Friday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time
Friday July 7, 2028
Called To Mercy And Justice
Friday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time Year 2 brings together strong words and gentle mercy. The readings speak about fairness, hunger for God’s word, and the call to follow Jesus. They remind us that faith is not only about prayer. It also shapes how we treat others each day.
In the first reading, God speaks against those who cheat and harm the poor. The psalm answers with a longing to live by God’s law. These two readings fit together. One warns about turning away from God. The other shows the joy of staying close to Him.
The Gospel shows Jesus calling Matthew, a tax collector. Many people looked down on him. Yet Jesus invites him to follow. Friday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time Year 2 shows that God cares about justice, but He also offers mercy. He calls sinners and welcomes them into a new life.
Daily Mass Readings for Friday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time Year 2
- First Reading – Amos 8:4-6, 9-12: God condemns those who exploit the needy and cheat for gain. A time will come when the sun will set at midday, joy will turn to mourning, and a famine for the word of the LORD will occur.
- Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 119: I seek God wholeheartedly, longing for His laws and living by His words. I yearn for His commands and righteousness.
- Gospel – Matthew 9:9-13: Jesus sees Matthew, a tax collector, sitting at the tax booth, and tells him to follow Him. Matthew rises and follows Jesus, inviting Him and other tax collectors and sinners to a feast. The Pharisees question Jesus’ association with such people, but He explains that He came to call sinners, not the righteous, to repentance.
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 13th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1.
Go and learn the meaning of the words, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’
Matthew 9:13
Themes for the Readings for Friday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
On Friday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, the readings teach us about justice, mercy, and following Jesus. They remind us of the importance of listening to God’s word and avoiding wrongdoing.
- Justice for the Needy: God condemns those who exploit the poor and cheat for gain. The reading from Amos calls for fair treatment and justice.
- Consequences of Sin: Amos warns of a time when joy will turn to mourning. This shows the serious consequences of ignoring God’s commands.
- Hunger for God’s Word: Amos speaks of a famine for hearing the word of the LORD. This highlights the need to seek and cherish God’s teachings.
- Calling of Sinners: Jesus calls Matthew, a tax collector, to follow Him. This shows that Jesus invites everyone, even sinners, to follow Him.
- Mercy over Sacrifice: Jesus explains He came to call sinners, not the righteous. This teaches that God values mercy and repentance.
- Jesus’ Association with Sinners: The Pharisees question why Jesus eats with tax collectors and sinners. Jesus shows that He reaches out to those in need of healing.
The readings on Friday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 encourage us to act justly, seek God’s word, and show mercy. They remind us that Jesus calls everyone to follow Him and repent.
Reflection for Friday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
On Friday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, the readings teach us about justice, mercy, and following Jesus. These themes are essential for our faith and daily lives. Reflecting on them helps us grow closer to God and understand His will for us.
Justice for the Needy
In the first reading from Amos, God condemns those who exploit the needy. He warns against cheating and unfair practices. This reminds us to treat everyone with fairness and justice.
God cares deeply for the poor and the oppressed. He sees their suffering and hears their cries. We are called to act justly and support those in need.
Living justly means being honest and fair in all our dealings. It means standing up against injustice and helping those who are vulnerable. This is a vital part of our Christian life.
Hunger for God’s Word
Amos also speaks of a famine for the word of the LORD. This is a time when people will desperately seek God’s word but will not find it. It shows the importance of valuing and seeking God’s teachings.
God’s word nourishes our souls and guides our lives. Without it, we are lost and empty. We must read, listen to, and meditate on God’s word regularly.
By seeking God’s word, we grow in faith and wisdom. It helps us make good choices and live according to His will. We should never take God’s word for granted but always hunger for it.
Calling of Sinners
In the Gospel, Jesus calls Matthew, a tax collector, to follow Him. Tax collectors were often despised, but Jesus saw Matthew’s potential. This shows that Jesus calls everyone, no matter their past.
Jesus’ call to Matthew is a call to all of us. He invites us to leave our old ways and follow Him. He looks beyond our sins and sees our worth.
