Saturday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time

• First Reading – Job 42:1-3, 5-6, 12-17: Job acknowledges God’s omnipotence after experiencing immense suffering. He repents for questioning God’s plan. God then blesses Job with greater prosperity and a long life, surrounded by his family, before he passes away contentedly.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 119: I trust in your commands and seek wisdom. Your afflictions teach me your statutes. I recognize your just rules, and I seek understanding of your decrees. Your words illuminate and enlighten.
• Gospel – Luke 10:17-24: The disciples celebrated their power over demons. Jesus highlighted the greater joy of heavenly belonging. He praised the Father for revealing truths to the simple and affirmed the disciples’ blessed witnessing.

When this falls on October 2, the gospel for the Memorial of the Guardian Angels is used.

I give you praise, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned, you have revealed them to the childlike. 

Luke 10:21

On Saturday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 2, we reflect on God’s wisdom and grace. The readings from Job and the Gospel of Luke reveal important lessons about humility, trust in God, and the joy of knowing His love.

• Humility before God: Job realizes he spoke without full understanding. He humbly accepts that God’s wisdom is far greater than his own, teaching us to trust in God’s plan.
• Repentance and Conversion: Job repents for doubting God. This reminds us to turn back to God when we have strayed, seeking His mercy with a sincere heart.
• God’s Blessings: Job’s life is restored and blessed even more than before. This shows that God can bring good out of suffering when we remain faithful.
• Joy in God’s Works: In the Gospel, Jesus praises the disciples for their success in casting out demons. Their joy teaches us to celebrate God’s work in our lives and the victories He gives us over evil.
• Gratitude for God’s Revelation: Jesus thanks the Father for revealing His truth to the humble and simple. This shows us that God’s wisdom is available to those who are open to it, not just the learned or powerful.
• The Gift of Seeing: Jesus tells the disciples they are blessed to see what others longed to see. This highlights the importance of recognizing and appreciating the ways God is present in our lives.

These themes for Saturday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 2 remind us to stay humble, trust in God, and rejoice in His blessings. As we reflect on the readings, we are called to open our hearts to God’s wisdom and to share in the joy of knowing Him.

On Saturday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, the readings from Job and the Gospel of Luke lead us to reflect on key themes like trusting in God’s wisdom, celebrating His work in our lives, and the importance of humility. These reflections help us see how God is present in our daily lives and guide us to grow closer to Him through trust, joy, and openness.

Trusting in God’s Greater Wisdom

On Saturday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2, the first reading reminds us of the importance of trusting in God’s wisdom. Job acknowledges that he spoke without full understanding and recognizes that God’s knowledge is far beyond his own. This moment of humility helps Job realize that he cannot grasp all of God’s plans or reasons. He chooses to trust in God, even when he does not understand everything happening in his life.

In our lives, we often face situations that do not make sense. We might feel confused or even frustrated when things don’t go as planned. Like Job, we need to recognize that our understanding is limited. Trusting in God means accepting that His plan is greater, even when we cannot see how it all fits together.

This theme encourages us to live with a sense of peace. When we realize that God knows more than we ever could, we can let go of our fears and worries. The message from Job shows us the value of trusting in God’s greater wisdom.

Celebrating God’s Work in Our Lives

The Gospel for Saturday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 shows Jesus praising the disciples for their success in casting out demons. The disciples come back to Jesus with great joy, excited about the power they experienced through their mission. They were able to do something amazing because of God’s work in their lives, and their joy is a reflection of that victory.

God is also working in our lives, though we may not always recognize it. Sometimes, we focus too much on our struggles or worries. But just like the disciples, we are called to notice and celebrate the moments when God is at work. These moments may seem small, but they are a sign of His presence and power.

We can learn from the disciples’ joy and excitement. When we see God’s hand in our lives, whether in overcoming challenges or helping others, we should celebrate. The joy of serving God and witnessing His work is a great blessing.

Humility Opens Us to God’s Grace

Both the first reading and the Gospel on Saturday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 point to the theme of humility. Job shows humility when he admits that he does not understand God’s ways. He repents for questioning God and accepts that God’s wisdom is beyond him. In the Gospel, Jesus thanks the Father for revealing His truth to those who are humble and simple, not to those who consider themselves wise.

