Daily Mass Readings for Saturday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time
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. When this falls on October 2, the gospel for the Memorial of the Guardian Angels is used.
- First Reading (Cycle 1) - Baruch 4:5-12, 27-29: Despite Israel's betrayal through idolatry, causing their downfall, they're urged to remember God's enduring love. Jerusalem mourns her children's suffering but reassures them of God's eventual salvation and lasting joy if they return to Him.
- First Reading (Cycle 2) - 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 (Cycle 1) - Psalm 69: The downtrodden are encouraged to find joy in seeking God, who listens to and supports the poor and oppressed. God's promise is to restore and bless the land for those who love Him.
- Responsorial Psalm (Cycle 2) - 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.
Themes for the Daily Mass Readings for Saturday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time
- Triumphant Return: The seventy-two return with joy, reporting their success. This theme highlights the effectiveness of the mission and the empowerment of the disciples.
- Authority over Evil: The disciples' success over demons underscores Jesus' authority over evil forces. This theme amplifies the divine power working through the disciples.
- Hidden and Revealed: Jesus speaks of truths hidden from the wise but revealed to little children. This theme focuses on the unpredictable nature of divine revelation, favoring the humble or pure-hearted.
- Jesus’ Gratitude: Jesus offers thanks for the way revelations are granted, showing a theme of divine will and purpose in determining who understands spiritual truths.
- Privileged Insight: The disciples are told they are fortunate to witness what they have. This emphasizes the theme of the unique spiritual insights available in Jesus' presence.
Whoever listens to you listens to me. Whoever rejects you rejects me. And whoever rejects me rejects the one who sent me.
Luke 10:16
Thoughts for Saturday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time
In the gospel for Saturday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time, Luke 10:17-24, narrates the return of the seventy-two disciples from their mission, rejoicing in their successful ministry. This passage provides insights into the nature of discipleship, authority, and the joy of divine revelation.
First, the disciples express joy that even the demons submit to them in Jesus’s name. Their authority over evil spirits is a testament to the power and reach of Jesus's teachings. For contemporary Catholics, this can be a reminder of the potential impact of living out one's faith authentically, with authority coming not from personal prowess but from alignment with divine will.
Jesus then adds a layer of perspective by advising them to rejoice not in the subjugation of spirits but that their names are written in heaven. This is a significant shift, emphasizing the eternal over the temporal. While worldly successes, even in ministry, are commendable, it’s the eternal relationship with God that's paramount. Today's Catholics can draw from this, valuing spiritual growth and eternal salvation over and above earthly achievements.
The subsequent verses highlight Jesus's special relationship with the Father, emphasizing divine revelation. The mysteries of the Kingdom are hidden from the wise and learned but revealed to the childlike. This is an invitation to approach faith with humility and openness. In today's context, it could mean that intellectual knowledge, while valuable, isn't the only or primary route to spiritual understanding. A simple, genuine desire to connect with God can be just as revealing.
Jesus concludes by expressing joy through the Holy Spirit and acknowledging the blessed position of the disciples, who see and hear what many prophets and kings desired to. This reinforces the unique role and opportunity of discipleship. For contemporary Catholics, it's a reminder to cherish the teachings, sacraments, and experiences of the faith, recognizing the privilege of having access to them.
Luke 10:17-24 provides insights into the sources of true joy, the balance between earthly successes and eternal priorities, the importance of humility in spiritual discovery, and the privilege of discipleship. These principles offer valuable guidance for Catholics aiming to deepen their faith journey.
Prayer for Saturday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time
Lord Jesus, thank you for empowering us to do Your work on earth. Grant us a heart of gratitude and wonder, appreciating the divine revelations and joys that come from serving in Your name. Amen.
Homilies and Reflections for Saturday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time
Word on Fire: Preparing for Spiritual Battles.
In this reflection for Saturday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time, Bishop Robert Barron discusses the spiritual warfare that Jesus' disciples, and by extension the Church, must engage in. He emphasizes that the true battle isn't solely a physical or societal one but a spiritual confrontation with the devil. The contrasting instructions given by Jesus at different times—initially encouraging complete dependence on God and later preparing them for a fight—highlight the multi-faceted nature of discipleship. While the disciples must trust in God, they are also called to be vigilant and ready to confront the challenges that come their way.
USCCB Reflection: Children of God: A Double Image
This USCCB video reflection for Saturday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 offers two contrasting perspectives: the Old Testament warns of the consequences when we stray from God, while Luke's gospel celebrates the joy and privilege of being a child of God. Through the words of Jesus, we're reminded of our unique identity as God's children, created in His likeness, and later adopted through His spirit. The key to deepening this relationship involves recognizing God's care, trusting Him like a child does their parent, and regularly participating in sacraments like confession and the Eucharist. We're encouraged to communicate with God, seeking a closer bond with Him.
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.
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