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Daily Mass Readings for Friday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
Friday July 31, 2026
- First Reading – Jeremiah 26:1-9: Jeremiah delivers God’s warning to Judah, urging them to repent, but the priests and people demand his death for prophesying destruction.
- Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 69: I am overwhelmed by enemies and insults, but I pray for God’s kindness and help.
- Gospel – Matthew 13:54-58: Jesus taught in his hometown, but the people were offended and questioned his wisdom and power. Due to their lack of faith, he performed few miracles there.
And he did not work many mighty deeds there because of their lack of faith.
Matthew 13:58
Themes for the Readings for Friday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
On Friday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, the readings from Jeremiah 26:1-9 and Matthew 13:54-58 offer important lessons. They teach us about faith, obedience, and the challenges of speaking God’s truth.
- Courage to Speak: Jeremiah faced opposition when he spoke God’s message. This shows the need for courage when we share God’s truth.
- Rejection of Prophets: Jesus was rejected in his hometown. This highlights how even true messengers can face rejection.
- Obedience to God: Jeremiah obeyed God’s command despite danger. This reminds us to follow God’s will even when it is difficult.
- Unbelief in Jesus: The people doubted Jesus because they knew his family. This teaches us that familiarity can sometimes hinder our faith.
- Consequences of Disobedience: The people of Jerusalem faced consequences for ignoring God’s warnings. This shows the importance of listening to God’s word.
- Faith in Action: Jeremiah’s actions were guided by faith in God. This encourages us to act with faith in our own lives.
The themes from these readings remind us to be strong in our faith and obedient to God’s word. They encourage us to listen to God’s messengers and act with courage and trust.
Thoughts for Friday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
The readings for Friday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 bring us important messages from Jeremiah 26:1-9 and Matthew 13:54-58. These passages encourage us to reflect on our faith, obedience to God, and the challenges of living out our beliefs. Through these reflections, we seek to understand and apply these lessons in our lives.
Courage to Speak God’s Truth
Jeremiah was called by God to deliver a message to the people. This message was not well received, and the people wanted to harm him. Despite the danger, Jeremiah spoke God’s word with courage.
We are often afraid to speak about our faith. Fear of rejection or conflict can make us silent. Like Jeremiah, we must find the courage to speak God’s truth.
On Friday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, we are reminded that speaking up for our faith is important. God calls us to share His message, even when it is difficult. With His help, we can overcome our fears.
Rejection of Jesus
In the Gospel, Jesus returns to His hometown and teaches in the synagogue. The people are amazed but also skeptical. They doubt Him because they know His family and background.
This story shows that even Jesus faced rejection. Familiarity made it hard for people to accept Him as the Messiah. We too may face disbelief from those who know us well.
On Friday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, we see that being close to Jesus does not guarantee acceptance. We must strive to see beyond familiarity and recognize Jesus in our lives. Faith requires us to trust in Him, even when others doubt.
Obedience to God’s Will
Jeremiah obeyed God and delivered His message, even though it was dangerous. His obedience was a sign of his strong faith. He trusted in God to protect him.
Obedience to God’s will is not always easy. It may lead us into difficult situations. Yet, like Jeremiah, we must trust that God will guide and protect us.
On Friday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, we learn the importance of obedience. Following God’s will can be challenging, but it brings us closer to Him. We are called to listen and act according to His word.
The readings for Friday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 encourage us to reflect on courage, rejection, and obedience. These themes remind us to be strong in our faith and trust in God. As we face challenges, let us remember the lessons from Jeremiah and Jesus, and strive to live according to God’s will.
Prayer
Lord, help us to speak Your truth with courage. Strengthen our faith when we face rejection. Guide us to follow Your will with trust and obedience. Amen.
Homilies and Reflections for Friday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
Word on Fire: More Than a Prophet
In his reflection for Friday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 2, Bishop Robert Barron discusses Jesus’ rejection at Nazareth. He explains that Jesus refers to himself as a prophet, a role that involves speaking God’s truth and often facing opposition. However, Jesus is not just another prophet; he is the Word made flesh, the Divine Truth in person. While prophets speak God’s words, Jesus embodies them fully. Bishop Barron reminds us that Jesus’ mission goes beyond prophecy, as he is the living Word and ultimate expression of God’s truth.
USCCB Reflection: Embracing the Prophetic Call
This USCCB reflection for Friday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 delves into the theme of prophets and their significance, using the example of the Prophet Jeremiah from the Old Testament. It highlights that as baptized individuals, we are called to be priest, prophet, and king. The reflection encourages readers to reflect on God’s timing and listen to prophetic voices that point out where God’s mission of love may not be fully realized. It emphasizes the willingness to suffer for following God’s call, just like the prophets of old. The reflection invites readers to discern where they can speak prophetically and pray for guidance to fulfill their baptismal call.
Questions and Answers for Friday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
What date is Friday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?
The next date is Friday July 31, 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 17th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1.
What are the Mass readings for Friday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?
The Mass readings for Friday July 31, 2026 are:
First Reading – Jeremiah 26:1-9: Divine Warning for Judah
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 69: Trusting in God’s Love
Gospel – Matthew 13:54-58: Jesus Rejected in His Hometown
What is the main message of the first reading for Friday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?
The main message is about speaking God’s truth even when it is difficult. Jeremiah was told to deliver God’s message to the people, despite the risk of harm. This teaches us to be brave and share God’s word.
How can we apply Jeremiah’s courage to our lives?
We can apply Jeremiah’s courage by speaking about our faith, even when it is hard. We should trust that God will support us, just as He supported Jeremiah. Sharing God’s message is important.
Why is obedience to God important in Jeremiah 26:1-9?
Obedience to God is important because it shows our faith and trust in Him. Jeremiah obeyed God despite the danger. We too should follow God’s will, trusting that He will guide and protect us.
How can we overcome fear when sharing our faith?
We can overcome fear by praying for courage and trusting in God’s support. Remembering examples like Jeremiah can inspire us. Speaking God’s truth is part of our mission as Christians.
Why did the people reject Jesus in the Gospel for Friday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?
The people rejected Jesus because they knew Him and His family. They found it hard to believe that someone they knew could be special. This shows how familiarity can sometimes make us doubt.
What does Jesus’ rejection in His hometown teach us?
It teaches us that even Jesus faced doubt and rejection. We might also face disbelief from people close to us. We should remain faithful and not let others’ doubts weaken our trust in Jesus.
What lesson can we learn from the people’s reaction to Jesus in Matthew 13:54-58?
We learn that people may reject us or our message due to familiarity. It is important to stay strong in our faith and continue to share Jesus’ message. Faith can grow even in the face of doubt.
How does Friday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 remind us to trust in God?
It reminds us through the examples of Jeremiah and Jesus. Both trusted God in difficult situations. We should also trust God in our challenges and follow His will.
What should we do when others doubt our faith?
When others doubt our faith, we should stay strong and continue to believe. Jesus faced doubt too, but He remained faithful to His mission. We should follow His example and keep our trust in God.
How can we listen to God’s will in our lives?
We can listen to God’s will by praying, reading the Bible, and being attentive to His guidance. Like Jeremiah, we should be ready to act on God’s message. Obedience to God brings us closer to Him.
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