Humility is key to receiving God’s grace. When we acknowledge that we do not know everything, we open ourselves to God’s guidance. Job’s story teaches us that humility leads to a deeper understanding of God. Jesus’ words in the Gospel remind us that the humble are blessed because they are willing to listen and learn.

In our own lives, we can practice humility by being open to God’s direction. Instead of relying only on our own knowledge or strength, we should ask for His help and trust in His guidance. By doing so, we can receive His blessings more fully and experience the peace that comes with following His will.

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The reflections for Saturday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 remind us of the value of trusting in God’s wisdom, celebrating His presence, and practicing humility. As we ponder these lessons, we are encouraged to rely more on God in both our struggles and joys, allowing His grace to work in us.

Prayer

Lord, help us trust in Your wisdom when life is difficult. Open our eyes to see Your work in our lives, and fill our hearts with joy. Teach us to be humble, so we may receive Your guidance and follow Your will every day. Amen.

Reflection Questions

• How can I trust God more when I don’t understand His plan for my life?
• When have I experienced God’s work in my life and how can I celebrate it more?
• What steps can I take to practice humility in my relationships with God and others?
• How does recognizing my own limits help me rely more on God?

USCCB Reflection: Journey of Job and Joy in God’s Presence

This USCCB video reflection for Saturday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 points out that Job faced many hardships and was wrongly accused by his friends of sinning against God. Despite this, Job defended his innocence and ultimately has a direct conversation with God, acknowledging His grandeur and feeling grateful for the divine dialogue. God’s connection to humanity is echoed in the gospel where Jesus emphasizes the joy of being close to God. The readings also mention Saint Therese of Lisieux, a young nun known for her deep relationship with God, who, like Job, found joy in God despite challenges. As followers, participating in the Eucharist can renew our joy and deepen our connection with God.

What date is Saturday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

The next date is Saturday October 3, 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 26th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1.

What are the Mass readings for Saturday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

The Mass readings for Saturday October 3, 2026 are:
First Reading – Job 42:1-3, 5-6, 12-17: Job’s Restoration
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 119: Seeking Divine Wisdom
Gospel – Luke 10:17-24: Disciples’ Power and Revelation
When this falls on October 2, the gospel for the Memorial of the Guardian Angels is used.

What is the main lesson from Job’s story in Saturday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

The main lesson from Job’s story is humility. Job admits that he does not fully understand God’s ways and repents for his lack of trust. This teaches us to accept God’s wisdom, even when we do not understand His plan.

Why does Job repent?

Job repents because he realizes he spoke out of ignorance about God’s plans. He recognizes his limits and turns back to God in humility, showing us the importance of seeking forgiveness when we doubt or question God.

What do we learn from Job’s blessings after his suffering?

Job’s blessings after his suffering teach us that God can bring good out of difficult situations. If we remain faithful during hard times, we can trust that God will restore us and bring blessings.

Why are the disciples joyful in the Gospel reading for Saturday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

The disciples are joyful because they see the power of God working through them when they cast out demons. Their joy reminds us to celebrate when God works through us in simple and everyday ways.

What does Jesus mean by thanking the Father for revealing His truth to the humble?

Jesus thanks the Father for showing His wisdom to those who are humble and simple, rather than the proud or those who think they know everything. God reveals His truth to those who are open and willing to listen.

Why does Jesus say the disciples are blessed to see what others did not see?

Jesus tells the disciples they are blessed because they witness God’s work in ways that others have longed to see. We should be grateful for the ways God is active in our lives and to recognize His presence.

How does the Gospel encourage us to be thankful?

The Gospel encourages us to be thankful by reminding us that God shares His wisdom with the humble. When we see God working through us, we should respond with gratitude and joy, just like the disciples.

What can we learn from the disciples’ experience?

We can learn that serving God brings joy. The disciples are joyful when they see God’s power at work, showing us that doing God’s will brings deep happiness and fulfillment.

How can we apply the theme of humility from Saturday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2 to our lives?

We can apply the theme of humility by trusting in God’s wisdom even when we don’t understand His plan. Like Job, we should admit our limitations and be willing to learn from God in our daily life.

What is the connection between humility and wisdom in the readings for Saturday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2?

The readings show that true wisdom comes from humility. Job learns that he does not know everything, and Jesus praises the humble for understanding God’s ways. This teaches us that when we are humble, we are more open to God’s guidance.