Saturday of the 12th Week in Ordinary Time

Daily Mass Readings for Saturday of the 12th 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) - Genesis 18:1-15: Abraham generously hosted three visitors, who promised his wife Sarah, now old and past childbearing age, would have a son. Skeptical, Sarah laughed. But one visitor, the Lord, reaffirmed the promise, despite her disbelief.
• First Reading (Cycle 2) - Lamentations 2:2, 10-14, 18-19: Jerusalem is in ruins and her people suffer. The old, young, and infants faint from hunger. The visions of prophets have failed. In response, the plea is to weep and cry out to the Lord relentlessly for salvation.
• Responsorial Psalm (Cycle 1) - Luke 1: My heart praises God, who favors the humble and feeds the hungry. Generations will remember me as blessed. God has shown mercy and fulfilled His promises to Abraham and his descendants.
• Responsorial Psalm (Cycle 2) - Psalm 74: God, why have you abandoned us in our time of need? Remember your people, your sanctuary desecrated by enemies. Uphold your covenant, let the humble and poor find solace in praising your name.
• Gospel - Matthew 8:5-17: A centurion comes to Jesus, seeking healing for his servant. Impressed by the centurion's faith, Jesus agrees to heal the servant from a distance. Later, Jesus enters Peter's house and heals Peter's mother-in-law. Many others also come to Jesus for healing, and he drives out demons with a word. These acts of healing fulfill the prophecies and demonstrate Jesus' authority over sickness and spiritual affliction.

Themes for the Daily Mass Readings for Saturday of the 12th Week in Ordinary Time

• Faith and Humility: The gospel for for Saturday of the 12th week in Ordinary Time highlights the faith and humility of the centurion who approaches Jesus, acknowledging his unworthiness and demonstrating his trust in Jesus' authority to heal.
• Authority and Power of Jesus: The healing of the centurion's servant demonstrates Jesus' authority and power over sickness and disease, affirming His divine ability to bring about healing.
• Gentile Inclusion: Jesus commends the faith of the Gentile centurion, underscoring the widening of God's salvation beyond the Jewish community to include Gentiles.
• Healing and Restoration: The healings of the centurion's servant, Peter's mother-in-law, and others illustrate Jesus' compassion and ability to bring about physical and spiritual healing and restoration.
• Bearing Others' Burdens: Jesus displays His willingness to bear the burdens of others, taking on their infirmities and delivering them from suffering.
• Messianic Fulfillment: The healing miracles fulfill Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah as the one who would bring healing and deliverance.

Thoughts for Saturday of the 12th Week in Ordinary Time

In the gospel for for Saturday of the 12th week in Ordinary Time, we witness several remarkable healings performed by Jesus. The first encounter involves a centurion, a Roman military officer, who approaches Jesus with deep concern for his paralyzed servant. The centurion's faith shines through as he acknowledges Jesus' authority and power, recognizing that Jesus can heal his servant without even being physically present. Jesus commends the centurion's faith, amazed by his understanding of authority and trust in Jesus' ability to heal.

Jesus heals Peter's mother-in-law and many others, driving out demons and healing the sick, fulfilling Isaiah's prophecy and demonstrating his role as the Suffering Servant. These accounts reveal the compassion, authority, and miraculous power of Jesus. They emphasize the importance of faith and trust in approaching Him for healing. Both the centurion and Peter's mother-in-law demonstrate unwavering faith, and in response, Jesus extends His healing touch and restores wholeness.

As we reflect on this passage, we are encouraged to approach Jesus with faith and trust, believing in His power to heal and restore. We are reminded that Jesus has authority over sickness, disease, and all forms of oppression. May we seek His healing touch in our lives and in the lives of those around us, acknowledging His power to transform and bring wholeness.

Additionally, this passage invites us to serve and minister to others with gratitude and joy. Just as Peter's mother-in-law rose and began to serve Jesus after her healing, may we respond to God's healing in our lives by offering ourselves in service to Him and others. Jesus's healing is not just for our personal benefit but also equips us to be channels of His love and compassion to those around us.

Furthermore, this passage reminds us that Jesus's healing ministry is not limited to physical ailments but extends to all areas of our lives. He has the power to free us from spiritual bondage, emotional distress, and the grip of sin. Just as He drove out demons and brought healing to those who were sick, He continues to bring healing and deliverance to our hearts and souls.

As we contemplate these accounts of healing, let us approach Jesus with the faith and trust of the centurion and the gratitude and readiness to serve of Peter's mother-in-law. Let us bring our brokenness, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual, to Him, believing in His power to heal and restore. May we also be agents of His healing, extending love, compassion, and hope to those in need, knowing that Jesus's healing touch is still available to all who seek Him.

Prayer for Saturday of the 12th Week in Ordinary Time

O Divine Physician, we are reminded of the faith and humility of the centurion. Like him, we come before you, recognizing your authority and power. We ask for your healing touch to be upon those who are sick, suffering, or oppressed, knowing that you have the ability to bring restoration and wholeness. Strengthen our faith, that we may trust in your unfailing love and find comfort in your compassionate care. Amen.