Friday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time
Friday January 24, 2025
Daily Mass Readings for Friday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1
- First Reading – Hebrews 8:6-13: God introduces a superior covenant, not based on laws but written on hearts and minds, ensuring a direct, personal relationship with Him, marked by forgiveness and deep understanding.
- Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 85: The Lord’s nearness brings salvation and honor. Love, faithfulness, fairness, and peace will harmoniously unite, blessing the earth with bounty and guiding our path with justice.
- Gospel – Mark 3:13-19: Jesus ascended a mountain and called those He chose, forming a group of twelve, designated as Apostles. Their purpose was to stay with Him, preach, and have authority over demons. The appointed Twelve included Simon (Peter), James and John (Boanerges), Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James, Thaddeus, Simon the Cananean, and Judas Iscariot, the one who later betrayed Him.
He appointed Twelve, whom he also named Apostles, that they might be with him and he might send them forth to preach and to have authority to drive out demons.
Mark 3:14-15
Themes for the Readings for Friday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1
On Friday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle I, the readings invite us to reflect on the New Covenant Jesus establishes and the mission of His chosen apostles. These themes remind us of God’s desire to draw us into a closer relationship and how He equips His followers to share His message.
- The New Covenant: God’s new covenant is not written on stone but on human hearts. It is a personal relationship with God where He promises to forgive and remember sins no more.
- Fulfillment of Promises: The first reading shows how Jesus brings a better promise through His life and teachings. This fulfills the old covenant and shows that God always keeps His promises.
- God’s Forgiveness: God assures His people of full forgiveness under the new covenant. This forgiveness shows His mercy and the depth of His love for His people.
- Jesus Calls Apostles: In the Gospel, Jesus calls twelve apostles to be with Him and to spread His message. This calling shows that Jesus chooses ordinary people to continue His mission.
- Mission and Purpose: Jesus gives His apostles a mission to preach and heal. This reveals that following Jesus comes with a purpose to serve others and share the good news.
- Obedience to Christ: The apostles respond to Jesus’ call without question. This shows the importance of trusting in Jesus and following Him without hesitation.
- Unity and Community: Jesus calls His apostles to work together as a group. This highlights the importance of community and supporting one another in faith.
These themes remind us of the richness of our faith and God’s ongoing relationship with us through Jesus. They encourage us to embrace our faith and our call to live as followers of Christ.
Thoughts for Friday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1
The readings for Friday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 1, offer us a look into God’s new covenant with His people and Jesus’ calling of the apostles. These passages reveal God’s deep desire for a personal relationship with us, a connection that is written on our hearts and shapes our lives. We also see how God chooses and forgives, inviting each of us to a mission with Him. These themes remind us of His mercy, our calling, and the purpose He gives us.
A Covenant Written on Our Hearts
On Friday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 1, the first reading speaks of a new covenant, written not on stone but on human hearts. In the old covenant, God’s laws were given externally, written on tablets and kept in the temple. With the new covenant, however, God wants His law to live within us, shaping our thoughts, words, and actions directly from our hearts.
This shift from stone to heart means that God desires more than just our outward actions. He wants a relationship that changes us from within. Following God becomes a matter of listening to His guidance in our daily choices and actions, not just following rules written down somewhere. God’s law in our hearts helps us act with love and compassion in every situation.
Living out this new covenant invites us to grow in trust and faith. It’s an ongoing relationship with God, who patiently guides and forgives us when we fall short. Each day is an opportunity to let God’s love shape our hearts and lives. Reflecting on the new covenant encourages us to seek God’s will and let it guide us in a deeply personal way.
Chosen for Mission
In the Gospel reading for Friday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 1, Jesus chooses twelve apostles to help share His message. These men weren’t necessarily the most educated or well-known people. They were ordinary people called to an extraordinary purpose. Jesus didn’t pick them for their qualifications but for their willingness to follow and trust Him.
Jesus calls the apostles not just to be with Him but to go out and share His message with others. This calling shows us that each follower of Christ has a purpose and mission. Like the apostles, we don’t have to be perfect or have special abilities. What God desires is our willingness to serve and our openness to His plan.
This Gospel reminds us that God invites each of us into His mission, no matter our background or weaknesses. Just as He trusted the apostles to spread His message, He trusts us to share His love in our own way. Reflecting on this reading encourages us to think about the ways we are called to live out our faith and to serve others with love and humility.
A Forgiving God
The readings for Friday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 1, show us that God is deeply forgiving. In the first reading, the new covenant promises that God will remember sins no more. This isn’t because He ignores wrongs but because His love and mercy are greater than any mistake we make. God invites us to come to Him with our failings, trusting that He is ready to forgive and renew us.
Jesus’ choice of the apostles in the Gospel also reflects this forgiveness. The apostles weren’t perfect people; some even doubted, misunderstood, or struggled with weaknesses. Yet Jesus still called them, showing that He sees our potential beyond our sins. His call reminds us that God values our willingness to follow Him over any faults or mistakes we have made.