By following Jesus, we find new life and purpose. He came to call sinners, not the righteous. We are all in need of His mercy and grace.
The readings for Friday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 remind us of the importance of justice, the value of God’s word, and Jesus’ call to sinners. They guide us to live justly, seek God, and follow Jesus. Let us take these lessons to heart and strive to live according to God’s will.
Prayer
Lord, help us to act justly, seek Your word, and follow Jesus. Give us the grace to live according to Your will and show mercy to others. Amen.
Reflection Questions
- How do you work for justice in your daily life?
- What steps can you take to grow in your understanding of God’s word?
- How does Jesus’ call to Matthew encourage you to leave behind old habits and follow Him?
- How can you show mercy and compassion to those who feel excluded or judged?
Homilies and Commentaries for Friday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
Word on Fire: Matthew’s Call to Follow
In Bishop Robert Barron’s reflection for Friday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, he discusses the conversion of Matthew. Jesus calls Matthew to “Follow me,” urging a change that goes beyond the mind to transform actions and life decisions. Matthew’s response, described with the same verb used for Jesus’ Resurrection, symbolizes rising to a new life focused on God.
After his conversion, Matthew hosts Jesus and other sinners, which angers the Pharisees. Jesus’ actions show that he loves sinners and invites them to follow him without demanding perfection first.
USCCB Reflection: Jesus Calls Us All
This reflection from the USCCB for Friday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 focuses on the calling of St. Matthew. Jesus’ call to Matthew, a despised tax collector, illustrates His mission to reach out to sinners and bring them to righteousness.
The reflection highlights the importance of being missionaries in our own lives, reaching out to those most in need and often overlooked. Inspired by Pope Francis’ motto, “The Lord was having mercy,” we are encouraged to show mercy and spread God’s love to everyone, especially those who feel lost or marginalized.
USCCB Reflection: Jesus Calls Us
On Friday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, the USCCB reflects on Jesus calling Matthew. This is like choosing teams where the least expected are picked. Pope Francis’s favorite painting, “The Call of Saint Matthew,” captures Matthew’s surprise at being chosen. Despite feeling unworthy, we too are called by Jesus.
Pope Francis reminds us that we are chosen to be instruments of God’s mercy, reaching out to those marginalized and alone. Jesus came to call sinners, not the righteous, and He sends us to share His mercy with others.
Resources
The Book of Amos: The Cry Of Justice
The book of Amos speaks during a time of wealth and comfort in Israel, yet the poor are ignored. In Amos 8:4-6, 9-12, God condemns those who cheat and trample the needy. On Friday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time Year 2, this passage reflects the book’s strong focus on justice and covenant faithfulness. True worship must include fairness and mercy.
Amos warns that ignoring God’s law leads to judgment. The darkened sun and famine for the word show what happens when people silence God’s voice. Throughout the book, justice and right living stand at the center. God calls His people back to a faithful relationship that protects the weak and honors the covenant.
Psalm 119: Living By The Word
Psalm 119 celebrates love for God’s law. It presents the commandments as a gift that guides daily life. In this section, the psalmist seeks God with a whole heart and longs for His commands. On Friday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time Year 2, the response fits the psalm’s wider theme of joyful obedience and trust.
The entire psalm shows that faith is shaped by listening and acting on God’s word. The law is not a burden but a path to wisdom and stability. This reading connects to the larger message of covenant loyalty and steady devotion. A community rooted in God’s word finds direction and hope.
The Gospel of Matthew: Mercy That Calls
The Gospel of Matthew presents Jesus as the promised Messiah who gathers a new community. In Matthew 9:9-13, Jesus calls a tax collector and eats with sinners. On Friday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time Year 2, this story highlights the Gospel’s theme of mercy and repentance. Discipleship begins with a personal call.
Matthew often contrasts outward religion with true righteousness. Jesus says He desires mercy, not sacrifice. This reflects the book’s concern for interior conversion and faithful action. The calling of Matthew shows that salvation reaches the excluded and forms a community centered on compassion and new life.
