Saturday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time

Saturday July 4, 2026

Daily Mass Readings for Saturday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2

First Reading – Amos 9:11-15: The Lord promises to rebuild the fallen, bring prosperity, restore Israel, and firmly establish His people on their own land, never to be uprooted again.
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 85: God promises peace, salvation, and prosperity to those who respect Him, where virtues like truth and justice personify a harmonious meeting, guiding the path of His steps.
Gospel – Matthew 9:14-17: John’s disciples asked why Jesus’ followers did not fast. Jesus explained that fasting was inappropriate while he was with them and used metaphors to illustrate the need for new approaches.

Upcoming dates: July 4, 2026, July 8, 2028, July 6, 2030

People do not put new wine into old wineskins.
Matthew 9:17

Themes for the Readings for Saturday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2

Saturday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 reminds us of God’s promise to restore and renew. The readings focus on hope, renewal, and the new teachings of Jesus.

Restoration of Israel: God promises to rebuild and restore Israel. This shows His commitment to His people and their future.
God’s Promises: The readings highlight God’s promises of prosperity and stability. It emphasizes that God’s word is trustworthy.
New Beginnings: Jesus’ analogy of new wine and old wineskins speaks about new beginnings. It shows that Jesus brings a new way of understanding faith.

Joy in Jesus’ Presence: Jesus explains that His disciples do not fast because He is with them. This signifies joy and celebration in His presence.
Faith and Renewal: The readings encourage us to have faith in God’s plan for renewal. It reminds us that God can make all things new.
God’s Faithfulness: God’s promise to never uproot His people again shows His faithfulness. It reassures us that God is always with us.

The themes for Saturday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 remind us of God’s constant care and His plans for renewal. They encourage us to trust in God’s promises and embrace the new teachings of Jesus.

Reflection for Saturday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2

Saturday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 brings us readings that focus on God’s promises and Jesus’ teachings. These reflections will help us understand how God restores, renews, and guides us through His love and faithfulness. Let us delve into the messages from the Book of Amos and the Gospel of Matthew.

Restoration of Israel

In the first reading, God promises to rebuild the fallen house of David. He speaks of restoring Israel and bringing prosperity to His people. This promise shows that God is always ready to renew and rebuild what has been broken.

God’s promise of restoration is a message of hope. It reminds us that no matter how difficult our situation may be, God can rebuild and restore us. This restoration is not just physical but also spiritual, bringing us closer to Him.

On Saturday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, we see that God’s plan includes a future where His people will never be uprooted again. This stability and security are gifts from God. They assure us that He will always be there for us.

New Beginnings

In the Gospel, Jesus explains why His disciples do not fast while He is with them. He uses the analogy of new wine and old wineskins to show that His teachings bring a new way of understanding. This new beginning requires a fresh approach.

Jesus’ message is clear: the old ways cannot contain the new teachings He brings. Just as new wine needs new wineskins, our hearts need to be open to His new message. This openness allows us to fully embrace the life He offers.

Saturday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 invites us to reflect on how we can be open to the newness of Jesus’ teachings. We are called to let go of old ways that may hinder our spiritual growth. Embracing Jesus’ new way brings us closer to God.

Joy in Jesus’ Presence

Jesus tells the disciples of John the Baptist that His followers do not fast because He is with them. His presence brings joy and celebration. This is a time to rejoice, not to mourn.

The joy that Jesus brings is a reflection of His love and care for us. When we are with Jesus, we experience a sense of peace and happiness. His presence fills our hearts with gladness.

On Saturday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, we are reminded to find joy in our relationship with Jesus. His presence in our lives is a reason to celebrate. Let us cherish the moments we spend with Him and rejoice in His love.

The readings and reflections for Saturday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 remind us of God’s promises and the joy of new beginnings with Jesus. They encourage us to trust in God’s plan, open our hearts to Jesus’ teachings, and rejoice in His presence. Let us hold on to these messages as we continue our journey of faith.

Prayer

Lord, thank You for Your promises of restoration and renewal. Help us to embrace Your new teachings and find joy in Your presence. Guide us to trust in Your plan and remain faithful to You always. Amen.

Reflection Questions

What areas of your life do you feel God is calling you to rebuild or renew?
How can you let go of old habits or attitudes to embrace Jesus’ new teachings?

Where do you find joy in your relationship with Jesus?
How can you trust more in God’s promise to guide and care for you?

