Saturday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time
Saturday September 5, 2026

Daily Mass Readings for Saturday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
- First Reading – 1 Corinthians 4:6b-15: Learn humility and recognize that everything you have is from God. We Apostles suffer greatly, while you feel secure. I urge you to follow my example as your spiritual father.
- Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 145: The Lord is close to those who sincerely call on him. He hears their cries, protects those who love him, and is righteous in all his ways.
- Gospel – Luke 6:1-5: Jesus defends his disciples’ actions on the Sabbath by recalling David’s example and declares his authority as Lord of the Sabbath, challenging the Pharisees’ understanding of the law.
Luke 6:5
Then he said to them, “The Son of Man is lord of the sabbath.”
Themes for the Readings for Saturday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
On Saturday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, the readings highlight key lessons about humility, faith, and God’s guidance. These themes help us understand how to live faithfully and trust in God’s plan.
- Humility before God: Paul warns against arrogance, reminding us that everything we have is a gift from God. We should remain humble and avoid boasting.
- Imitating Christ: Paul calls the Corinthians to imitate him as he follows Christ. This encourages us to live in a way that reflects Jesus’ life and teachings.
- Spiritual Fatherhood: Paul speaks of himself as a spiritual father to the Corinthians. This highlights the importance of spiritual guidance and mentorship in our faith journey.
- Sabbath and Compassion: Jesus defends His disciples when they pick grain on the Sabbath. This teaches that compassion and mercy are more important than strict rules.
- Jesus as Lord of the Sabbath: Jesus asserts His authority over the Sabbath. This shows that Jesus has authority over all, including religious practices.
- God’s Care for Needs: The Gospel shows that God provides for our needs, even in unexpected ways. This reminds us to trust in God’s care and provision.
These themes help us reflect on how to live with humility, trust in God’s guidance, and follow Jesus’ example. They encourage us to deepen our faith and rely on God’s care.
Reflection for Saturday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2

On Saturday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, the readings invite us to reflect on key aspects of our faith. Themes of humility, the authority of Jesus, and the importance of spiritual guidance are central. These reflections help us understand how to live faithfully and grow closer to God by following the teachings in the readings.
Humility Before God
On Saturday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, Paul reminds us to be humble. He emphasizes that everything we have, including our abilities, comes from God. We should not be proud or boastful but recognize that all our gifts are given to us by God. Paul’s words are a call to avoid arrogance and instead live with humility.
Humility helps us to see ourselves rightly before God. When we realize that our talents and successes are not our own doing, we are more grateful and less likely to compare ourselves with others. This attitude keeps us grounded and allows us to use our gifts for good, knowing they are from God.
Living with humility also deepens our relationship with God. When we acknowledge that everything comes from Him, we are more likely to rely on His guidance. This trust in God’s care helps us to live more peacefully, knowing that He is the source of all we need.
Jesus’ Authority Over All
In the Gospel for Saturday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, Jesus shows that He is Lord of the Sabbath. This means He has authority over all religious practices and traditions. Jesus teaches us that following Him is more important than simply following rules. His authority extends beyond human laws and reaches into every part of our lives.
By declaring His lordship over the Sabbath, Jesus invites us to put our faith in Him rather than in mere practices. He wants us to understand that true obedience is about following Him with our hearts, not just performing rituals. This message challenges us to look at how we live our faith. Are we focused on rules, or are we truly following Jesus?
Living with Jesus as our Lord means that we trust Him to guide us in all areas of life. His authority is complete, and we are called to obey Him in everything. This obedience is not about fear but about love and trust, knowing that He leads us in the best way.
The Importance of Spiritual Guidance
Another theme in the readings for Saturday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 is the importance of spiritual guidance. Paul refers to himself as a spiritual father to the Corinthians. He sees his role as guiding them in their faith and helping them grow closer to Jesus. This highlights the value of having spiritual mentors in our lives.
Spiritual guidance helps us stay on the right path. Just as Paul guided the Corinthians, we too can benefit from the wisdom and experience of others who have walked the journey of faith before us. These mentors can provide advice, support, and encouragement, helping us to navigate challenges and deepen our relationship with God.
Having a spiritual guide also helps us to grow in humility and obedience. When we listen to those who are wiser in faith, we acknowledge that we do not have all the answers. This humility opens us up to learning and growing, making us more receptive to God’s work in our lives. On Saturday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, we are reminded of the importance of seeking and following spiritual guidance.
The readings for Saturday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 guide us to live with humility, recognize Jesus’ authority, and seek spiritual guidance. By reflecting on these themes, we can deepen our faith and follow Christ more closely. May these reflections inspire us to live out these teachings in our daily lives.
Prayer
Lord, help us to live with humility, recognizing that all we have is from You. Teach us to follow Jesus with trust, acknowledging His authority in all things. Guide us through those who mentor us in faith, so we may grow closer to You each day. Amen.
Reflection Questions
- How can you practice humility in your daily life and acknowledge that everything you have comes from God?
- In what ways do you focus on rules or traditions instead of following Jesus with your heart?
- How can you trust more fully in Jesus’ authority and allow Him to guide every part of your life?
- Who are the spiritual mentors in your life, and how have they helped you grow in your faith?
