Friday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time

• First Reading) – Isaiah 38:1-6, 21-22, 7-8: The prophet Isaiah announced Hezekiah’s impending death. Hezekiah prayed, and God granted him 15 more years of life. As a sign, the sun’s shadow reversed ten steps.
• Responsorial Psalm – Isaiah 38: In despair, I thought I’d die. But the LORD saved me, granting health and life. My dwelling may be struck down, but I shall not die; God’s protection sustains me.
• Gospel – Matthew 12:1-8: Jesus defended his disciples picking grain on the Sabbath, citing David’s actions and the temple priests’ innocence. He emphasized mercy over sacrifice and declared himself Lord of the Sabbath.

 If you knew what this meant, I desire mercy, not sacrifice, you would not have condemned these innocent men. 

Matthew 12:7

On Friday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, the readings highlight God’s mercy and faithfulness. They show how prayer and mercy are important in our relationship with God.

• God’s Mercy in Prayer: Hezekiah prayed to God when he was near death. God heard his prayer and granted him more years to live.
• Power of Faith: Hezekiah believed in God’s power to heal him. His faith led to a miraculous sign of the sun’s shadow reversing.
• God’s Faithfulness: God kept His promise to Hezekiah. He showed that He is faithful to those who trust Him.
• Importance of Mercy: Jesus emphasized mercy over strict Sabbath rules. He showed that caring for others is more important than ritual.
• Jesus as Lord: Jesus declared Himself Lord of the Sabbath. He showed that He has authority over all rules and customs.
• Human Needs: Jesus defended His disciples picking grain on the Sabbath. He showed that human needs are important and should be met with compassion.

These themes remind us of God’s kindness and the importance of faith and mercy. They encourage us to trust in God and to show mercy to others.

The readings for Friday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 help us understand the importance of prayer, faith, and mercy. These themes are present in both the first reading from Isaiah and the Gospel of Matthew. Reflecting on these readings can deepen our appreciation of God’s love and guidance.

The Power of Prayer

In Isaiah 38:1-6, 21-22, 7-8, King Hezekiah was near death. He prayed to God with all his heart. God heard his prayer and added fifteen years to his life. This shows the power of sincere prayer.

Prayer is a way for us to connect with God. He listens to our prayers and responds in ways that are best for us. Hezekiah’s story reminds us to trust in God’s timing and plans.

We can bring our worries and fears to God in prayer. Just as Hezekiah did, we should be honest and open with God. He will give us the strength we need to face our challenges.

God’s Faithfulness

Hezekiah’s story also shows God’s faithfulness. God promised to heal Hezekiah and gave a sign by making the sun’s shadow go back ten steps. This miracle confirmed God’s promise.

God is always faithful to His promises. He cares for us and wants what is best for us. He will never abandon us, especially when we turn to Him in faith.

We can rely on God’s faithfulness in our lives. When we face difficulties, we should remember how God kept His promises to Hezekiah. Trusting in God can bring us peace and hope.

The Importance of Mercy

In Matthew 12:1-8, Jesus and His disciples were criticized for picking grain on the Sabbath. Jesus reminded the critics that mercy is more important than sacrifice. He showed that caring for others is more important than following strict rules.

Jesus’ actions teach us the value of mercy. We should be compassionate and understanding towards others. Helping those in need should come before rigidly following rules.

Mercy reflects God’s love for us. By showing mercy, we become more like Jesus. We should always seek to be kind and forgiving, just as God is with us.

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The readings for Friday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 remind us of the power of prayer, God’s faithfulness, and the importance of mercy. These lessons can guide us in our daily lives and help us grow closer to God. By reflecting on these themes, we can strengthen our faith and trust in God’s love.

Prayer

Dear Lord, thank you for hearing our prayers and for your faithfulness. Help us to trust in you and show mercy to others. Guide us in your love and teach us to follow your ways. Amen.

USCCB Reflection: A Lesson in Love

In this USCCB video reflection for Friday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, Jesus surprises the Pharisees by emphasizing mercy over strict adherence to the law. He highlights the importance of love as the foundation for following God’s commandments. Jesus teaches that rules should be followed out of love for God and neighbor, not rigidly or out of fear. He reminds us that He is the Lord of the Sabbath, expanding our understanding to prioritize compassion. This reflection invites us to live out God’s love in every part of our lives.

What date is Friday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

The next date is Friday July 17, 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 15th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1.

What are the Mass readings for Friday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

The Mass readings for Friday July 17, 2026 are:
First Reading – Isaiah 38:1-6, 21-22, 7-8: Hezekiah’s Healing and the Sun’s Miracle
Responsorial Psalm – Isaiah 38: Gratitude for Renewed Life
Gospel – Matthew 12:1-8: Lord of the Sabbath

What is the sign God gave to Hezekiah in the first reading for Friday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

God made the sun’s shadow go back ten steps. This miracle was a sign that God would keep His promise to heal Hezekiah.

Why did God give Hezekiah fifteen more years of life?

God gave Hezekiah more years because he prayed with faith. Hezekiah showed trust in God, and God responded to his sincere prayer.

What is the main message of Isaiah 38:1-6, 21-22, 7-8?

The main message is that God hears our prayers. Hezekiah prayed when he was sick, and God healed him. This shows that prayer is powerful.

How does Hezekiah’s story in Isaiah relate to our lives?

Hezekiah’s story reminds us to pray and trust in God. When we face challenges, we should turn to God in prayer and believe in His faithfulness.

Why did Jesus’ disciples pick grain on the Sabbath in the Gospel for Friday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

They were hungry and needed food. Jesus used this to show that human needs are important and should be met with compassion.

What does Matthew 12:1-8 teach us about the Sabbath?

This passage teaches that mercy is more important than strict rules. Jesus showed that caring for others is more important than just following rituals.

What did Jesus mean by saying He is “Lord of the Sabbath”?

Jesus meant that He has authority over all rules, including those of the Sabbath. He showed that love and mercy are more important than strict observance.

How can we apply the lesson of mercy from Matthew 12:1-8 to our lives?

We can show kindness and understanding to others, especially those in need. Being merciful means putting love and compassion first.

What can we learn from Jesus defending His disciples in Matthew 12:1-8?

We learn that Jesus values mercy over strict rules. He teaches us to care for others and to be compassionate.

How do the readings for Friday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 help us grow in faith?

They remind us of the power of prayer, God’s faithfulness, and the importance of mercy. Reflecting on these themes can strengthen our trust in God and help us show love to others.