Friday of the 24th Week in Ordinary Time
Friday September 18, 2026
Living Hope In Daily Faith
Friday of the 24th Week in Ordinary Time Year 2 brings together readings that speak about hope, trust, and faithful service. These readings come from different books, yet they share a clear message. Faith is not empty. God is near. Ordinary people play a real part in God’s work.
The first reading reminds us why the resurrection matters. Faith is built on truth, not wishful thinking. What God has done gives meaning to what we believe today. Friday of the 24th Week in Ordinary Time Year 2 points us to a hope that carries us through doubt and struggle.
The psalm gives us words for prayer when we need help. It shows trust shaped by real life, not perfect calm. God listens and protects. This prayer fits well with the daily walk of faith that Ordinary Time highlights.
The Gospel shows how Jesus welcomed help from others, including women who gave what they had. They followed, supported, and stayed close. Their example reminds us that faith shows up in daily choices and quiet acts of care.
Daily Mass Readings for Friday of the 24th Week in Ordinary Time Year 2
- First Reading – 1 Corinthians 15:12-20: If some claim there’s no resurrection, then even Christ hasn’t been raised, making our preaching and your faith worthless. But Christ has indeed been raised, affirming our faith and hope.
- Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 17: O Lord, hear my honest prayer and outcry. You will answer me, showing your wondrous mercies. Protect me in the shadow of your wings; I shall wake content in your presence.
- Gospel – Luke 8:1-3: Jesus traveled with His disciples, teaching about God’s Kingdom. Several women, including Mary Magdalene and Joanna, accompanied him. These women supported them with their resources.
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 24th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1.
Accompanying him were the Twelve and some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, Joanna, the wife of Herod’s steward Chuza, Susanna, and many others who provided for them out of their resources.
Luke 8:1-3
Themes for the Readings for Friday of the 24th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
On Friday of the 24th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, the readings focus on the Resurrection and the faithful women who followed Jesus. The themes help us reflect on the importance of faith in the Resurrection and the examples of those who support Jesus’ mission.
- Resurrection of the Dead: St. Paul stresses the importance of the Resurrection. Without it, our faith is useless, and our hope is empty.
- Christ’s Victory Over Death: Christ’s resurrection shows that death is not the end. It confirms that believers have eternal life.
- Faith in Hard Times: St. Paul reminds us to hold on to our faith, even when it is difficult. Faith in the Resurrection gives strength to face challenges.
- Women in Ministry: The Gospel mentions the women who supported Jesus. They played an important role in His ministry, showing the value of service.
- Support for the Mission: The women who followed Jesus provided for His needs. This reminds us of the importance of supporting the Church’s mission.
- The Importance of Witnesses: The women who followed Jesus were witnesses to His work. Their witness shows the importance of seeing and sharing the message of Christ.
The readings on this day help us focus on the central message of the Resurrection and the role of faithful followers in Jesus’ mission. These themes encourage us to strengthen our faith and take an active part in the work of the Church.
Thoughts for Friday of the 24th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
On Friday of the 24th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, the readings guide us to reflect on the Resurrection, the role of women in ministry, and how our faith calls us to action. St. Paul reminds us of the centrality of the Resurrection, while the Gospel highlights the faithful women who supported Jesus. These themes help us deepen our understanding of faith and service.
The Foundation of Our Faith
On Friday of the 24th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, St. Paul emphasizes the importance of the Resurrection. He explains that without Christ rising from the dead, our faith would be empty, and our hope would have no foundation. The Resurrection is not just an event; it is the very core of what we believe as Christians.
St. Paul’s words challenge us to consider how central the Resurrection is to our daily lives. If we believe that Jesus rose from the dead, it changes how we face life’s struggles. We can face difficulties with confidence, knowing that Jesus has conquered death.
Reflecting on this reading, we are reminded that our hope in the Resurrection should shape everything we do. We live with the assurance that, just as Christ was raised, we too will have eternal life. This hope gives us strength and courage in our journey of faith.
The Role of Women in Ministry
The Gospel reading for Friday of the 24th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 highlights the women who supported Jesus in His ministry. These women followed Him and provided for His needs with their resources. They played a vital role in the work of Jesus, showing us the importance of service in the Church.
These women were not apostles, but their contribution was still crucial. Their example teaches us that everyone has a role in God’s plan, whether big or small. Serving others and supporting the mission of the Church is a way to live out our faith.