Homilies and Commentaries for Saturday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2

Word on Fire: New Wine, New Life

Bishop Robert Barron’s reflection for Saturday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 focuses on Jesus’ parable of new wine and wineskins. The new wine represents the Good News and the union of divine and human. Old attitudes and egos can’t contain this new message.

Accepting the Gospel requires a deep change in our spirit and mindset, a metanoia. Demons symbolize resistance to this change. By examining challenging Gospel passages, we see where our souls need transformation. This reflection calls us to embrace the new wine of the Gospel with renewed hearts.

USCCB Reflection: God’s Overflowing Abundance

The video reflection from the USCCB for Saturday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 focuses on God’s abundant blessings. Pope Francis and the readings remind us that God’s abundance is always present and overflowing. Isaiah speaks of a time of great prosperity, and Jesus explains that His presence is a time for joy, not fasting.

We often fear scarcity, but God wants us to trust in His endless grace. The Eucharist is a celebration of this abundance, encouraging us to respond with gratitude instead of fear. Let us see and appreciate God’s gifts all around us.

Questions and Answers for Saturday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2

What date is Saturday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

The next date is Saturday July 4, 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 13th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1.

What are the Mass readings for Saturday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

The Mass readings for Saturday July 4, 2026 are:
First Reading – Amos 9:11-15: A Promise of Restoration
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 85: Proclamation of Peace
Gospel – Matthew 9:14-17: Fasting and New Wine

What does God promise in Amos 9:11-15, the first reading for Saturday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

God promises to rebuild the house of David. He assures Israel of restoration and prosperity.

How does God’s promise of restoration apply to our lives?

It reminds us that God can rebuild and renew our lives. We should trust in His plans and ask for His help in difficult times.

What is the significance of God saying His people will never be uprooted again?

It means God promises stability and security. His people can trust that He will always be with them.

Why do the disciples of John the Baptist question Jesus about fasting in the Gospel for Saturday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

They notice that Jesus’ disciples do not fast. They want to know why they are different from other religious followers.

What is Jesus’ response to the question about fasting?

Jesus says His disciples do not fast because He is with them. It is a time for joy, not mourning.

What is the meaning of the new wine and old wineskins analogy in Matthew 9:14-17?

Jesus uses this analogy to show that His teachings are new. Old traditions cannot contain His new message.

How can we apply the new wine and old wineskins analogy to our lives?

We should be open to new ways of living our faith. Letting go of old habits helps us embrace Jesus’ teachings.

Why is the presence of Jesus a time for joy?

Jesus’ presence brings happiness and peace. His followers celebrate because He is with them.

How can we find joy in Jesus’ presence?

We can pray and spend time with Jesus. Worship and reading His word can fill our hearts with joy.

What can we learn from the readings for Saturday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

We learn about God’s promise of restoration and the importance of new beginnings. We also learn that being with Jesus brings joy.

God’s Promise of Renewal and New Ways

On Saturday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, the readings remind us of God’s promise to rebuild and renew, along with Jesus’ call to embrace new ways of living our faith. In the first reading from Amos, God speaks of restoring His people. He promises to rebuild what has fallen and bring new blessings. This shows God’s constant care and His desire to lead us to a better future.

God’s promise is not just about physical restoration but also about spiritual renewal. He assures us that He will be with His people, giving them stability and peace. This message of hope encourages us to trust that God can renew what seems broken in our lives.

In the Gospel, Jesus explains that His teachings bring something new. He uses the image of new wine needing new wineskins. This shows that we need to open our hearts to Jesus’ message. Old habits and attitudes may hold us back. Jesus invites us to embrace a fresh way of understanding and living our faith.

Jesus also teaches that His presence is a time for joy. Just as the disciples did not fast while He was with them, we are reminded to celebrate the joy of being close to Jesus. He brings peace, hope, and purpose into our lives.

These readings encourage us to trust God’s promise of renewal and open our hearts to Jesus’ call for newness. God is always working to rebuild, refresh, and bring us closer to Him.

Your Turn

Take a moment to reflect on Saturday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2. What areas of your life need renewal and trust in God’s care? How can you open your heart to the new ways Jesus is calling you to live your faith?

Share your thoughts in the comments. Let us encourage one another as we embrace God’s promise of renewal and seek the joy of Jesus’ presence in our lives.