Zion as His eternal dwelling.
• Gospel - Matthew 6:19-23: Jesus teaches his followers not to store up earthly treasures that can fade or be destroyed, but to focus on accumulating treasures in heaven. He emphasizes that one's heart follows where their treasures are, and if the eye is pure, the whole body will be filled with light.

Themes for the Daily Mass Readings for Friday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time

• Treasures in Heaven: Jesus encourages His disciples to store up treasures in heaven rather than on earth, highlighting the eternal value of investing in spiritual matters and the impermanence of earthly possessions.
• Proper Perspective on Wealth: Jesus teaches the importance of having a proper perspective on wealth and material possessions, cautioning against greed and the temptation to place undue importance on worldly riches.
• The Single Eye: Jesus uses the metaphor of the "single eye" to emphasize the need for spiritual clarity and focus, avoiding the distractions and enticements of materialism that can cloud our vision and lead us astray.
• Light and Darkness: Jesus illustrates the importance of having a pure and enlightened heart, as the eye is the lamp of the body. A good eye brings light and clarity, whereas an unhealthy eye represents spiritual darkness and confusion.
• Service to God vs. Money: Jesus highlights the impossibility of serving both God and wealth simultaneously, calling His disciples to prioritize their devotion to God above their attachment to material possessions.
• Seeking God's Kingdom: Jesus encourages His followers to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, emphasizing the need to align our hearts and priorities with God's purposes and trust in His blessings.

Thoughts for Friday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time

In the gospel for Friday of the 11th week in Ordinary Time, Jesus addresses the issue of material possessions and their significance in our lives. He advises against placing excessive value on earthly treasures that are susceptible to decay, theft, and loss. Instead, Jesus encourages his followers to prioritize treasures in heaven, which are imperishable and eternal. Our hearts and priorities should align with the pursuit of heavenly treasures, reflecting our true values.

Jesus emphasizes that our perspective and focus are essential. He compares the eyes to lamps, indicating that if our vision is clear and focused on what is good, our whole being will be filled with light. However, if our vision is distorted or fixated on worldly desires, our inner being will be filled with darkness. He warns about the spiritual consequences of misplaced priorities and encourages us to evaluate where our hearts truly lie.

This passage reminds us of the fleeting nature of worldly possessions and the importance of seeking lasting treasures. It encourages us to adopt an eternal perspective and invest in the things that truly matter in God's kingdom. Instead of being consumed by the pursuit of material wealth, we are called to cultivate qualities such as generosity, compassion, and love that will endure beyond this temporal world.

As we reflect on this passage, let us examine our hearts and the treasures we hold dear. May we seek a healthy perspective, free from the grip of materialism and worldly desires. Let us prioritize the pursuit of heavenly treasures, investing our time, talents, and resources in acts of love, service, and the growth of God's kingdom. By aligning our hearts with the eternal, we will experience true fulfillment and bear witness to the light of Christ in our lives.

Prayer for Friday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time

Heavenly Father, help us to guard our hearts and minds from the allure of material wealth and worldly distractions. Illuminate our souls with the light of your truth, so that we may fix our gaze upon you, the source of all goodness, and find true fulfillment in seeking your kingdom above all else. Amen.