This reading invites us to reflect on how we can support the Church today. We may not be called to be leaders, but we can still contribute through our time, talents, and resources. Like the women who followed Jesus, we are called to serve and support the mission of spreading the Good News.
Faith in Action
On Friday of the 24th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, both the first reading and the Gospel emphasize the importance of faith in action. St. Paul speaks about the Resurrection, urging believers to hold on to their faith because it gives meaning to everything we do. The Gospel shows how the women put their faith into action by supporting Jesus’ ministry.
Faith is not just something we believe in our hearts; it is something we live out every day. The women in the Gospel put their faith into action by serving Jesus and His disciples. Their actions show that faith leads to service and generosity.
We are called to do the same. Our faith should inspire us to act, to serve others, and to support the work of the Church. By putting our faith into action, we make our beliefs real in the world, just as the women did in following Jesus.
The reflections for Friday of the 24th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 challenge us to live out our faith with conviction and action. By embracing the hope of the Resurrection and following the example of the women who served Jesus, we are called to strengthen our commitment to the mission of the Church. Let us carry these lessons into our daily lives, trusting in God’s plan.
Prayer
Lord, strengthen our faith in the Resurrection and guide us to live it out each day. Help us to serve others with generosity, just as the women served Jesus. May our actions reflect our faith and bring glory to Your name. Amen.
Reflection Questions
- How does the Resurrection shape the way you live your life?
- In what ways can you support the mission of the Church, like the women who followed Jesus?
- What does putting your faith into action look like in your daily routine?
- How can you grow in your trust and hope in God’s promises?
Homilies and Commentaries for Friday of the 24th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
Martyrs are Preachers!
In her reflection for Friday of the 24th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, Ruth Anne Henderson speaks about the Korean Martyrs, including Andrew Kim Taegon and Paul Chong Hasang, who died for their belief in Christ’s resurrection.
Drawing on St. Paul’s letter to the Corinthians, she explains that these martyrs preached through their sacrifice, not just their words. Their unwavering faith in Christ’s victory over death shows the power of belief and the hope of eternal life. Their witness reminds us that Christ’s resurrection is central to our faith, and they inspire us to live boldly for Him.
Start Spreading the News
In this reflection for Friday of the 24th Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 2, Matthew Kelly focuses on Luke 8:1-3, where Jesus travels through cities and villages, spreading the good news of the kingdom of God.
Kelly highlights that Jesus’ work was not limited to a few miracles but was far-reaching, impacting many. He reminds us that our world also needs this good news and invites us to live out God’s will in our daily lives, just as we pray in the Our Father: “On earth as it is in heaven.” Let’s strive to bring God’s kingdom to life in our actions.
Women in Discipleship
In his reflection for Friday of the 24th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, Bishop Robert Barron highlights the role of women who followed and supported Jesus. He explains that Jesus’ call to discipleship included everyone, breaking through social barriers of the time.
These women were forerunners of the many great female saints who would follow Jesus throughout history, such as Teresa of Avila and Mother Teresa. Bishop Barron urges us to see that men and women alike are summoned to discipleship, and that this call is the most important part of our faith journey.
Encountering Joy Through Christ
In a USCCB video reflection for Friday of the 24th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, Fr. Jason Martini highlights the joy experienced by Jesus, the Twelve, and the women traveling with Him. This joy comes from their personal encounters with Jesus, who healed and freed them from what enslaved them.
Fr. Martini explains that every encounter with Christ is a “little resurrection” that brings deep joy, despite hardships. He reminds us that our joy comes from the hope of the resurrection, which sustains us through suffering and challenges in life.
More Homilies and Reflections for Friday of the 24th Week in Ordinary Time Year 2
Breaking Social Norms (Word on Fire: Bishop Robert Barron)
The Practical Side of Spirituality (USCCB: Fr. Greg Friedman)
Resources
The First Letter to the Corinthians: Hope Rooted In Resurrection
From 1 Corinthians, Paul speaks to a community confused about life after death. He reminds them that faith rests on real events. If Christ did not rise, nothing else stands. This fits the letter’s wider goal of correcting errors and building unity around shared belief and hope.
In Friday of the 24th Week in Ordinary Time Year 2, this reading returns to the heart of Christian faith. Throughout the letter, Paul stresses life in Christ, both now and forever. The resurrection shapes how believers live, suffer, and serve together as one body.