Homilies and Commentaries for Saturday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath
In this reflection for Saturday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 2, Bishop Robert Barron talks about Jesus declaring himself “lord of the sabbath.” In the Gospel, Jesus and his disciples are criticized for working on the sabbath, a sacred day of rest. Jesus explains that the sabbath was made to serve people, not the other way around.
By claiming authority over the sabbath, Jesus places God’s kingdom above the Jewish law. This shows that God’s love and care for people come before strict rules. Jesus’ authority is a sign of his divine mission.
Take Your Mini Sabbatical
In a reflection from Matthew Kelly for Saturday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, he emphasizes the importance of Sabbath rest. He compares the idea of a sabbatical to the mini sabbatical God invites us to take each week on the Sabbath.
Though modern life puts many pressures on this day of rest, Kelly encourages us to simplify our Sabbath, saying no to distractions and yes to the peace and rest God offers. By honoring the Sabbath, we can experience the renewal God intended, a small but meaningful break from the busyness of life.
Honoring God Above the Law
In a reflection for Saturday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 2, Fr. Scott Steinkerchner explains Jesus’ response when His disciples were accused of breaking the Sabbath law. Jesus teaches that following Him is more important than strictly following the law.
Feeding the hungry and helping others take priority over legal rules. Fr. Scott encourages us to focus on the spirit of the law, which calls us to help one another, rather than looking for reasons to criticize. We should strive to honor God by showing mercy and compassion.
The True Purpose of the Sabbath
In this USCCB video reflection for Saturday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 2, Deacon Arthur Miller reflects on a passage from Luke 6. In this scripture, Jesus responds to the Pharisees questioning His disciples for picking grain on the Sabbath. Jesus explains that the Sabbath is meant for the good of people, not to burden them.
Deacon Miller shares a personal story about choosing between duty and compassion, showing how God desires us to prioritize love and service. Following God’s will always leads to the right path.
The True Meaning of the Sabbath
In this USCCB video reflection for Saturday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, Jesus challenges the Pharisees’ strict interpretation of the Sabbath. He emphasizes that the Sabbath should bring newness of life, peace, compassion, and respect for all people. Jesus teaches that the Sabbath is meant for the good of humanity, transcending human limitations and fostering God’s love, mercy, and peace.
The reflection calls us to honor the Sabbath by participating in worship and aligning ourselves with God’s vision for creation and humanity.
Questions and Answers for Saturday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
What date is Saturday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?
The next date is Saturday September 5, 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 Monday of the 3rd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1.
What are the Mass readings for Saturday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?
The Mass readings for Saturday September 5, 2026 are:
First Reading – 1 Corinthians 4:6b-15: Lessons in Humility
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 145: Near and Just
Gospel – Luke 6:1-5: Lord of the Sabbath
Why does Paul emphasize humility in the first reading for Saturday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?
Paul emphasizes humility because everything we have is from God. He wants us to avoid pride and remember that our gifts and talents come from God.
What does Paul mean when he says to imitate him?
Paul encourages us to follow his example because he is following Christ. By imitating Paul, we are trying to live like Jesus.
Why is Paul called a spiritual father in the first reading?
Paul refers to himself as a spiritual father because he helped the Corinthians grow in their faith. He sees himself as a guide who helps them live according to the teachings of Jesus.
Why does Jesus allow His disciples to pick grain on the Sabbath in the Gospel for Saturday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?
Jesus allows His disciples to pick grain because He values compassion and meeting human needs over strict rules. He teaches that doing good is more important than following rules without love.
What does it mean that Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath?
Jesus being Lord of the Sabbath means He has authority over all religious practices. It shows that following Jesus is more important than just following rules.
How can we apply the message of God’s care for needs from the Gospel reading for Saturday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?
We can trust that God will take care of our needs, just as He provided for the disciples. We should rely on God’s care and have faith that He will support us, even in unexpected ways.
Living Humbly and Trusting in Jesus
Saturday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 reminds us to live with humility, trust in Jesus’ authority, and seek spiritual guidance. In the first reading, Paul teaches us that everything we have is a gift from God. We are called to avoid pride and live humbly, recognizing that our talents and successes come from Him.
The Gospel highlights Jesus’ authority as Lord of the Sabbath. He shows that following Him is more important than rigidly obeying rules. Jesus calls us to trust Him and follow His teachings with love and obedience. His authority extends over all things, and He wants us to place our faith in Him completely.
Paul also speaks about the importance of spiritual guidance. He describes his role as a spiritual father to the Corinthians, guiding them in their faith journey. This reminds us to seek spiritual mentors who can help us grow closer to God and stay on the right path.
Saturday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 encourages us to live humbly, trust in Jesus’ guidance, and seek support from spiritual leaders. By embracing these lessons, we can deepen our faith and live as faithful followers of Christ.
Your Turn
Saturday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 invites us to reflect on humility, trust in Jesus, and the value of spiritual guidance. Are there areas in your life where you need to let Jesus take control?
Take a moment to reflect on these themes and share your thoughts in the comments. How do you practice humility? Who has been a spiritual guide in your faith journey? Your reflections may inspire others to trust Jesus more fully and grow in their faith.
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