Friday of the 12th Week in Ordinary Time

• First Reading – 2 Kings 25:1-12: Nebuchadnezzar besieged Jerusalem leading to famine. Zedekiah tried to escape but was captured and punished. Jerusalem was burned, its walls torn down, and its people exiled, except for the poorest farmers.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 137: In a foreign land, we wept, remembering Zion. Our captors wanted songs of joy, but how could we sing in this foreign land? If we forget Jerusalem, let us lose our speech.
• Gospel – Matthew 8:1-4: A leper asked Jesus to heal him. Jesus touched him, healed him instantly, and instructed him to tell no one, but to go to the priest and offer the prescribed gift.

Lectionary Reference: 375

Upcoming dates: June 26, 2026, June 30, 2028, June 25, 2032

Lord, if you wish, you can make me clean.

Matthew 8:2

On Friday of the 12th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, the readings show a contrast between destruction and healing. The themes highlight judgment, hope, faith, and compassion.

• Destruction of Jerusalem: The first reading tells of Nebuchadnezzar besieging Jerusalem, leading to famine and exile. This shows the result of turning away from God.
• Punishment of Zedekiah: Zedekiah tried to escape but was caught and punished. This illustrates the consequences of disobedience and lack of trust in God.
• Preservation of the Poor: Despite the destruction, the poorest farmers were left in the land. This shows God’s mercy even in times of judgment.
• Healing of the Leper: In the Gospel, a leper asked Jesus for healing and was cured. This highlights Jesus’ compassion and willingness to help those in need.
• Faith in Jesus: The leper showed faith by approaching Jesus for healing. This teaches the importance of trusting in Jesus’ power to heal.
• Obedience to Rituals: Jesus instructed the healed leper to follow the ritual of offering a gift to the priest. This shows respect for religious traditions and practices.

The readings for Friday of the 12th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 remind us of the consequences of sin and the hope found in Jesus. They teach us about judgment, mercy, faith, and the importance of following God’s ways.

The readings for Friday of the 12th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 show us two different stories. In the first reading, we hear about the destruction of Jerusalem. The people faced famine and hardship because they had turned away from God.

Zedekiah, the king, tried to escape but was captured and punished. This shows that trying to run from God’s will leads to more trouble. When we disobey God, we face the consequences of our actions.

However, the story does not end with total destruction. The poorest people were left in the land. This shows God’s mercy even in difficult times. God always cares for the most vulnerable among us.

Jesus’ Healing Power

In the Gospel for Friday of the 12th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, we see Jesus’ great compassion. A leper approached Jesus and asked to be healed. Despite the rules against touching lepers, Jesus reached out and touched him.

The leper’s faith in Jesus brought him healing. This shows us the importance of having faith in Jesus’ power. When we come to Jesus with faith, we can find healing and help in our lives.

Jesus also told the healed man to follow the religious customs by showing himself to the priest and offering a gift. This teaches us to respect and follow the traditions that help us grow in faith. It shows that faith and practice go hand in hand.

Lessons for Our Lives

The readings for Friday of the 12th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 remind us of several key lessons. First, turning away from God leads to hardship and destruction. We must always strive to stay close to God and follow His ways.

Second, even in times of judgment, God shows mercy. He cares for those who are suffering and offers hope. We should also be merciful and caring to those around us.

Finally, faith in Jesus brings healing and new life. We should come to Jesus with our needs and trust in His power. By following His example, we can bring healing and hope to others.

Prayer

Dear Lord, help us stay close to You and follow Your ways. Show us Your mercy in times of trouble. Strengthen our faith in Jesus and guide us to bring healing and hope to others. Amen.

Word on Fire: The Power of Right Praise

In this reflection from Bishop Robert Barron for Friday of the 12th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, we see Jesus healing a leper. This leper, despite being an outsider and despised, courageously comes to Jesus, showing his determination and perhaps desperation. In Jesus’ presence, the leper worships him, recognizing Jesus as the Incarnation of God. This teaches us the importance of coming to Jesus with an attitude of worship and right praise. The leper’s words, “If you wish, you can make me clean,” reflect a humble acknowledgment of Jesus’ sovereignty and serve as a model for our own petitionary prayers.

What date is Friday of the 12th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

The next date is Friday June 26, 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 Friday of the 12th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1.

What are the Mass readings for Friday of the 12th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

The Mass readings for Friday June 26, 2026 are:
First Reading – 2 Kings 25:1-12: Fall of Jerusalem
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 137: Unforgettable Zion
Gospel – Matthew 8:1-4: Jesus Cleanses a Leper

Why did Nebuchadnezzar besiege Jerusalem?

Nebuchadnezzar besieged Jerusalem because the people had turned away from God. They did not follow His commands.

What happened to King Zedekiah?

King Zedekiah tried to escape but was captured. He was punished for not trusting in God.

Why were the poorest farmers left in the land?

The poorest farmers were left in the land to show God’s mercy. Even in difficult times, God cares for those who are vulnerable.

What did the leper ask Jesus?

The leper asked Jesus to heal him. He showed faith by coming to Jesus for help.

How did Jesus heal the leper?

Jesus touched the leper and healed him. This shows Jesus’ compassion and power to heal.

Why did Jesus tell the leper to see the priest?

Jesus told the leper to see the priest to follow religious customs. This shows the importance of respecting traditions.

What can we learn from the readings for Friday of the 12th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

We learn to stay close to God and follow His ways. We also see the importance of faith, mercy, and respecting traditions.

How can we apply these lessons to our lives?

We can trust in Jesus’ power to heal and help us. We should show mercy to others and respect our faith traditions.

Why is it important to follow God’s ways?

Following God’s ways keeps us close to Him and protects us from harm. It helps us live better lives.

How does faith in Jesus bring healing?

Faith in Jesus brings healing because it shows our trust in Him. When we believe in His power, He can work in our lives.