Learn more about the themes and message of First Corinthians
Psalm 17: Trust In God’s Nearness
Psalm 17 comes from Book of Psalms, a prayer book shaped by real human need. The psalmist cries out with honesty and trust. This fits the Psalms as a whole, where prayer holds together fear, hope, and deep confidence in God’s care.
In Friday of the 24th Week in Ordinary Time Year 2, this psalm echoes the wider message of trust found across the Psalms. God listens, protects, and stays close. The image of resting under God’s wings reflects a faith that seeks safety and peace in a faithful covenant relationship.
The Gospel of Luke: Women In The Mission
This passage from Gospel of Luke highlights Luke’s focus on those often overlooked. Luke often names women and shows their role in God’s work. These women are healed, included, and active. That matches Luke’s theme of God’s saving work reaching widely.
For Friday of the 24th Week in Ordinary Time Year 2, the Gospel reflects Luke’s strong sense of community and shared mission. Discipleship includes support, generosity, and service. Luke shows that the Kingdom grows through many people, each offering what they have for the work of Jesus.
Explore the message and themes found throughout the Gospel of Luke
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Walking Together In Faith
This image reflects the Gospel reading for Friday of the 24th Week in Ordinary Time Year 2, where women walk closely with Jesus and support his mission. Their shared joy and calm trust echo the spirit of discipleship shown in Luke.
This artwork works well for bulletins, newsletters, and youth ministry settings. It invites reflection on community, support, and faithful presence in everyday life.
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Questions and Answers for Friday of the 24th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2
Why is the Resurrection so important in the firs reading for Friday of the 24th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?
The Resurrection is proof that Jesus defeated death. It gives us hope that we, too, will have eternal life.
What does St. Paul mean when he says that if Christ has not been raised, our faith is empty?
St. Paul is explaining that the Resurrection of Jesus is the foundation of our faith. Without it, everything we believe in would have no meaning.
How can we apply the message of the Resurrection to our daily lives?
We can live with hope and courage, knowing that death is not the end. The Resurrection shows us that God has a plan for our future.
Why does St. Paul emphasize faith?
St. Paul emphasizes faith because it is the foundation of our relationship with God. Without faith in the Resurrection, our hope and purpose would be lost.
How does the message of Friday of the 24th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 help us in tough times?
The message reminds us that our faith in Jesus’ victory over death gives us strength. It encourages us to trust in God’s plan, even when life is hard.
What should we do if we struggle to believe in the Resurrection?
We should pray for stronger faith and reflect on the promises of Christ. Talking with other believers can also help strengthen our belief.
Why are the women mentioned in the Gospel reading for Friday of the 24th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?
The women are highlighted because they supported Jesus’ ministry with their resources. Their example shows us the importance of serving and helping in the Church.
What can we learn from the women who followed Jesus?
We learn the value of being faithful and supporting the work of the Church. Even small acts of service are important in God’s eyes.
How does the Gospel reading for Friday of the 24th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 teach us about service?
The reading shows that those who follow Jesus should also support His mission. Service to others is a key part of being a follower of Christ.
How can we support the Church’s mission like the women in the Gospel?
We can offer our time, talents, and resources to help the Church. Even small contributions can make a big difference.
Living with Hope and Serving in Faith
On Friday of the 24th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, the readings focus on the Resurrection, service, and putting faith into action. St. Paul reminds us that the Resurrection is the foundation of our faith. Without it, our hope would be empty. The Resurrection assures us that death has been conquered and gives us strength to face life’s challenges with trust in God.
The Gospel highlights the role of faithful women who supported Jesus’ ministry. These women followed Him and provided for His needs. Their example shows that everyone has an important role in God’s plan. They remind us that service and generosity are powerful ways to live out our faith.
Both readings for Friday of the 24th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 challenge us to let our faith lead to action. Believing in the Resurrection should shape how we live, and the example of the women encourages us to support others and the mission of the Church. These lessons call us to live with hope, serve others, and share the Good News in our daily lives.
Your Turn
Reflect on the readings for Friday of the 24th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2. How does the hope of the Resurrection shape your daily life? How can you serve and support others like the women in the Gospel?
Share your thoughts in the comments. Let’s encourage one another to live with faith, hope, and generosity as we follow Jesus and support the mission of the Church.