This theme of forgiveness in both readings for Friday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 invites us to come to God with our whole selves, knowing that He offers mercy and a fresh start. It also calls us to extend that same mercy to others. God’s forgiveness is not something we keep to ourselves but something we are meant to live out, showing compassion and kindness to those around us.
As we reflect on these readings for Friday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, we can remember that God meets us in our daily lives, in both our strengths and our weaknesses. Just as He invited the apostles to walk with Him, He invites us to walk in faith, strengthened by His love and forgiveness. May these reflections help us draw closer to God and to live our calling with trust and purpose.
Prayer
Lord, thank You for Your love and forgiveness. Help us to keep Your covenant in our hearts and to follow Your call. Strengthen us to serve You with love and to live each day with purpose. May we trust in Your mercy and share it with others. Amen.
Reflection Questions
- How can I allow God’s new covenant to guide my actions and choices?
- In what ways do I feel God calling me to share His message?
- How can I show mercy and forgiveness to others, as God shows it to me?
- What does it mean for me to be chosen by God, even with my imperfections?
Homilies and Reflections for Friday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1
Word on Fire: Called by Christ
In this reflection for for Friday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, Bishop Robert Barron comments on Jesus gathering and appointing twelve apostles in the Gospel, emphasizing that Christ calls not the worthy, but those He pleases. This reflects St. Thérèse of Lisieux’s understanding of divine love as an unmerited, gracious gift that inspires love in return. It’s not about worthiness but about the transformative power of God’s grace.
Questions and Answers for Friday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1
What date is Friday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?
The next date is Friday January 24, 2025.
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 even numbered years see Friday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2.
What are the Mass readings for Friday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?
The Mass readings for Friday January 24, 2025 are:
First Reading – Hebrews 8:6-13: New Covenant of Heart and Mind
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 85: Union of Divine Virtues
Gospel – Mark 3:13-19: The Twelve Apostles
What is the main message of the first reading on Friday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?
The main message of the first reading is about God’s promise of a new covenant with His people. This new covenant is based on a close relationship with God, where He forgives sins and brings people closer to Him.
Why is the new covenant better than the old one?
The new covenant is better because it is written on our hearts, not on stone tablets. It means we are invited into a personal relationship with God, where He promises forgiveness and lasting closeness.
How does God’s forgiveness in the new covenant apply to our lives?
God’s forgiveness in the new covenant shows us that He is merciful and wants us to turn to Him. We are called to accept His forgiveness and also to forgive others.
How can we live out the new covenant in our daily lives as mentioned in the first reading for Friday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?
We can live out the new covenant by staying close to God, trusting in His forgiveness, and living according to His teachings. This includes loving others, showing mercy, and sharing our faith.
What does it mean to have God’s law written on our hearts?
Having God’s law written on our hearts means living in a way that shows love, respect, and kindness. It means letting God’s teachings guide our actions and choices every day.
Why does Jesus call twelve apostles in the Gospel reading on Friday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?
Jesus calls twelve apostles to help Him spread His message and continue His work. This teaches us that God often calls people to help with His mission, and we, too, are called to share His message in our lives.
What does it mean for the apostles to be sent out by Jesus?
When Jesus sends out the apostles, He gives them a purpose and mission. This reminds us that following Jesus also means serving others and sharing the good news.
How does Jesus’ call of the apostles relate to us?
Jesus’ call of the apostles shows that God chooses ordinary people for His work. We are all called to serve God and to bring His love to others, no matter who we are.
Why is it important for the apostles to work together?
The apostles work together as a group, which shows the importance of community in following Jesus. This encourages us to support each other in our faith and to work together as believers.
What can we learn from Jesus’ trust in the apostles in the Gospel for Friday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?
Jesus trusts the apostles to continue His mission, even though they are ordinary people. This shows us that God also trusts us to live out our faith and to make a difference in the lives of others.
Called to a New Covenant and Mission
On Friday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 1, the readings focus on the new covenant God offers His people and the calling of the twelve apostles. In the first reading from Hebrews, we hear about God’s promise to write His law on our hearts instead of on stone. This new covenant is personal and built on a close, loving relationship. Through it, God offers forgiveness, inviting us to live with His law guiding us from within.
The Gospel reading presents Jesus choosing twelve apostles. He calls them to be with Him and to help spread His message of love and healing. Jesus doesn’t choose perfect people; He chooses ordinary people who are willing to follow Him. The apostles are given a mission to continue Jesus’ work, showing that He trusts them to carry His message to others.
These readings for Friday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 encourage us to reflect on how God calls each of us into a closer relationship with Him. Just as He calls the apostles, He also calls us to live out our faith and serve others. The new covenant reminds us that God’s forgiveness and love are gifts that guide us to live with love, mercy, and purpose.
Your Turn
Consider today’s readings for Friday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time, Cycle 1, and think about how they apply to your own life. God’s new covenant and Jesus’ call to the apostles offer a clear invitation for each of us. How does God’s promise to forgive and guide shape your own relationship with Him?
Reflect and share your thoughts in the comments below.
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