Social Media Graphics and Bulletin Artwork
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Leaving The Coins Behind
This image reflects the moment when Jesus calls Matthew from his tax booth. The scattered coins remind us of the life he leaves behind. On Friday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time Year 2, we hear about justice, mercy, and the choice to follow Christ.
Subscribers may download this image to use in bulletins, newsletters, and youth ministry materials to spark reflection on repentance, fairness, and the call to new life.
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Social Media Graphics and Bulletin Artwork
If you would like an image to be made available as a specific product (card, poster, mug, etc.) or as an extra high resolution image for personal use just post a comment about what you want and we will create a link to our online store for you.
Questions and Answers for Friday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
What does Amos 8:4-6 mean by cheating the needy in the first reading for Friday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?
Amos 8:4-6 talks about dishonest business practices. People were cheating the poor by using false measures and overcharging. This reminds us to be honest and fair in all our dealings.
Why is there a famine for the word of the LORD in Amos 8:11-12?
Amos 8:11-12 speaks of a time when people will seek God’s word but not find it. This means they ignored God’s word for so long that it became hard to hear. We must always listen to and value God’s word.
How can we apply Amos’ message to our lives?
Amos’ message calls us to act justly and treat others fairly. We should avoid cheating or exploiting anyone. We should help the poor and needy.
Why did Jesus call Matthew, a tax collector, in the Gospel for Friday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?
Jesus called Matthew to show that He welcomes everyone, even sinners. Tax collectors were disliked, but Jesus saw Matthew’s potential. Jesus invites all of us to follow Him, no matter our past.
What does Jesus mean by saying He came to call sinners in Matthew 9:13?
Jesus means He came to help those who know they need forgiveness. He wants us to repent and turn to Him. We all need His mercy and grace.
How should we respond to Jesus’ call like Matthew did?
We should be ready to leave our old ways and follow Jesus. This means changing our lives and living according to His teachings. We should trust in Jesus and His plan for us.
What does Jesus mean by “mercy, not sacrifice” in Matthew 9:13?
Jesus means that showing kindness and forgiveness is more important than ritual acts. God values love and mercy over formalities. We should focus on being compassionate.
How can we show mercy in our daily lives?
We can show mercy by helping those in need, forgiving others, and being kind. We should treat others with compassion and understanding. This is how we follow Jesus’ example.
Why did the Pharisees question Jesus eating with sinners?
The Pharisees thought it was wrong to associate with sinners. They believed it made someone unclean. Jesus showed that He came to help those who need healing, including sinners.
What can we learn from Jesus’ response to the Pharisees on Friday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?
We learn that no one is beyond God’s love and mercy. Jesus reaches out to everyone, even those who are lost. We should also be welcoming and forgiving.
Justice, Mercy, and Following Jesus
The readings for Friday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 focus on justice, the need for God’s word, and Jesus’ call to sinners. In the first reading, the prophet Amos speaks against the injustices faced by the poor. He warns of the consequences of cheating and exploiting others. This reminds us to treat people fairly and care for those in need. God sees and hears the suffering of the vulnerable and calls us to act justly.
Amos also warns of a famine for hearing God’s word. People will hunger for His guidance but will not find it. This highlights the importance of seeking and cherishing God’s teachings. Without His word, we become lost and unsure of how to live. Regularly reading and meditating on Scripture keeps us close to God and helps us follow His ways.
In the Gospel, Jesus calls Matthew, a tax collector, to follow Him. Matthew leaves everything behind and follows. Jesus shows mercy by welcoming sinners and teaching that His mission is to heal and forgive. He challenges us to have compassion and avoid judging others. His actions remind us that everyone is invited to follow Him and experience His love.
These readings encourage us to live with justice, seek God’s word, and follow Jesus with faith. They call us to trust God and share His mercy with others.
Your Turn
Reflect on the lessons from Friday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2. Are there ways you can bring more justice and fairness to those around you? How can you make time to seek God’s word and follow Jesus more closely?
Share your thoughts in the comments. Let’s reflect together on how these readings can guide us to live with faith, compassion, and justice in our daily lives.